Todd@RUPES
Just a regular guy
How long is it supposed to last (according to marketing/manufacturer)? Sounds like a great product if its going on 3 months.
Got To Try My GTechniq C4 Trim Restorer
- Thread starter Setec Astronomy
- Start date
How long is it supposed to last (according to marketing/manufacturer)? Sounds like a great product if its going on 3 months.
Rocket
New member
All of their products are "semi permanent" IIRC. I think C4 is suppose to last for 1 year +
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
Here you go:
It still looks good, but honestly, it's fading. I'm not sure if this is just the product, or the fact that this trim was badly faded because it had been sitting outside 24/7 for 8 years at the time I applied the dressing, or it just doesn't like this trim, or I had residue of previous dressings, etc. The C4 has lasted longer than anything else I've used, but I was late to the UTTG/WETS party, so I don't really know how that compares, those products may be more cost effective. I'll probably apply another coat of C4 before the winter to refresh this one.
mikenap
New member
I've been thinking about a potential use of this C4, so please bear with me. Obviously, it restores pretty faded trim upon application and is super durable compared to standard dressings. Once cured, full strength APC won't phase it but it HAS started fading after several months.
Now if you apply it, wait for it to cure, and then clean it with APC before you OptiCoat it, would the OC "lock in" the restored look? As long as the trim is clean, the OC should bond, so I'm wondering if this would actually work or if it's just wishful thinking.
Now if you apply it, wait for it to cure, and then clean it with APC before you OptiCoat it, would the OC "lock in" the restored look? As long as the trim is clean, the OC should bond, so I'm wondering if this would actually work or if it's just wishful thinking.
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
Honestly I'd give the OC a shot by itself. Some people have said it restores trim, some say it only works if the trim is in good condition (I guess it just depends). If the OC doesn't restore it, I think your plan of trying to "lock in" the C4 is a good one, and I don't think you need to scrub it with APC beforehand, the C4 dries to a non-greasy surface.
On bad faded trim, you will need to prep the plastic with an acid. My wiper cowl was in fair condition so I just preped with APC and C4 is going on 8 months and looks real good. On the other hand I did C4 on a badly oxidized wiper cowl and it only lasted 3 months before turning grey. I called the rep and he told me to prep with acid (Rocky Mountain Spot Remover). It's been 5 months and looks like the day I put it on.
mikenap
New member
Hi Ron. IIRC, you've been using C4 longer than just about anyone I can recall. What are your thoughts about topping it with OptiCoat?
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
Interesting...I'm not familiar with that product, I wonder if the Valugard Step B (acid) would work?
I believe Cory (Ceedog) has topped C4 with good results.
Any acid type water spot remover for paint should work. I've also tried Mark V Splash, ACS, and MX7.
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
What is the theory behind the acid prep?
The acid will clean out the mineral deposits out of the pores of the plastic. APC's are not strong enough to remove the deposits. Some have been sitting there for years. After an acid wash your plastics will look amazing..C4 will keep it looking that way.
Bobcat
New member
Valugard makes a trim dye kit that looks very good, a friend of mine uses it with great results. It's something on my "to buy" list once I finish paying some heavy bills.