How to properly glue car windows and how much time is needed for the glue to dry completely?
The windshield can be damaged, and not only during a crash or accident. From under the wheels of a passing car, gravel can be shot in our direction, which will cause chipping or cracking. In the case of a delicate defect, we can try to use UV adhesives that will fill the defect. If the damage is more serious, the only solution is to replace the entire glass. So what does this process look like and how long do we have to wait before moving the car after gluing the window?
Adhesive for car windows
The glue used for gluing car windows is usually a black mass based on polyurethane. The cured material is relatively hard but flexible. This allows you to transfer all kinds of oscillations and vibrations to which the car is subjected while driving. One-component polyurethane adhesives are the most common choice when replacing glass.
We can also find two-component adhesives, most often also based on polyurethane. Usually, the use of the second component increases the strength parameters of the adhesive or accelerates its hardening. Such a product can be Sikaflex 268 in Power Cure technology, an accelerated adhesive for gluing glass used mainly in the railway industry. Window adhesives can be found in standard 300ml cartridges - such a package should be enough for gluing the windshield in a passenger car. In the case of larger vehicles or just a workshop that deals with gluing windows on an ongoing basis, the use of adhesives in 600ml foil will certainly be a more economical solution.
Among the most popular adhesives for car windows by Sika, we can distinguish:
The Polish manufacturer of workshop chemicals, the company, can boast of the offer of glass adhesives, as well as accessories for their assembly boll . From the products of the brand we can distinguish Boll glue for car windows and Boll adhesive for Sprint car windows . The price of glass adhesives in 300ml cartridges for one-time installation is about PLN 20 - 35.
How long does car window glue dry?
Looking at the parameters of the window glue, we often come across information about the safe departure time. This time is given in hours and tells us after what time we can safely drive a car with airbags. Safe departure time, however, does not mean that the glue is completely dry. This one continues to harden and this usually takes about 24 hours. However, after obtaining the safe departure time, the strength of the adhesive is so high that you can drive the car without fear.
How long does the glass glue take to dry? In the case of the above-mentioned Sika Tack Go4it, the manufacturer declares 4 hours as the safe departure time. In the case of Sika Tack Drive, it is only one hour.
How long does Boll car window glue dry?
The standard version of the Boll glass adhesive has a 3-hour departure time. The Sprint model is an adhesive with accelerated curing parameters. In his case, it takes only an hour to leave the car.
Gluing car windows
Replacing a car windshield is quite a demanding process. To replace the car window, we will need a number of accessories and the help of a second person.
We need, among other things, In:
- window cutting wire
- films protecting the interior of the car against dirt
- window lifters
- fastening tape
- degreasing agents
- applicators
- activator
- underlay
- glass glue
Some of these necessary materials can be obtained by choosing the Boll Windshield Mounting Kit .
Removal of the old windshield should begin with securing the interior with foil and dismantling the upholstery elements near the glass and external elements such as wipers or the cowl cover. Before cutting out the glass, remember to also remove the rear-view mirror.
We carry out with a special threader window wire from inside to outside. Having two ends of the wire - one inside the car, the other outside, with the help of wire holders in two people, we can start cutting out the glass. Along the entire length of the edge of the glass, we cut it out with sliding movements and remove it with the help of lifts.
Remove the remnants of the old glue with a knife, leaving only a thin layer on the car body - we will also glue the new glass to this.
Thoroughly clean and degrease everything. At this stage, it is also worth trying on a new windshield and marking, for example, the tape on both the windshield and the bodywork, in order to adjust it properly during gluing.
Using a glass cleaner, e.g. Sika Clean Glass G+P degrease the surface of the new glass. After evaporation of the cleaning agent, we can proceed to the next stage.
When using Sika products, use now activator Sika Aktivator 100 , which will increase the adhesion before gluing. It can be applied with the Sika Cleaner PCA applicator or also Boll primer applicator . We apply the activator both to the glass - in the place of gluing on the ceramic border, and to the cleaned surface to which we will mount the glass. Apply a thin layer and wait for it to dry. The Boll brand does not have a dedicated activator, according to this manufacturer, at this stage we can go straight to applying the foundation.
The primer can also be applied using the mentioned Sika Cleaner PCA applicator or the Boll applicator (of course, you should take a new, clean one). We can highlight the foundation Sika 206 G+P for the Sika glazing system, or Boll Primer for Sika adhesives. The primer is also applied as a thin layer in the place of gluing, both on the windshield and the car body.
After the primer dries, we can proceed to apply the glue. With the help of a gun, we apply a bead of glue in the form of a cone in the place of the trace of the old joint. A properly cut glue applicator will help us with this. Many manufacturers sell glass adhesives with an already adapted applicator.
The previously prepared glass is mounted using lifters, adjusting it to the previously marked places.
Use glue to hold the glass in place for the duration of full hardening (approximately 24 hours). Boll tapes for fixing car windows . This will prevent the glass from "rolling down".
Now all that remains is to park the car at least for the safe departure time declared by the manufacturer.
FAQ:
1. How long does car window glue dry?
The glass adhesive fully cures in approximately 24 hours. And 1 - 6 hours (depending on the glue used) is the possibility of moving a vehicle with a newly glued windshield
2. What is the cost of window glue?
The cost of glass glue in a 300ml cartridge is about PLN 30 - 45, depending on the brand and model of the product.
3. How much glue do we need to glue a passenger car window?
A 300ml cartridge of glue should suffice for gluing the windshield to an average passenger car.