Reviving faded exterior trim.

[raife]

If like me you have an older xc90 with lots of black plastic you know getting it to look good is hard and if it does look good with a trim gel or something it doesn't last very long!

Today I have tried a product called C4 from Gtechinq. Its a permanent trim restorer and is unbelievably good.

It is pricey at £25 for 15ml but it goes a really longway and truely revives the plastic like nothing ive used before.

It is totally dry and if the claims are to be believed should last a year or maybe two.

I am in no way affliliated to the company - just a keen detailer!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOhdxJ-pBMs

[Bigice]

looks good, but I use coconut oil... lol it looks just as good and asda sell it for peanuts. lol

[AlanF]

I use a heat gun - the sort you use for stripping paint!!! Keep it moving and as it heats up the black areas it is just like spraying with paint as the oils are released and the colour returns. Make sure it is thoroughly cleaned first and then finish off with something that gives UV protection to slow down the fading process.

Alan

[petrolhead69]

The c4 should last a long time, I put c1 which is very similar on my x trail, paint and plastics in early 2010, and the plastics still look good. On the paint it beaded water and kept its self cleaning properties for 18 months. Unfortunately gtechniq have changed the formulation of c1 and durability isn't reported to be as good, so next time I'm going to use carpro cquartz which is supposed to be similar to the original c1. Their g1 glass coating lasts around a year as well, which is fantastic, rain x only would last a couple of months on my screen, g1 lasted a year and 50000 miles on my van.

[Funky Diver]

+1 on the heat gun... I've used it to great effect on 26 year old greyed trim (mk2 Scirocco) to bring it back to life... Obviously, jus be careful not to melt stuff, lol.

[dwaine dibbley]

I did the C4 treatment about 12 months ago, still looking good+++++

[Ninja59]

Originally Posted by petrolhead69

The c4 should last a long time, I put c1 which is very similar on my x trail, paint and plastics in early 2010, and the plastics still look good. On the paint it beaded water and kept its self cleaning properties for 18 months. Unfortunately gtechniq have changed the formulation of c1 and durability isn't reported to be as good, so next time I'm going to use carpro cquartz which is supposed to be similar to the original c1. Their g1 glass coating lasts around a year as well, which is fantastic, rain x only would last a couple of months on my screen, g1 lasted a year and 50000 miles on my van.

Gtechniq C1, C4 and the wheel armour C5 are EXACTLY the same.

Without saying to much as I know the guy who tested the new version(s) before they became C1+, C1+ I can confirm is not as strong as the original C1 professional product but they did so allowing it to a wider audience of people without so much risk. In addition I would also stay away from 22PLE if you were what so ever tempted, although I cannot confirm why but just say suppliers.

Rain- X is a terrible product on the whole.

edit: also that guy is applying it very very very poorly in that video I am not sure if he has done any form of wipedown (judging from the glance of the pad applying it - no), he should be at bare minimum wearing nitrile gloves as the oils from your fingers can cause some issues with bonding as well as issues in regards to his own health - actually I have very little positive to say about that application technique taking place. Do not be tempted to reuse microfibres that have removed these products as the product will crystallize on it potentially causing damage to paint etc.

[raife]

Thanks for the useful advice Ninja, I did post on DW looking for advice too!!

[Ninja59]

Hmm dw these days is full of well yes, I meant best one recently is someone doing a C2 application after every wash why? Crazy. Overtime I know many pros doing this day in day out that are close or have worked for these companies.

Overall c4 needs an ipa wipe down before application, nitrile gloves on if doing it in limited ventilation then a mask definitely these are not friendly products and also without the gloves defeats the object of doing a wipe down, wait 2-3 minutes that guy did it a little quick, and gently wipe away with a clean mcrofibre, then dump the gloves, pad and MF unless you can find a place like wheel arches and stuff where it won't matter not wheels or paint or glossy trim.

[Funky Diver]

Ninja,

I'm looking to apply tinting film to the interior of my XC. Now I'm happy doing it and have C1 and G4 as well as IPA (along with the necessary safety stuff!!)

Would you say that a clean of the interior windows using G4 would be sufficient to remove the crud that has accumulated over the last 9 years prior to application?

And yes, I know it'd be "better" to give it to a window tinting specialist... but I am not in the frame of mind or thickness of wallet to spend £350 to do that.