Keep Your Caravan’s Black Protection Panels Looking Factory Fresh With LANOX MX4

September 18th, 2025

Black checkerplate looks fantastic on modern Australian caravans – until it doesn’t. Whether you’ve got a JB Caravan, New Age, Jayco or any other brand with black diamond plating or non-diamond black and dark grey lower panelling, you’ve probably noticed the amazing-looking panelling can lose its lustre fast. The Australian sun fades it, red dust sticks to it and every cleaning product you try either washes off with the first shower or makes it look worse.

Here’s the solution that actually works: LANOX MX4 Lanolin Lubricant. Used by marine operators and industrial applications, it’s the secret to maintaining that factory-fresh black checkerplate appearance for months, not days.

Why Your Protection Panels Look Dull

Black checkerplate and lower protection panels start life with a powder-coated finish that looks brilliant – but Australia’s harsh conditions attack them from day one:

• UV Exposure: Breaks down the surface coating, causing that familiar faded look.
• Red Dust & Road Grime: Embeds into textured surfaces – whether diamond pattern checkerplate or textured panels – where regular washing can’t reach.
• Salt Air: Accelerates deterioration during coastal travel.

Traditional car products make it worse – tyre shine attracts dirt, standard wax doesn’t bond properly to textured or dark surfaces and most cleaners strip away any protection you’ve applied.

Textured checkerplate catches everything and holds onto it, while even textured black panels show every speck of dust and fade unevenly. Both turn your sharp-looking protection into dull, grey surfaces that scream ‘neglected caravan’.

Most products fail because they’re designed for smooth car paint, not industrial-grade textured surfaces that face extreme conditions.

LANOX MX4 – The Right Solution

After 4 years of research and development, LANOX MX4 was specifically formulated for extreme conditions and long-lasting protection. Here’s what makes it different:

• Lanolin base: This natural wool-derived ingredient penetrates deep and bonds to surfaces, creating lasting protection that won’t wash off with water.
• Anti-Static Properties: Unlike car products that attract dust, LANOX MX4 actively repels it.
• Slippery Protective Film: Sheds dirt, mud, salt spray and road grime instead of trapping it.

The marine industry relies heavily on LANOX MX4 for protecting equipment in the harshest salt-water environments. If it can handle constant ocean spray, your caravan’s checkerplate is easy work. Plus, it’s non-conductive, making it safe around any electrical components on your van.

This isn’t a quick fix – it’s an industrial-grade solution that addresses the root cause of checkerplate deterioration.

How To Apply LANOX MX4 (Step-By-Step)

1. Preparation: Clean your checkerplate thoroughly and let it dry completely. Choose a mild day – not blazing sun or before expected rain.
2. Product Prep: Place your 5L bottle in the sun for 10+ minutes to warm the product. Give it a good shake to mix the lanolin properly – this step is crucial for even application.
3. Protect Your Area: Lay down drop sheets or cardboard around your caravan. LANOX MX4 creates a slippery surface and will stain your driveway with oil patches – you don’t want overspray making your area dangerous or discoloured.
4. Patience Pays Off: Allow 2-7 days for complete curing. This isn’t just drying time – the lanolin is bonding to create long-lasting protection. Resist the urge to touch or test it during this period.
5. Maintenance Schedule: Reapply every 3-6 months depending on your travel frequency and conditions. Beach trips and dusty outback travel may require more frequent application.

Pro Tip: Shake the bottle regularly during application to keep the lanolin properly mixed.

Why Choose The 5L Size

• Simple Economics: Most caravans with full checkerplate coverage need 2-3 litres for proper application. The 5L bottle gives you multiple applications plus coverage for other caravan maintenance tasks.
• Cost Breakdown: Better value per litre than smaller sizes and you’ll use it for chassis protection, hitch maintenance and other applications around the van. One bottle could handle your checkerplate needs for 12-18 months.
• Bonus: The 5L bottle includes a free 500ml spray applicator, perfect for applying to all surfaces, touch-ups and electrical components around the caravan. (If you’re really keen, the 20L option also includes the applicator, but 5L is plenty for most caravan owners.)
• Alternative Option: INOX MX3 lubricant also works well but requires more frequent reapplication. Choose LANOX MX4 for maximum protection intervals.

What To Expect

• Immediate Results: Your checkerplate will look deeper, richer and more uniform than any polish or tyre shine can achieve.
• Long-Term Benefits: Dust and dirt slide off instead of embedding. Washing becomes easier and less frequent. The black colour stays true instead of fading to grey. Salt spray and road chemicals can’t penetrate the protective barrier.
• Real-World Performance: Caravan owners report going months between detailed cleaning sessions, with simple hose-downs keeping the checkerplate looking fresh.

Professional Maintenance Tips

• Between Applications: Gentle rinse cleaning only. Avoid harsh detergents or high-pressure washing that can strip the protective film.
• Reapplication Signs: When water stops beading on the surface or dust starts sticking again, it’s time for another coat.
• Storage Protection: Apply LANOX MX4 before putting your caravan away for the season. It provides excellent long-term storage protection.
• Cleaning Tip: If you need to deep clean, allow the surface to dry and reapply the LANOX MX4.

Beyond Checkerplate

Don’t stop at the checkerplate. LANOX MX4 excels at protecting your caravan’s chassis, wheel hubs (avoiding the brake discs and calipers), hitch components and any exposed metal surfaces. It’s particularly valuable for electrical connections (being non conductive), preventing corrosion that causes expensive failures on the road.

Many caravan owners use it as part of their pre-trip preparation routine, ensuring everything that can corrode or seize up is properly protected.

The Bottom Line

Your caravan’s black checkerplate doesn’t have to look tired and faded. Industrial-grade protection exists – you just need to use the right product properly.

LANOX MX4 stops the cycle of constant cleaning and reapplication that traditional products demand. One proper application protects for months, saving time and maintaining your caravan’s appearance and value.

Ready to transform your caravan maintenance routine? Find your nearest LANOX MX4 stockist using our online store locator to get your 5L bottle. Experience the difference quality protection makes – your checkerplate and your sanity will thank you.