Advanced Windscreen Restoration and Hydrophobic Coating Application (Jan 2026)

Thoroughly wash the windscreen using a pH-neutral automotive shampoo to remove loose grit. Dry the surface and inspect for stone chips or cracks. High-performance coatings create surface tension that can, in rare cases, stress existing cracks during temperature fluctuations. If chips larger than a 2-dollar coin are present, have them repaired before proceeding with chemical treatments.

Lift the wiper arms into the service position. Clean the rubber blades with a damp cloth and a small amount of IPA. If the rubber is cracked or 'stiff' from UV exposure (common in Australian summers), replace them now. Applying a premium coating to a car with old, degraded wipers will result in immediate streaking and poor performance.

Ensure the vehicle is under a carport or in a garage. The glass temperature must be between 10°C and 30°C. In the Australian summer, never apply glass coatings in direct sunlight; the solvents will flash (evaporate) too quickly, causing permanent 'high spots' or streaks that are extremely difficult to remove once cured.

Use low-tack painter's tape to mask off plastic cowls, rubber gaskets, and side pillar trims. Many glass polishes contain cerium oxide which will permanently stain black textured plastics white. Taking 5 minutes to mask will save an hour of cleaning later.

Apply a dedicated clay lubricant or soapy water to the glass. Using a fine-grade clay bar, glide it over the surface in straight lines. You will likely hear a 'gritty' sound initially; continue until the clay moves silently and smoothly. This removes embedded rail dust and industrial fallout that standard washing cannot touch.

Apply 3-4 pea-sized drops of glass polish (like G4 Nanolex or Ceriglass) to a firm foam applicator. Work in 30x30cm sections using heavy pressure in circular motions. This step removes 'traffic film' and mild water spots. The polish should start to translucent as it breaks down. Do not let it dry completely on the glass.

Rinse the polished glass thoroughly with distilled water. Use a clean microfibre to ensure all polishing abrasives are removed from the corners and near the seals. Any leftover grit will interfere with the chemical bond of the repellent.

Spray a 70% Isopropyl Alcohol solution onto a fresh microfibre towel and wipe the entire windscreen. This removes all remaining polishing oils and surfactants. The glass should feel 'grabby' to the towel. If the water beads during the final rinse before this step, the glass isn't clean yet; it should be 'flat' (sheeted).

Apply the liquid repellent to a suede applicator. Working in a cross-hatch pattern (up-and-down, then side-to-side), cover the driver's side first. Ensure 100% coverage. In Australian humidity, you may see a slight 'rainbow' effect or hazing. This is normal as the carrier solvents begin to evaporate.

Allow the first layer to bond. Depending on the product, this is usually between 5 to 15 minutes. In high heat (30°C+), the dwell time is shorter. The coating is ready for the next step when it looks like a uniform, dull haze.

For maximum durability against wipers and red dust abrasion, apply a second layer immediately over the first (if the product instructions allow, such as Gtechniq G1). This ensures that any microscopic 'holidays' or missed spots from the first pass are fully covered.

Using a clean, short-pile microfibre towel, buff away the haze. This requires significant 'elbow grease' as professional coatings bond tightly. If the residue is stubborn, dampen a small section of your towel with the coating itself or the manufacturer's recommended residue remover to reactivate and wipe clean.

Use a bright LED torch or the sun (after moving the car) to check for 'high spots'—darker, oily-looking patches of unbuffed product. These must be levelled immediately, or they will cause wiper jumping and blurred vision at night.

The vehicle must remain dry for at least 12 hours. Do not use the wipers or wash the car during this time. In Australia's coastal regions, ensure the car is parked away from salt spray during the cure, as sodium chloride can interfere with the cross-linking of the polymer.