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Paint Protection beginner 4 min read

Clear Vision: Autumn Windscreen Prep & Rain Repellent

Your paint is under constant attack: UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, and road grime. Protection isn't optional—it's essential.

Don't get caught out in an Autumn downpour with blurry glass and worn-out wipers. This checklist covers the gear and steps you need to make water bead off your screen and keep that nasty red dust from sticking.

B"W
Barry "Bazza" Williams Product Reviewer
| Updated: 3 March 2026
What You'll Learn
Clear Vision: Autumn Windscreen Prep & Rain Repellent

Aussie Conditions

Our intense UV breaks down waxes faster than overseas. Ceramic coatings last longer, but even they need topped up more frequently here.
Quick Summary

Look, after 15 years in the trade, I've seen too many people slap on repellent over a dirty screen and wonder why it smears. With the Aussie sun still baking us in March, you've gotta prep the glass properly to get rid of salt spray and baked-on bug guts. This is my personal process for getting that 'invisible glass' look that lasts for months, not days. Trust me, your eyes will thank you during those late arvo storms.

01

My Two Cents

I learned the hard way on an old HJ Holden that just using Windex isn't enough. If you've been parked under a gum tree or driving through red dust, there's a film on your glass that soap won't touch. Honestly, I wouldn't bother with those cheap '2-in-1' wash and repellents from the servo. They're rubbish. Stick to a dedicated coating like Gtechniq G1 or even the classic Bowden's Own Clean Detail if you're on a budget. It'll save you a massive headache when the wipers start skipping.
02

What You'll Need

What You'll Need

0/8
Dedicated Glass Cleaner — Something ammonia-free like Stoner Invisible Glass or Bowden's Naked Glass.
Fine Clay Bar or Clay Mitt — Essential for pulling out the grit and fallout you can't see.
Glass Polish (Cerium Oxide based) — Optional, but if you've got water spots from the bore water out bush, you'll need this.
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Wipe — A 50/50 mix with water to strip any oils before the coating goes on.
Quality Glass Coating/Repellent — My go-to is Gtechniq G1 or Glaco. They handle the Aussie UV better than most.
Microfibre Applicator Pads — Two or three fresh ones (don't use the ones you used on your tyres!).
Clean Microfibre Cloths — Waffle weave ones are best for glass. Grab at least four.
New Wiper Blades — No point doing all this work if your old blades are shredded from the summer heat.

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03

Pre-Start Checklist

What You'll Need

0/4
Is the glass cool to the touch? — Don't do this in direct sun or the product will flash off too fast and smear.
Check for rock chips — If you've got a crack, the pressure of polishing might make it run. Fix it first.
Lift the wiper arms — Make sure they'll stay up so you don't whack the glass while working.
Clean the wiper rubbers — Give them a wipe with some IPA. You'll be shocked at the black gunk that comes off.
04

The Process

Tap each step to mark complete
01

Heavy Wash

Give the screen a thorough wash. Use a bit of extra pressure to shift any dried-on bat droppings or coastal salt crust.

02

Decontaminate

Use your clay bar with plenty of glass cleaner as lube. Keep going until the glass feels smooth as ice under your fingertips.

03

Deep Clean/Polish

If you've got stubborn water spots, hand-polish with a glass compound. This is the secret to getting that crystal clear finish mate.

04

The IPA Wipe

Chuck some IPA mix on a cloth and wipe the whole screen. This removes any leftover polish oils so the repellent can actually bond.

05

Apply Repellent

Apply your coating in small overlapping circles. A customer once told me 'less is more' and he was right. Don't drown the screen.

06

Buff Off

Wait the recommended time (usually 5-10 mins) and buff off with a clean microfibre. If it's sticky, use a damp cloth then a dry one.

05

Final Inspection

What You'll Need

0/3
Check for 'hazing' — Look at the glass from an angle in the light. Any cloudy spots need more buffing.
Inspect the corners — People always miss the bits near the A-pillars. Make sure it's clean.
Test the wipers — Lower them gently and give the screen a squirt. The water should jump off immediately.

Watch Out

Never apply glass coatings to a hot windscreen or in the middle of a 40 degree day. It'll bake on instantly and you'll spend three hours trying to scrub the streaks off. Also, keep the repellent away from your plastic trim, some of them can stain or turn the plastic white if you're not careful.

One Last Tip

Once you're done, try to keep the car undercover or out of the rain for at least 12 hours. Most of these ceramic-style glass coatings need a bit of time to cure properly before they get hit with a storm or a trip to the beach.

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