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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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Location:

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

Never got to try it due to the horrendous service from DPD after waiting in for several days on end really disappointed
Helpful Report
Posted 7 years ago
This is was my first time using this type of trim restorer, have been using 303, poorboys etc etc so I was kinda excited to give it a go. Super easy to apply, great coverage & the results are superb. I have no idea about longevity yet but it surely must out last the previous products I have used.
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
This is the best trim restorer I've ever used. I've used this on an otherwise untouched faded black bumper and it is still black after 6 months where other treatments on the same panel have mostly all returned to grey. The small bottle also covers a lot more than you would imagine. You can do a door mirror with only a few drops on a lint free pad that is supplied with the bottle.
1 Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
C4 completely changed the finish on the 30 year old bumpers on my car. It literally brought them back to life. I have tried many other products but this one worked.
Helpful Report
Posted 9 years ago
Early days yet but the application of this product on my boat proved almost to easy. I simply did not believe the instructions of apply and then immediately wipe off any excess as the coating is so thin in the first place, but it is true. The initial result looks very promising - the plastic bits concerned were not this shiny new! I will update re longevity after a reasonable period. A marine environment is a good test.
Helpful Report
Posted 9 years ago
After using alot of other products like A***gly* Bumper Gel, Me* bumper gel, Meg*ire* restoer etc. I thought I'd try this little bottle. I had my doubts but was very pleasantly surprised. Although the bottle is quite small, 15ml seems to be just the right amount for my Mk3 VW Golf. After 1 wash, some rain and a long trip th bumpers and archers are still black. I would surely use this product again. Also delivery is quick and items are always packaged well.
Helpful Report
Posted 10 years ago
If you want the best buy this. Possibly the best money can buy. Lasts a long time.
Helpful Report
Posted 10 years ago
I purchased this product to restore some very faded trim on my Alfa Romeo 156, namely the the front number plate mount and the scuttle panel. The number plate panel was removed from the car, washed, dried and the cleaned down with IPA. The C4 was applied but appeared to make very little difference so once dried I applied a second coat but again made very little difference. I tried the C4 on some black pieces of trim around the car that were less faded and it brought them up very well. So, I was disappointed with the results on the very faded trim as this is really why I purchased the product. For the scuttle I ended up using a dye type producted that effectively re-colours the trim which did improve its appearance. As I only applied the C4 about a week ago I am not able to comment on its longevity in the areas in which it did work.
1 Helpful Report
Posted 11 years ago