How to Protect Your Paint from the Harsh Summer Sun

June 20 2025, by Bryan Afonso, 6 min reading time

Your Guide to Keeping Your Car Looking Fresh All Season Long

When temperatures rise and the sun’s rays get stronger, your car’s paint is under serious attack. UV rays, high heat, airborne contaminants, and even bird droppings can cause fading, oxidation, and permanent damage to your vehicle’s finish.

But don’t worry — with the right products and routine, you can keep your paint protected and looking showroom-fresh all summer long.

What Makes Summer So Tough on Paint?

UV Rays break down clear coat as well as plastic trim and interior panels, leading to dull, faded paint/plastics.
Heat accelerates oxidation, especially on darker colors.
Contaminants like iron fallout, pollen, dust, and tree sap bond faster to hot surfaces.
Bird droppings & bug guts become acidic in the heat, causing etching.

Start with a Proper Wash

Before you can protect, you need to clean.

Use a pH-balanced car shampoo like Sudz-Pro or Koch-Chemie GSF.
If you have limited access to flowing water for rinsing off your wash mitt, use the two-bucket wash method to prevent swirl marks when hand washing panel to panel. (one bucket of clean water to rinse off your used wash mitt before re-introducing back to the soapy bucket).
Follow up with a thorough drying towel (not a chamois!)

Pro Tip: Add a foam cannon to your wash routine for better coverage and fun!

Decontaminate the Surface

Removing embedded contaminants from the surface ensures your protection product bonds properly.

Use an iron remover like Iron-Pro or 3D BDX to dissolve brake dust & fallout
Follow with a clay bar or clay mitt to remove stubborn surface grit that chemical decontamination isn't fully able to remove.

This step leaves your paint smooth, clean, and ready for protection.

Choose Your Paint Protection

Depending on your time, budget, and skill level, you’ve got options:

Spray Sealants

Quick and easy, lasts 2–3 months.
Recommended: Bead Pro – insane hydrophobic properties with a slick finish. 3D Bead-It-Up is also another fantastic option.

Hybrid Ceramic Sprays

More durability and UV resistance.
Recommended: GTECHNIQ C2V3 or Technician's Choice G-MAX Graphene Spray both combine the power of ceramic properties and shine delivering amazinf protection with extreme ease of application.

Waxes or Sealants

Classic look and feel with great gloss.
Standard Carnauba based waxes are beginning to be phased out in lieu of the more modern, more durable and longer lasting sealants such as 3D Speed.

You can Expect longer Lasting protection and performance from sealants lasting typically between 8-16 months with proper application and care, as opposed to traditional waxes that perform for up to 3-6 months.

Ceramic Coatings (for longer-term protection)

When it comes to maximum durability, UV resistance, and deep gloss, ceramic coatings are the gold standard in paint protection.

Unlike traditional waxes or sealants that sit on top of the paint, ceramic coatings bond at a molecular level, creating a semi-permanent layer that resists:

UV damage
Oxidation
Bird droppings
Road salts
Tree sap
Chemical staining

What Is a Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coatings are made from silicon dioxide (SiO₂) or graphene-infused formulations. Once applied and cured, they form a hard shell that repels water, dirt, and contaminants while enhancing gloss and color depth.

You’ll get that ultra-slick, candy-gloss look that’s easy to maintain and hard to beat.

Key Benefits of Ceramic Coating

Long-Term Protection (1 to 5 years depending on the product)
UV Blockers that prevent fading and oxidation
Extreme Hydrophobic Properties – water beads and sheets off instantly
Makes Cleaning Easier – dirt doesn’t stick as easily
Resists Chemicals & Bird Droppings
Insane Gloss & Color Depth

Options Available at Pal Automotive

We carry some of the top-performing ceramic coatings in the industry, including:

GTECHNIQ Crystal Serum Light & EXO – Trusted by professionals worldwide
GYEON Coatings – Wide line of application friendly ceramic systems with superior water behavior

Maintain with Quick Detailers

Between full washes, use a quick detail spray to wipe off dust, light dirt, and pollen without scratching.

Try:
✔️ Jersey Shine Quick detail Spray
✔️ PAL Glass-EZE for interior & exterior windows
✔️ Shine-Eze for trim and plastic

Bonus Tips for Full Summer Protection

Park in shade or use a quality car cover
Keep a microfiber & detail spray in the trunk for spot cleanups
Don’t let bird droppings sit! Clean ASAP to avoid etching
Wash weekly during high pollen or dusty months

Protecting your paint from the summer sun doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few good products and a regular routine, you can keep your car looking its best through even the hottest days.

Pal Automotive Specialties has everything you need — from pro-grade soaps and coatings to towels, foam cannons, and interior care. Visit us in-store or shop online for the lowest prices and fastest shipping in the game.

Shine smarter. Protect longer. Detail like a pro — with PAL.