Glass can sometimes be a magnet for hard-to-clean water stains and dirt. While you can wipe down your glass using a glass cleaner, you'll find that it doesn't stay spot-free for long. Hydrophobic glass coating eliminates the need to constantly clean glass surfaces since it is water-resistant by nature.
Normally, water bonds to glass when the two touch. Hydrophobic glass coating uses titanium oxide to prevent this bond from occurring, resulting in a water-resistant exterior that repels rain, snow, oil, dust, and dirt.
Hydrophobic glass coating is not the same as the DIY water-repellent shield products that you may find at your local hardware or automotive store. DIY water-repellents use wax to safeguard against water. While this treatment may yield modest results, it is not nearly as effective long term.
That's because hydrophobic glass coatings chemically bond to glass surfaces for added durability. Unlike other options, they do not need to be continuously applied and function as tough barriers against rocks, bugs, dirt, and water. For this reason, many elect to use this coating on their car windshields.
Hydrophobic Coating for Your Auto Glass
Between rain, snow, road trips, and just everyday driving, car windows can get pretty dirty.
The glass on regular car windows easily accumulates water spots, dust, plant droppings, bug splatter, and more. Not only does this make for poor visibility, but it also creates the hassle of constantly having to visit the car wash, especially after periods of rain or snow.
Hydrophobic windshield coating is an ideal option for the driver who wants consistently clean car windows for increased comfort and visibility.
The advantages of hydrophobic windshield coating include:
- Easy to maintain: A one-time application lasts for years with little to no maintenance.
- Effortless to clean: Many people consider hydrophobic glass to be self-cleaning, as the coating uses the water it repels to remove debris from your windshield. Just using your windshield wipers for a quick swipe across the glass is often all that's needed to get crystal-clear results —and even that step is optional.
- Versatile: Hydrophobic glass isn't known only for getting rid of water. It is also great for repelling other types of unwanted obstructions including dirt, ice, and even scratches.
- Clearer visibility: When debris isn't constantly smeared on your windshield, it creates a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Longer wiper blade lifespan: Hydrophobic glass coating takes care of removing fragments of dirt from your windshield, preserving the life of your wiper blades.
How to Apply Glass Coating
When applied by professionals, this coating goes on smooth and looks flawless. Here's how it's done:
- Clean the glass with soap and water thoroughly to get rid of any debris. This will allow the coating to adhere to the glass.
- Wipe the glass surface dry with a clean cloth.
- Apply two coats of the coating using an applicator cloth. Be sure not to remove any while you are wiping.
- Wait a minute or two for the coating to bond before rubbing with a clean microfiber cloth.
Although the steps to adhering this coating may not be numerous, they must be completed skillfully to avoid streaks and blemishes.
