Professional Door Panel Restoration and Protection Guide

Park the vehicle in a fully shaded area with a surface temperature below 30°C. If the door panels are hot to the touch, the cleaning chemicals will flash (evaporate) too quickly, potentially causing chemical staining. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated to manage fumes from cleaning agents.

Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove loose red dust, sand, and debris from storage pockets and speaker grilles. This prevents the creation of 'mud' when liquid cleaners are applied later, which is significantly harder to remove from crevices.

If using a concentrated cleaner, dilute with distilled water according to the level of soiling. For maintenance, a 10:1 ratio is standard. For heavy outback dust or sunscreen stains, use a 4:1 ratio. Using distilled water prevents calcium buildup in the grain of the plastic.

Identify all electronic components including window switches, mirror controls, and ambient lighting strips. If the car has sensitive electronics, lightly mask these areas with low-tack painter's tape or ensure you never spray chemicals directly onto these components.

Always work from the top of the door panel (the window seal/sill) downwards. This ensures that any drips or runoff flow onto uncleaned sections, preventing 'clean streaks' on already finished areas. Focus on one 30cm x 30cm section at a time to maintain control over chemical dwell time.

Spray your pH-neutral cleaner onto your detailing brush or scrub pad rather than directly onto the panel. This prevents 'overspray' from hitting the glass or upholstery and ensures even distribution. For heavily textured plastics, apply a moderate amount to create a light foam.

Use circular motions with a boar's hair brush to work the cleaner into the grain of the plastic or leather. The bristles reach into the microscopic valleys of the material to lift out ingrained red dust and body oils. Do not apply excessive pressure; let the chemical and the brush tips do the work.

For stubborn stains or dust in speaker grilles, wrap a microfibre towel over a steam nozzle. Pass it 2-3cm above the surface. The heat expands the pores of the material, allowing the cleaner to work more effectively. Immediately wipe the area with a dry microfibre to trap the lifted dirt.

The lower section of the door often suffers from shoe scuffs. Use a slightly more aggressive scrub pad with the cleaner. If scuffs persist, a specialised 'eraser' sponge can be used with extreme caution and light pressure, as these are mildly abrasive and can alter the surface sheen.

Door pockets often contain sticky residues. Spray cleaner into the pocket and use a long-reach brush to agitate. Use a damp microfibre to 'scoop' out the debris. For deep pockets, a compressed air blast can help move hidden dust to where it can be vacuumed.

Use a damp (not dripping) microfibre or a precision cotton swab for window switches. Never spray liquid here. For door handles, ensure you clean the underside and the recess behind the handle where fingernail scratches and oils accumulate.

Once a section is cleaned, wipe it down with a fresh microfibre towel dampened with distilled water. This removes any surfactant residue left by the cleaner, which if left behind, can attract more dust and cause the surface to look patchy once the protectant is applied.

Use compressed air or a blower to clear water from the window seals, switch gaps, and speaker holes. This is a critical step to prevent mould growth in the door cavity and to ensure electrical components remain dry and functional.

Wait 5 minutes for the panel to fully air dry. Inspect the surface under a high-CRI detailing light or bright sunlight. Look for 'ghosting' from red dust or uneven cleaning. If found, repeat the agitation step on those specific areas before moving to protection.

Apply a UV-rated protectant (e.g., 303 Aerospace) to a microfibre applicator pad. Wipe onto the panel in even, overlapping passes. Ensure full coverage on the top sill which receives the most sun. Allow it to bond for 2-3 minutes (refer to product instructions).

Use a clean, dry, high-pile microfibre towel to buff the entire panel. This 'levels' the protectant, removing any high spots or streaks and leaving a uniform, factory-matte finish. This step is vital to ensure the surface isn't greasy, which would otherwise attract dust.