Driven & Kept

Gloss paint

A glossy painted panel, usually with a clear protective top layer.

01 / IDENTIFY

Identify existing wax, coating or film before washing. Use products permitted for that finish and remove loose dirt before contact.

02 / CARE

Use a dedicated clean wash medium and a compatible shampoo at its labelled dose. Work under the stated conditions, then rinse and dry with clean media.

03 / KEEP SEPARATE

Do not treat washing, polishing and applying protection as the same task. A scratch or etched mark needs assessment before an abrasive process.

Pause and reassess if:

The finish is peeling, a mark remains after ordinary cleaning, or the panel was recently repaired.

WORK FROM THE ACTUAL MATERIAL

This file is a starting decision framework, not a chemical compatibility certificate. Check the vehicle specification, any installer paperwork and the label of the exact product you plan to use. If these instructions disagree, resolve the mismatch with the relevant manufacturer before proceeding.

Sources & further reading

Checked September 8, 2026. Manufacturer material describes the named product or vehicle; it is not a universal instruction for every model.

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