Weatherproof Windows February 01 2017

We're passionately committed to detailing, so there are a few things that get under our skin.  Foggy, dirty windows?  Inexcusable.  You deserve better.  Trust us.  Once you've committed to this process, you'll never go back.  Let this be your definitive guide to weatherproofing windows, making them crystal clear and improving your safety.

You will clean:

• The outside and inside of your windows
• Surrounding trim

Tools:

• Kleanmitt, microfiber towel, or gentle washing tool
• Kleanmitt, Pocket Clay, or traditional detailing clay (for claying process)
• Glass sealant - RainX Original Glass Water Repellent, Aquapel, or similar product
• Clean microfiber and/or cotton towels

Exterior

Step 1:  Wash your windows.  We've been through this process.  Just remember that dirt collects in corners.  Trace your washing tool along the frame of the window, so the fibers reach into the cracks and pull away dirt.

Step 2:  Clay the glass.  Do this either during, or after your wash routine.

We like using Pocket Clay to remove bugs and other funk because the hard edge of pocket clay traces the window perfectly. You won't miss a spot.  A Kleanmitt, or even traditional detailing clay works fine too.

You will hear your clay picking up crud as it clicks and ticks across the surface.  In extreme cases, contamination can be rough to the touch, and the clay may feel grabby, like it's sticking.  Lubricate the surface liberally to avoid streaking the glass with the clay media.  When the clay glides smoothly and quietly, you're finished with that section.  When you're finished with the window, hose it off, or wipe it with a clean towel.  A rinse is more thorough, but if you have limited access to running water, a thorough wipe down will do.  Just turn your towel to a clean side after each pass.  If the towel is still picking up dirt at this point, you're not done cleaning.

Step 3:  Dry the windows

Option for the obsessive:  Now is your opportunity to polish the glass using a cerium oxide-based polish and Rayon glass-polishing pads.  There are no embedded particles on the glass, and no chance of picking them up with the pad, grinding them into the glass, and making your visibility worse.

For everyone else,

Step 4:  Choose a glass sealant.  Rain X original formula, Aquapel, or whatever you prefer.  We like Rain X because it's a tremendous value for the performance, and you will often find it at local retailers.

Apply RainX using a cotton towel, microfiber towel, cotton applicator, or microfiber applicator.  Do not use foam applicators.  Rain X's formula breaks down the foam, and the foam applicator will disintegrate in your hand.  Let the product dry to a haze, then remove it using a clean towel.  If the product is difficult to remove, mist or sprinkle water on your towel, and you'll have an easier time.

Interior

Mist a clean towel with your favorite glass cleaner.  We use a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water on non-tinted windows.  For tinted windows, use a tint-safe cleaner like Invisible Glass, or quick-detailing spray.

You're almost done!  Inspect the glass from different angles.  It's best to bring the car into the sun and walk around it to look for hazing with a clean, dry towel in hand.  If you see streaks, wipe the glass to remove them.

Have fun!