EXTERIOR CARE INSTRUCTIONS
The Protection Brands range of Paint & Surface Protection Coatings are designed to prevent weather induced discolouration, fading, oxidization, loss of gloss & damage caused by tree sap & bug splatter as well as bird & bat droppings to the treated paintwork of the vehicle for the warranty period, unless otherwise specified in the warranty terms.

While the products have hydrophobic properties, when the vehicle is wet; dust, dirt & other contaminants that sit on the surface of your vehicle are collected by the water as it beads, sheets or runs off the surface of your vehicle (if it is in motion or on a slope); it is still a requirement to wash, clean & maintain your vehicle in order to remove all other remaining contaminants, including dirt.

While the products are designed to repel as many contaminants as possible, your vehicle will still get dirty through use or weather events.

It is essential to wash your vehicle regularly to maintain the integrity of the product. Recommended schedule is every 2 to 3 weeks.

To minimise the risk of creating swirl marks or scratches in the paint & to continually enhance the Protective Coating, we recommend the following techniques & products:

NOTE: All wash, cleaning & maintenance products listed are available for purchase from your supplying dealer & or at www.shopprotectionbrands.com.au

 

STEP-BY-STEP WASH GUIDE:
What You'll Need:

• 2 buckets (ideally with grit guards)
• pH Neutral Vehicle Wash
• 2 High-quality microfiber wash mitts or sponges
• 2 High quality microfiber cloths
• Microfiber drying towels or chamois
• A hose or pressure washer
• Optional: Leaf blower / Air blower

 

1. Set Up Your Buckets

• Bucket 1 (Soap Bucket): Fill the first bucket with warm water & the recommended amount of vehicle wash soap.
• Bucket 2 (Rinse Bucket): Fill the second bucket with clean, plain warm water. This bucket will be used to rinse your wash mitt/sponge & remove dirt & debris during the wash process.

 

Grit Guards are optional but recommended. Place a grit guard at the bottom of each bucket to trap dirt particles at the bottom, preventing them from being picked up by your wash mitt/sponge again.

 

2. Rinse the Vehicle: In a cool, shady location & before you start washing, rinse the entire vehicle with water using a hose or pressure washer. This helps to remove loose dirt, dust, & debris from the surface, reducing the risk of dragging contaminants across the paint.

3. Start Washing (Top to Bottom): Dip the wash mitt/sponge into the soap bucket & begin washing the vehicle, starting from the top & working your way down. The top of the vehicle is typically cleaner, while the lower sections collect more dirt, so washing from top to bottom reduces the risk of transferring dirt.
Wash one section at a time (e.g., roof, windows, hood, doors). Use straight-line motions rather than circular motions to reduce the likelihood of creating swirl marks.

4. Rinse the Wash Mitt/Sponge: After washing each section, rinse the wash mitt/sponge in the rinse bucket to remove dirt & contaminants. Rub the mitt/sponge against the grit guard (if you have one) at the bottom of the bucket to dislodge any particles trapped in the fibers.

5. Re-soap the Mitt/Sponge: Once rinsed, dip the clean mitt/sponge back into the soap bucket & repeat the process for the next section of the vehicle.

6. Repeat the Process: Continue this process of washing, rinsing the mitt/sponge, & re-soaping for each section of the vehicle, working from the top down. Pay extra attention to heavily soiled areas like the lower doors, fenders, & bumpers.

7. Clean the Wheels Last: Use a separate sponge, brush, or mitt/sponge for the wheels & tires, as they tend to collect brake dust, grime, & other harsh contaminants.

DO NOT use the same mitt/sponge for the wheels & the paint to avoid transferring abrasive particles onto the vehicle’s surface.

8. Final Rinse: After you’ve washed the entire vehicle, give it a final rinse with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.

9. Dry the Vehicle: Use a microfiber drying towel or a chamois to dry the vehicle, starting from the top & working your way down. Drying the vehicle immediately after washing helps prevent water spots from forming.

Additionally, you can use a leaf blower or a dedicated car dryer to blow water out of hard-to-reach areas like mirrors, emblems, & door jambs.

Suggested Additional Care & Maintenance Product:
The Protection Brands Hydrophobic Ceramic Detailing Spray. 
Utilising Nano Ceramic Quartz Technology to enhance the shine & energise the coating, this product has a simple application, comes ready to use with no dilution required. Spray directly onto your vehicles recently cleaned exterior surface & buff dry with a clean dry high quality microfibre cloth.

