Advanced Red Dust and UV Protection Systems (Jan 2026)

Perform a thorough two-bucket wash using a high-pH strip soap to remove old waxes. While the vehicle is still wet, apply an iron remover across all panels. In Australian heat, work one panel at a time to prevent the chemical from drying. The purple reaction indicates the dissolution of iron-rich red dust particles embedded in the clear coat. Rinse thoroughly with high-pressure water.

Use a clay mitt or bar with ample lubricant to remove 'bonded' contaminants. Run your hand inside a plastic sandwich bag over the paint; if it feels gritty, continue claying. This step is vital because dust protection products cannot bond to a rough surface. Focus heavily on 'flat' surfaces (hood, roof) where UV and dust settle most aggressively.

Spray your 15% IPA solution onto a microfibre towel and wipe down every exterior surface. This removes residual lubricants from the claying process and ensures the paint is 'squeaky clean.' This chemical bond is what allows a sealant to survive 40°C heat and high-velocity wind-blown sand.

Open all doors and the bonnet. Use a damp microfibre to clean the internal rubber seals. Dust often hides in the folds of the 'bulb' seals. If these are dirty, your protection will fail. Dry them completely before proceeding to the lubrication stage.

Working in a shaded area with a panel temperature below 30°C, apply the SiO2 sealant. Spray onto a microfibre applicator and work in 50cm x 50cm sections using an overlapping cross-hatch pattern. Wait 30-60 seconds (depending on humidity) and buff off with a fresh towel. This creates a hydrophobic, high-slickness barrier that prevents dust from 'grabbing' the surface.

Apply a specialized silicone lubricant (like 303 Aerospace Protectant or Krytox) to all rubber seals. This keeps the rubber supple, preventing it from cracking in UV light, and creates a microscopic film that prevents dust from sticking to and bypassing the seal. Wipe off any excess to avoid attracting more grit.

Apply a dedicated glass sealant to the windscreen and side windows. Red dust is highly abrasive; a coated windscreen allows wipers to clear dust more effectively with less scratching. Buff until the glass is crystal clear to ensure no night-time glare during outback driving.

Spray a high-temperature resistant sealant into the wheel arches and onto the wheel faces. Red mud and dust often bake onto these areas. A dedicated barrier here makes pressure washing after a trip 90% more effective, as the mud cannot form a mechanical bond with the plastic liners.

Apply a UV-permanent trim restorer to all unpainted plastics (fender flares, bumpers). Australian UV turns these grey and brittle. A quality trim coating fills the pores of the plastic, preventing fine red dust from staining the material permanently.

Lightly mist a water-based engine dressing over the engine bay plastics and hoses. This doesn't just look good; it creates a 'non-stick' surface. When you return from a dusty track, a simple light rinse will remove 95% of the dust without needing heavy degreasers.

Wait 2 hours for the first layer of SiO2 to cure, then apply a second 'sacrificial' layer. This is highly recommended for vehicles heading into the desert. The double layer increases the thickness of the UV protection and ensures total coverage of every square millimetre of the paint.

Apply a fabric protector to carpets and a leather sealant to seats. Even with seals, fine dust enters via clothing. These products prevent the red pigment from dying the fibres, allowing for easy vacuuming later.

Ensure headlights are coated with the SiO2 sealant. Polycarbonate lenses are highly susceptible to UV yellowing in Australia. This barrier reflects a portion of the UV spectrum, preventing the 'cloudy' look that reduces night-time visibility.

Park the vehicle in a garage or under a carport for at least 12 hours. Do not allow the vehicle to get wet or be driven on dirt roads during this time. The polymers need this period to fully cross-link with the paint surface for maximum durability.