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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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I had great expectations before I used this product based on other reviews and Gtechnique's marketing. I'm in the process of reviving my parents' Freelander's paintwork and trim, so the perfect opportunity to put it to the test. The Freelander has a grey bumper which was badly oxidised. I cleaned it thoroughly before I started so it had the perfect surface for application. The bumper has quite a textured surface so took quite some time to work into the surface. The finished result was an improvement but it was terribly patchy. I gave the grey bumper a second coat but this made no difference. On the black trim, it was fantastic, but it was rubbish on grey. I wouldn't use this product again on grey trim and for the price, I'm still to be convinced of its longevity on black. I'll certainly be looking at using a different product in future.
2 Helpful Report
Posted 10 years ago
I used C4 on the faded front fairing of my Honda CBF600. Now it's a bit darker but I expected much better results. The fairing was thoroughly cleaned before applying C4, followed by degreasing with CarPro Eraser. The poor result could be caused by low temperature after applying C4 (just a few degrees) but I am not sure. I am a bit dissapointed.
Helpful Report
Posted 11 years ago
As others have said, seems a very good product, what there was of it! Not quite enough for my Volvo XC70 which was a shame as at this price, I cannot justify two bottles for one application. Would have given 5 stars if a slightly larger bottle.
Helpful Report
Posted 11 years ago
Good stuff but expensive. A tad cheaper and 5 stars would have been awarded.
Helpful Report
Posted 12 years ago
Having tried various trim products of both wet-look as well as matte finish varieties I stumbled across this product. Whilst its easy to be put off by the price considering how small the bottle is don't be, you use literally drops of this on most trim panels as a little will go a very long way. Application is simple, thoroughly remove any previous wax or product on the trim piece, then apply using the provided cloths and then buff off using a microfibre cloth, that's it. The panel will return to its original look, not shiny but also not dull. Highly recommended and the best trim product I've used to date
Helpful Report
Posted 12 years ago
Excellent stuff, I just used a microfibre cloth to put it on & remove, fantastic results. A little disconcerting about the price against the size of the bottle but definately worth it. Recommend to list everytging that requires C4 & do all at once as you have to throw away the microfibre cloth after use.
Helpful Report
Posted 12 years ago
Watched a video of how to apply this on the gtecniq website and thought it looked too easy but it was so simple. You only need a couple of drops, wipe on and then wipe over and it's done. Looks brand new... Excellent product!
Helpful Report
Posted 12 years ago
I don't know why I was so surprised that it worked as well as everyone said it would, but I was. Everything you've heard is true. Its obscenely easy to apply & its horribly effective! No chance of telling the Mrs it took hours of backbreaking arm straining effort to apply. You put it onto a pad & wipe it over & yer done. It leaves plastic with a "factory fresh" look, not shiny, not sticky, not nasty looking. Just nice black plastics.
Helpful Report
Posted 12 years ago