 

ADDITIONAL EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

Bird / Bat Droppings: Bird & Bat droppings can be acidic & can potentially damage the protective coating as well as vehicle paint causing thousands of dollars in repairs, so it’s essential to clean them off as soon as possible.
If the Bird / Bat Dropping does not wash off the vehicle during the Step-by-Step Wash Guide detailed, we recommend the following process:

1. For stubborn stains, spray the droppings generously with warm water, the Protection Brands Detailing Spray or drip undiluted pH neutral vehicle wash directly onto the droppings & allow to soak for a few minutes. This softens the dried material, making it easier to remove.
2. Wipe away the droppings gently using a sponge.
Avoid scrubbing, as this can spread the mess & scratch the paint.
3. Rinse the cleaned area with clean water, then dry it with a clean microfiber cloth/towel to prevent water spots.

Water Spotting: All vehicles (with/without a surface/paint protection of any brand) can be affected by water spotting.

Water Spotting is dirty water that has dried leaving behind deposited dirt or minerals. Depending on your environment, rainwater, tank water, recycled water & or even in some places general tap water may not go through a very heavy filtering process. These types of water can be heavily mineralised & leave behind a white ring stain if allowed to dry on the surface.

Mineralised water spots (the white stains) can be very acidic with limestone. The Protection Brands range of Paint & Surface Protection Coatings provide a barrier between the water spot & the paint giving you sufficient time to re-wash the vehicle & dry off the spots before the acidic compound within the stain burns the coating & your paint.

While the coating has hydrophobic properties & water will bead & sheet off when it is in motion or on vertical panels, on horizontal panels the water may sit, pool & dry on the vehicle.

The only way to avoid water spotting in any format is to dry the vehicle with a high quality microfibre towel or chamois after its wash.

Bore Water: Using bore water to clean a vehicle is not recommended due to a few key reasons:

• High Mineral Content: Bore water contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, & iron, which leave stubborn spots & streaks on your vehicle’s paint & windows.
• Corrosive Elements: Bore water can contain salts & other elements that are corrosive, particularly to metal. Over time, these elements can contribute to rust & the deterioration of your vehicle's coating, paint, metal trims, & undercarriage.
• Discoloration: The iron content in bore water can cause yellow or brown stains, particularly on lighter paint, making the vehicle look less clean rather than more.
• Potential Paint Damage: Some bore water contains small amounts of chemicals or minerals that, when dried on the vehicle, can etch into the coating & paint, leaving marks that are extremely difficult to remove.

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND:

• Acidic or Alkaline cleaning products: Cleaning products that are not pH neutral can not only degrade & strip the coating but the painted surface as well.
• Wax or cleaning products that contain wax: As wax melts at a low temperature & softens when exposed to the heat of the sun, it creates a soft sticky layer on the vehicle that may trap airborne dust & contaminates. These contaminants then set into the wax coating as it cools & rehardens. When a waxed vehicle is washed at a later date the embedded particles may now scratch the paint.
• Automatic Brush or Brushless Car Washes: There are multiple reasons why both of these types of car washes should be avoided & in fact, automatic car wash machines can do more harm than good for your coating & vehicle, potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage. Some of these are:
• Ineffective Vehicle Cleaning: The dirty bristles & recycled water of automatic car washes can actually make your car dirtier. The hard-to-reach areas of your vehicle will be untouched & these surfaces often need the most attention.
• Scratches & Damage: While your vehicle might initially look clean, you may not see all the micro-abrasions covering the surface caused by the brushes & dirty bristles. The dirty bristles & harsh mechanics of these washes result in abrasive substances thrown toward your vehicle at high speeds. In the worst cases, you may find visible scratches to your paint.
• Recycled (dirty) Water & Hard Water Stains: Automatic car washes do not dry vehicles properly & can leave dirty water stains covering the surface of your vehicle.
• Harsh Chemicals & Wax: In order to clean a vehicle quicker & “break down” any dirt of contaminants on the surface of your vehicle, Automatic Car Washes generally use harsh acidic chemicals to do the “cleaning”. This will not only cut through all the grime on your vehicle but also degrade the coating & ultimately your paintwork too. The addition of Wax can also create a soft sticky surface for contaminants to stick to as well.

 

INTERIOR CARE INSTRUCTIONS
The Protection Brands range of Interior Fabric, Leather, Plastic & Vinyl Protection Coatings are designed to prevent discolouration caused by the harmful effects of ultraviolet light (UV) & permanent staining from make-up, sunscreen, water, coffee, soda, milk & or other commonly consumed food & liquids for the warranty period, unless otherwise specified in the warranty terms.

