GTechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer Review

Recently I started trying out different detailing products and tried my first paint coating (Optimum Gloss Coat). Really impressed with the ease of use and the results. I have grown tired of dressings for the exterior plastic. After reading various posts on the forum at Autogeek, I ordered up some Gtechniq C4 from Autogeek. I ordered the 30 ml bottle since I thought the 15 ml wasn't enough. Application was super easy. Wiped the trim down with IPA, let dry, then follow with the coating with the supplied applicator pads. Only real pain was the applicators since they remind me of an Oxy pad. The pads tend to lent and come apart. Not a big deal. Kit came with 5 pads and used all of them. The bed rails really tear the pads up. Interestingly when cleaning up the old pads were hard from the coating, which excited me. I used approximately 1/3 of the bottle after coating mud flaps, mirror plastic, roof trim, bed rails, bumper, grill plastic, and for giggles I did my Avid lightbar that is Line-x. My mirror trim and roof trim were pretty roof and turning white.

Mirror after treatment- lighter spots is from glare


Roof trim- Was a nasty white on the edges



For comparison on the tailgate. Coated is obviously on the left. I didn't clean this area so it will be interesting to see how it lives.


After pic.


Trim looks nice. Now time to see how long it will last. Rain forecasted the next couple of days, so first test is on the way.

 

Subd for results. Also let us know if it leaves any black run marks down the side of the truck after it rains.

 

I don't anticipate and black marks. C4 is clear and the only place I was picking up any black residue was on the roof strips.

 

Looks great! Keep us updated on how well it holds up! If it does well this might be my next purchase after using Ultima Tire & Trim Guard for the past 5 years.

 

Just a quick update. Had a couple of days of rain. All looks good except where the applicator missed a spot or two.

 

Yea I'd love to see pictures after some good rain storms.. Most products I have tried look great at first...then actually end up looking worse after a moth or two..

 

has anyone compared this to the 303. just tried the 303 and was very happy, truck had not been treated for over a year (or possibly ever, cannot confirm previous treatments), great result. seeing if anyone else has had the same result.

Just an update, I applied the 303 on my tonneau cover yesterday around 5pm. Was surprised to see heavy dew this morning, looked at the cover and found no running or adverse issues... Just one persons observation for what its worth. I really like this stuff... I understand it is not the best for exterior plastics, but for an all around product used on almost everything, so far so good.

 

They are not the same type of product. 303 is a dressing while C4 is a coating. 303 has to be reapplied regularly as it just sits on top of the trim. Where C4 actually adheres to the trim. Unless your vehicle is garaged for a whole year, no way will 303 last over a year. Rain and routine washes will eventually wash it away. I have seen 303 run from a heavy dew.

 

Quick update.

Had around 2 inches of rain Thursday/Friday. Coating looks the same as when I applied it. No issues with streaking. Will post up some pics if the sun ever comes back out.

 

After heavy rains

 

You're going to be lucky to get a month out of 303 on anything. As much as I like it (not sure why) it has a pretty short life particularly on exterior finishes. I've had Meguiar's Ultimate Black on for a month or so and it still looks good though I did have some black streaking for a few days. Interested to see how this holds up, would you be interested in doing a side by side with Wipe New OP? Maybe on the inside of the bed or something.

 

I would be interested in a comparison but funds are low due to buying the wife a new 4Runner.

We have gotten pounded by rain the last week or so and the C4 is holding up well. Really impressed with it so far. No runs, which I didn't expect it would based upon reviews at Autogeek. I actually chose this due to a comparison someone did on Autogeek forum. They had tested something like 8 different products (don't remember exactly). C4 was in the top 2 or 3.

This stuff easily leaves 303 in the dust. Absolutely no comparison.

 

Looks good, link to product?

 

Let me Google that for you.

 

May seem expensive but a little goes a long way! I have coated my truck and the wife's Honda Accord. Have around half bottle left.

FYI. I bought it when Autogeek was running a 15% off sale.

 

Sweet, I've heard good things about their paint coatings so I'm sure this stuff is pretty solid! I need to take a pencil eraser to my tailgate handle because I stained it with some polish

 

Thought I would post up the latest pics. I am super impressed with results so far.

 

Everything is holding up well. Had scorching heat with heat index above 100 and a ridiculous amount of rain in July and August.

Also, trying C4 out on my wife's Weathertech floor mats. Finishes the black off nicely without making them slick.

 

How long is C4 supposed to last?

Also, is there any harm getting it on the paint?