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Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer Reviews

4.5 Rating 31 Reviews
Read CleanYourCar.co.uk Reviews

Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer — long-term plastic trim restoration

Gtechniq C4 utilises a covalent or chemical bond to actually become an extension of the plastic molecule it's protecting.  Not to be confused with much weaker electrostatic bonds used by, amongst others, ptfe based polymers Gtechniq C4 actually swaps part of its molecular structure with the surface molecules of your car's trim.

What this means is that you now have a protective coating of unparalleled durability.  Unlike many trim products on the market Gtechniq C4 is an exceptionally thin (circa 30nm) optically clear film which means that it does not add an unattractive gloss film to the surface instead it restores all but the most faded trim to an as new condition.

You can expect approximately 2 years from a single application.


Chemical bonding technology — far more durable than dressings
Restores faded plastic to a natural satin appearance
UV protection reduces future fading
Non-greasy finish with no sling or runoff
Long-term durability measured in years, not weeks


How C4 differs from traditional trim dressings

Most trim products rely on oils or silicones that temporarily darken plastics but wash away quickly. C4 instead uses a reactive silane-based formula that bonds directly to the polymer surface. This means the restored finish does not rely on surface oils and will not streak in rain.


For best preparation prior to application, ensure the trim is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. A dedicated cleaner such as pre-wash products and a solvent-based panel wipe may be required to remove residues before coating.

Application Process


Thoroughly clean and dry the trim.
Remove any previous dressings or oils.
Apply a small amount of Gtechniq C4 using the supplied applicator.
Spread evenly and allow to cure.
Buff lightly with a clean microfibre cloth if necessary.


Professional Guidance


Apply to cool surfaces out of direct sunlight.
Only use on unpainted exterior plastic trim.
Do not apply to rubber tyres or textured coatings not intended for bonding coatings.


C4 is ideal for restoring bumpers, mirror housings, scuttle panels and textured plastic trims where permanent correction is required.


Available in 15ml & 30ml bottles


Gtechniq C4 Safety Data Sheet





Our Take

“What we use when we want faded trim to stay sorted, not just look better for a week.”

C4 is one of those trim products we don’t treat lightly. It isn’t a quick dressing or a short-term darkener — it’s a proper restorative coating. When we’re dealing with faded, weathered exterior plastics and we want a long-term fix rather than a temporary cosmetic boost, this is the route we take.

Technically, C4 forms a chemical bond with the plastic substrate rather than sitting on top of it. That’s the key difference. Instead of leaving an oily layer that washes away, this ceramic coating penetrates and restores colour at the surface level, which is why the results last significantly longer than traditional trim dressings.

In terms of finish, we’ve found it delivers a natural, factory-style darkening rather than a glossy or artificial look. It enhances the richness of the trim without making it look wet or shiny, which is exactly what we prefer on modern vehicles.

Preparation is everything with C4 — we always make sure the surface is properly cleaned and free from old dressings before applying. Do that, apply sparingly, and the durability is genuinely impressive. For us, it’s one of the most reliable long-term trim solutions on the market if we want restoration and protection in one step.

About CleanYourCar.co.uk:

Established in 2005, Cleanyourcar.co.uk is the UK's leading online Car Care & Car Cleaning Megastore. We import car detailing products from around the world to give you the ultimate choice for when you come to clean your car.

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Phone:

01484841444

Email:

sales@cleanyourcar.co.uk

Location:

Unit 18a, Holme Mills, West Slaithwaite Road,
Unit 18a, Holme Mills, West Slaithwaite Road
North Yorkshire
HD7 6LS

The colour difference between the faded trim and one wipe over with this stuff is incredible. I've used it on my last two cars and both bikes and after two years the colour and beading is still going good.
Helpful Report
Posted 9 months ago
Amazing! I have used SiO2 products like CarPro PERL and had pretty good results, so I wasn't sure whether it was necessary to spend the money on something like this. However, given its alleged durability and the already stark difference in colour of trim, I'm sold. 10/10.
Helpful Report
Posted 3 years ago
Great product, restored my plastic trim and rubber seal on my VW Scirocco to like new!
1 Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Restored really faded plastic on Citroen Relay camper. Worked very well and gives a nice water beading finish, hopefully it will last.
Helpful Report
Posted 5 years ago
Small bottle but excellent results. I was able to do all the exterior trim and bumpers on my Volvo XC40 and used just 50% so plenty left over. Looking forward to see how long it lasts.
Helpful Report
Posted 5 years ago
Excellent stuff,restored black trim on a 16 year old car.And fast delivery from Clean your ride.
Helpful Report
Posted 5 years ago
Actually restores trim to its original colour rather than just masking it. For a long time I was toying with the idea of spray painting the plastic trim on my car but instead decided to use this and I'm glad I did. It makes a huge difference without the prep and inevitable stone chips associated with spraying trim. This is expensive for the amount of product you get but you really don't need any more as a quick wipe over does the job. The included applicator pads are perfect for evenly distributing the product. I haven't been able to test the longevity but a friend used C4 to restore the trim on his car and the trim is only just starting to fade again after nearly 2 years. This is a car that is left outside in all weathers, so not a bad result at all and the original restore perfectly removed some old baked in polish marks.
2 Helpful Report
Posted 5 years ago
Author didn't leave any comments.
Helpful Report
Posted 7 years ago