Glass sealant is a silicone-based liquid, gel, or foam product that is applied to glass surfaces in order to fill microscopic pores and create an anti-static, anti-fog, and high-gloss shield. Glass sealant is designed to adhere to the smooth glass exterior without the use of abrasion or primer. Once the sealant is applied to the glass, it begins to settle to a thin, even layer until it eventually dries to a transparent finish. When the glass sealant has completely dried, it forms a moisture barrier that causes water to bead up and run off without leaving residue behind. Many commercial glass cleaning products incorporate a sealant to protect the glass and make the surface much easier to clean and dry.
Protecting a glass sheet with sealant can usually be done in just a few minutes. The glass surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned first to increase adhesion. Most glass sealants are sprayed or wiped on to one or both sides of the glass with a soft cloth. Glass sealant does not effectively repair cracks and scratches in glass, although it may slow the progression of some glass damage. Sealing glass in a layer of silicone increases insulation to reduce the passage of heat or cold through the glass.
A variety of glass sealant products are available to coat car windshields and glass shower doors that often come in contact with moisture. Silicone-based sealant bonds to the glass to make a new surface that is slicker than ever before and resists fogging. Falling rain is quickly blown off sealed windshield glass to provide clear visibility for a driver without the need to use windshield wipers. Keeping a glass shower door dry between uses greatly reduces the amount of mineral deposits and lime scale. A shower door that has a layer of glass sealant does not fog up and dries off quickly as the walls roll off.
When glass that was once covered in sealant begins to lose its ability to repel moisture, it is probably time to apply a new layer of the product. Consult the label on each individual glass sealant product for suggested reapplication time frames and methods. Keeping a constant layer of protection in place usually reduces damage caused by exterior conditions and extends the life of the glass. The small investment in glass sealant frequently saves much more time and money than it takes to keep up.