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Paint Protection beginner 3 min read

Clear Vision: Summer Windscreen Prep and Coating

Factory paint is thinner than ever. Without proper protection, Australian sun and salt will have your clear coat peeling within years.

Don't wait for a summer storm to realise your wipers are shot and your glass is greasy. Use this checklist to get your windscreen ready for the glare, bugs, and afternoon downpours.

SC
Sarah Chen Interior & Leather Specialist
| Updated: 27 February 2026
Clear Vision: Summer Windscreen Prep and Coating

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, if you've ever driven into a setting sun with a smeary windscreen, you know how dangerous it gets. This checklist is for the blokes and ladies who want water to just fly off the glass without even touching the wipers. I've been doing this for 15 years and I reckon a properly treated windscreen is the best safety upgrade you can do for under fifty bucks.

01

The Gear You'll Need

What You'll Need

0/8
Dedicated glass cleaner — Avoid the ammonia stuff from the supermarket; it'll kill your tint.
Clay bar or clay mitt — Essential for getting that gritty outback dust and bird mess off.
Glass polish or cerium oxide — My go-to is Autoglym Glass Polish, it's a ripper for removing water spots.
Waffle weave microfibres — Grab at least 3. They don't leave lint like the fluffy ones do.
Iso-propyl alcohol (IPA) 50/50 mix — Crucial for stripping oils before the sealant goes on.
Glass sealant/repellent — I swear by Gtechniq G1 for longevity, but Bowden's Own Bead Machine is great for a quick fix.
Applicator pads — The little suede ones or a foam puck work best.
New wiper blades — No point coating the glass if your old blades are torn and crusty.
02

Pre-Start Checklist

What You'll Need

0/4
Check for chips or cracks — If you've got a bullseye, get it fixed before applying chemicals or pressure.
Feel the surface — Run your hand over the dry glass. If it feels like sandpaper, you definitely need to clay it.
Find some shade — Never do this in the sun. In 40-degree heat, the product will flash instantly and leave a nightmare streak. (Learned that on a black Commodore, never again!)
Clean the wiper cowls — Chuck out any gum leaves or dirt trapped near the vents.
03

Step-By-Step Application

Tap each step to mark complete
01

Deep Clean

Give the glass a thorough scrub with your glass cleaner. Get into the corners where the salt and dust build up.

02

Clay the Glass

Use plenty of lubricant and slide the clay bar over the glass until it's smooth as silk. This removes embedded mineral deposits.

03

Polish Out the Spots

Apply glass polish with a firm hand. This gets rid of 'ghosting' and those annoying circular water spots caused by the sprinkler.

04

The IPA Wipe

Wipe the whole screen with your IPA mix. This removes any leftover polish oils so the sealant can actually bond. Don't skip this!

05

Apply the Coating

Work in small sections (half the screen at a time). Apply in overlapping circles. I usually do two coats on the windscreen for extra durability.

06

The Buff Off

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

04

Final Inspection

What You'll Need

0/3
Check for 'high spots' — Look at the glass from an angle in the light to ensure no cloudy patches remain.
Clean the wiper blades — Wipe the actual rubber blades with your IPA. You'll be shocked at the black gunk that comes off.
Check the interior — Half the 'smear' is usually on the inside. Give the interior glass a wipe while you're at it.
05

A Couple of Expert Tips

A customer once brought in a Ranger that looked like it had been through a sandstorm. The glass was so pitted that no repellent would help. If your glass is 20 years old and sandblasted, honestly, I wouldn't bother with a high-end coating, just buy a new screen. Also, don't use these repellents on your wing mirrors if they're heated; sometimes it can cause weird hazy reactions. Stick to the windscreen and side windows.

Watch Out

Wait at least 12-24 hours before using your wipers or getting the car wet after coating. If you use the wipers too soon, you'll smear the half-cured coating and have to start all over again. (Trust me on this one, I've made that mistake in a rush to get to the pub!)

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