While the products do indeed create a barrier on the materials & will enable sufficient time to clean, remove, or soak up liquids before a stain presents, it is vitally important to clean & dry off any spills or drops from food, liquids & or other substances; before they are allowed to soak in & irreversibly stain the materials.

NOTE: The Protection products are not applied to: Roof Linings, Foot Pedals, Steering Wheels, Gear Shifts, or Leavers (ie Blinkers, Cruise Control Stalks or Handbrakes).

It is essential to wash, clean & vacuum your vehicle regularly to maintain the integrity of the products. Recommended schedule is every 2 to 3 weeks.

NOTE: All wash, cleaning & maintenance products listed are available for purchase from your supplying dealer & or at www.shopprotectionbrands.com.au

 

STEP-BY-STEP INTERIOR WASH GUIDE:
What You'll Need:

• pH Neutral Multipurpose Fabric, Leather, Plastic & Vinyl Cleaner (Suggested product: The Protection Brands Citrus Multipurpose Cleaner)
• High-quality microfiber cloths
• A Vacuum with various sized attachments
• Optional: A Soft Bristle Cleaning Brush

 

1. Clear Out Trash & Personal Items: Remove any garbage, floor mats, & personal items from the vehicle.

2. Shake out & or beat the floor mats outside to remove loose dirt.

3. Vacuum Thoroughly: Use a vacuum with attachments to reach tight areas, including the seats, under seats, & between cushions. Don’t forget the trunk or cargo area.

4. Clean Hard Surfaces:

• Dashboard, Console, Doors & Steering Wheel: Use a microfiber cloth treated with the interior cleaner & wipe surfaces thoroughly.
• Pay attention to buttons, knobs & vents (use a small soft bristle brush for vents if needed).
• Cup Holders & Compartments: Use a soft bristle brush or soft cloth to wipe away dirt, & then wipe with the dampened microfibre cloth. Using the remaining dry microfibre cloth, dry any residual streaks from the interior cleaner.

 

5. Seats & Upholstery:

• Cloth Seats: Using the pH Neutral Multipurpose cleaner, lightly spray directly onto the material & gently scrub with a soft brush or microfibre cloth. Blot dry with a clean dry microfiber cloth. NOTE: Avoid over-wetting to prevent mold or lingering moisture.
• Leather Seats: Using the microfibre cloth lightly dampened with the pH Neutral Multipurpose cleaner, wipe the material clean. Using a dry microfibre cloth, dry any residual streaks from the interior cleaner.

 

6. Floor Mats & Carpets

• Rubber Mats: Hose down, scrub with the pH Neutral Multipurpose cleaner, rinse, & let air dry.
• Carpet Mats & Floor Carpets: Use the pH Neutral Multipurpose cleaner & lightly spray directly onto the material, scrub with a brush, & vacuum any loosened dirt.

 

7. Windows & Mirrors: Use a pH neutral glass cleaner & microfiber cloth to avoid streaks. Clean inside windows last since they can pick up residue from other cleaning tasks. If you have window tint, follow the care & maintenance instructions for window tint.

Suggested Additional Care & Maintenance Product:
The Protection Brands Antimicrobial Shield will sanitise, shield & protect you & your family against harmful germs, bacteria, odours & mould or mildew growth within the cabin & air-conditioning system of your vehicle.

Protection Brands recommends that you use this product once every 3 to 6 months to assist with ongoing sanitisation & germ prevention.

 

ADDITIONAL INTERIOR MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

Spills & Liquids: If you do get a spill from any liquid on the treated surface, remove & dry the spillage as soon as you can.

Absorb the spillage with a clean non-coloured dry towel or absorbent paper. If the spillage has been allowed to dry, use a non-coloured cloth dampened with a mix of warm water plus a pH neutral multipurpose cleaner & on:

• Vinyl/Leather - gently rub the stained area until clean.
• Carpet/Fabric - gently dab the stained area until clean & then vacuum.
• Remove Tanner, Makeup, Sunscreen & Ink as soon as possible. Make a solution of water mixed with the pH neutral multipurpose cleaner
• Vinyl/Leather - Use a sponge & apply only to the surface where the mark or stain is located. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
• Fabric/Carpet – being careful to not over wet, gently work solution into the fabric, moving from the outer edges inwards to prevent spreading. Continue to blot the stain using a clean paper towel, until no tanner, makeup or ink remains.

