Professional Windscreen Deep Cleaning and Ceramic Water Repellent Application

Thoroughly wash the windscreen and surrounding area with a high-pH strip wash or dedicated glass cleaner to remove loose dirt, salt, and oils. Pay particular attention to the area under the wiper blades and the edges of the glass where red dust accumulates. Rinse with plenty of water to ensure no grit remains that could cause scratching during the polishing phase.

Using a dedicated clay lubricant or a soapy water solution, glide a fine-grade clay bar across the glass surface. You will likely feel and hear a 'gritty' sensation initially; continue until the clay glides silently and smoothly. This removes bonded contaminants such as industrial fallout and dried sap that a standard wash cannot touch. Dry the glass completely using a clean waffle-weave towel.

Apply automotive masking tape to all adjacent rubber seals, plastic trim, and the plastic cowl at the base of the windscreen. Glass polishes (especially those containing cerium oxide) are notoriously difficult to remove from textured plastics and can cause permanent white staining. Ensure the wipers are pulled back or removed entirely to allow full access to the glass pane.

Check the surface temperature of the glass using an infrared thermometer or the back of your hand. The glass must be cool to the touch (ideally between 15°C and 25°C). If the vehicle has been in the Australian sun, move it to a shaded, well-ventilated garage and allow at least 60 minutes for the thermal mass of the glass to stabilise. Applying coatings to hot glass causes premature solvent flash, leading to permanent streaking.

Apply 3-4 pea-sized drops of glass polish to a rayon pad or firm foam applicator. Work in 40cm x 40cm sections using overlapping circular motions with moderate pressure. This step is crucial for removing the 'traffic film' and water spot minerals that are chemically bonded to the glass. If using a DA polisher, keep the speed low (setting 2-3) to avoid heat build-up.

Wipe away polish residue with a damp microfibre towel followed by a dry one. Inspect the glass using a high-intensity LED torch held at an angle. Look for any remaining water spots or 'ghosting' from old wiper paths. Repeat the polishing step on any areas that do not appear perfectly uniform and optically clear.

Spray a 70% Isopropyl Alcohol solution onto a clean microfibre towel (not directly onto the glass to avoid overspray). Wipe the entire glass surface twice. This removes all polishing oils and ensures the ceramic coating can form a direct covalent bond with the silica in the glass. The glass should feel 'grabby' to the towel once fully stripped.

Apply the ceramic glass coating to a suede applicator pad. Apply to the glass using small, overlapping circular motions to ensure 100% coverage. Work on one half of the windscreen at a time. You should see a slight rainbow effect or 'flashing' as the carrier solvents begin to evaporate. In high humidity, this may happen faster.

Allow the first layer to dwell according to the manufacturer's instructions—typically 5 to 15 minutes depending on ambient temperature. In Australian summer conditions, 5-8 minutes is often sufficient. The coating should look slightly hazy but not completely dry or 'crusty' before moving to the next step.

For maximum durability against outback dust and frequent washing, apply a second layer immediately after the dwell time of the first, without buffing off. This 'wet-on-wet' technique ensures no gaps in the microscopic protective lattice and extends the life of the treatment from 6 months to 12-18 months.

Using a fresh, dry microfibre towel, gently buff the surface to remove the hazy residue. Use light pressure and flip the towel frequently to a clean side. If the residue is stubborn, a very light mist of distilled water on the towel can help 'level' the coating. The glass should become incredibly slick and clear.

Do not forget the wipers. Clean the rubber edges of your wiper blades with IPA until no black residue comes off on the cloth. If the blades are older than 6 months, replace them now. Old, hardened rubber will chatter across a newly coated surface and can even abrade the coating prematurely.

Carefully remove the masking tape by pulling it back at a 45-degree angle to avoid adhesive transfer. Perform a final wipe of the glass edges to ensure no polish or coating residue is trapped against the seals. Use a torch to check for 'high spots' (darker patches of coating) and buff them out immediately.

The vehicle must remain dry for at least 12 hours. Avoid using the windscreen washers or driving in rain during this window. The chemical bonds are still forming, and moisture can compromise the hydrophobicity and longevity of the treatment. If you must drive, avoid using the wipers if possible.