What is `bonding` ?

[vdubrick]

Hi,



I know, it maybe a very technical question, but what is that `bonding` we are all talking about when using polymer sealants ?



How do we know whether the sealant bonded or failed ?



Thanks



Deckard

[laynlow]

Well, I guess I would define bonding as:



“A process in which a polymer sealant cross-links with the paint on a vehicle, locking itself to the paint, and functioning as a barrier and appearance-enhancing element.�



Proper paint prep is the key to ensure success. Failure could take a couple forms. One, the appearance is not up to your expectations. Two, durability is diminished due to improper bonding.

[vdubrick]

Originally posted by laynlow

“A process in which a polymer sealant cross-links with the paint on a vehicle, locking itself to the paint, and functioning as a barrier and appearance-enhancing element.�

thanks for the quick reply.



Are you referring to the clear-coat when you say `paint` ? Or is it cross-linking to the whole paint ?



thanks again.

[laynlow]

Yes, if your paint has a clear coat then the polymer would bond to the top surface of the clear. If it were a non-clear coat, then it would bond to the top surface of the pigmented paint.



No product used on this board or anywhere for that matter bonds or otherwise interacts with the whole multi-layer paint job. Everything works on the surface, either bonding to it or taking away from it to expose fresh paint underneath.