 

WINDOW TINT & GLASS CARE INSTRUCTIONS
The Protection Brands range of Window Tints are designed to enhance the overall comfort, safety & quality of your vehicle by providing protection from heat, glare & harmful UV / IR rays.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Avoid rolling down windows for the first 48 hours. The adhesives holding the tinted film in place take time to dry & until they do, friction caused by rolling down the window could scrape & or move the film.
2. Bubbles may appear & are normal for the first few days. You may also notice tint that appears cloudy, hazy, & or has water pockets. These will go away as the film dries out. If they don’t, contact your supplying dealer to arrange an inspection.
3. Ensure there are no debris, dust, dirt or other contaminants stuck to your side windows or window seals before rolling up & down. These contaminants may become lodged on the rubber/felt window seals & potentially scratch the glass or tint during the roll up down functions.
4. Take care when removing your seat belt to avoid belt whiplash as the seat belt could snap back onto the glass, creating a small but distinct chip on the surface of the window tint.
5. Do not use any Ammonia-based window cleaners as these can deteriorate the film.

It is essential to regularly wash & clean your Window Tint & Glass to maintain the integrity of the products as well as keep them streak-free for visibility & safety. Recommended schedule is every 2 to 3 weeks.

STEP-BY-STEP WINDOW SEALS (AKA WEATHERSTRIPS) CLEANING GUIDE:
Before cleaning your tint, glass & windows, we recommend inspecting & cleaning your Window Seals (aka Weatherstrips) first. It’s important to clean seals to prevent contaminant buildup.

What You'll Need:

• pH Neutral Multipurpose Cleaner (Suggested product: The Protection Brands Citrus Multipurpose Cleaner)
• 2 Lint-free high-quality microfiber cloths
• Soft Bristle Brush

 

1. Inspect the Seals: Roll down the window to inspect the entire seal. Look for dirt, dust, or signs of wear & damage.

2. Brush Off Loose Dirt: Use a soft bristle brush, remove any loose dirt or debris around & along the seal. Brush gently to avoid damaging the rubber.

3. Mix a solution of pH Neutral Multipurpose Cleaner & warm water & dampen a microfiber cloth in the solution & wipe down the seals thoroughly.
For tough spots, you can use the soft brush with soapy water to scrub gently.

4. Rinse & Wipe Dry: After cleaning, use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to rinse away any soap residue. Dry with a separate cloth.

 

STEP-BY-STEP OPPOSITE WIPE WINDOW TINT & GLASS CLEANING GUIDE:
What You'll Need:

• pH Neutral Multipurpose Cleaner or Glass Cleaner (Suggested product: The Protection Brands Citrus Multipurpose Cleaner)
• 2 Lint-free high-quality microfiber cloths
• Soft Bristle Brush

 

The Opposite Wipe Cleaning Method enables you to quickly spot a smudge or missed spot & know immediately whether it’s on the outside or inside of the glass based on whether it’s horizontal (outside) or vertical (inside).

1. Preparation:

• Park in shade: Direct sunlight can make glass cleaners dry too quickly, leaving streaks.
• Roll down windows slightly: This allows access to clean the top edge of the window where dirt often builds up.

 

2. Cleaning Process - Interior Windows & Mirrors:

• Spray cleaner on cloth (not directly on glass): This prevents overspray on other interior parts.
• Use one microfiber towel & wipe the window/glass ensuring your final wipes are in a vertical pattern.
• Using the second towel to buff away any remaining cleaner or moisture, again wiping dry in a vertical pattern.
• Clean edges & corners with a fresh cloth, especially around the window’s/glass’s top edges.

3. Exterior Windows

• Rinse first: If windows are very dirty, rinse with water to remove dust & debris.
• Spray cleaner on cloth (not directly on glass): This prevents overspray on other interior parts.
• Use one microfiber towel & wipe the window/glass ensuring your final wipes are in a horizontal pattern.
• Using the second towel to buff away any remaining cleaner or moisture, again wiping dry in a horizontal pattern.
• Clean edges & corners with a fresh cloth, especially around the window’s/glass’s top edges.

 

4. Inspect: As you have performed Opposite Final Wipes, you can quickly spot a smudge or missed spot & know immediately whether it’s on the outside or inside of the glass based on whether it’s horizontal (outside) or vertical (inside). Buff clean any smudge or missed spot with a dry cloth.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your vehicle windows, tint & seals in top condition for clear visibility & longevity.