Nothing makes all your hard work after perfecting the paint look more incomplete then old faded trim.  I seem to have a weak spot for trying lots of different trim coatings, and I must say that Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer certainly has become one of my favorites to use since trying it.  As with most of the trim coatings on the market, C4 is claiming a durability of roughly 24 months.

Product Description

Gtechniq C4 is not just your regular trim coating, it will bond to your trim restoring it to like new condition with ease! Most trim restorers or protectants are shiny coatings that sit on top of the plastic and they only provide temporary shine and color restoration. C4 actually swaps part of its molecular structure with the surface molecules of your car’s trim! This allows the C4 to keep your trim looking brand new for up to two years! Use C4 on trim, weather stripping, plastic mirrors, battery covers, hoses, etc. If you are looking to restore your trim to like new condition grab a bottle of the C4 Permanent Trim Restorer today!

Application Information

• Do not dilute
• Apply at a temperature above 40 degrees F and not in direct sunlight
• If applying indoors ensure that there is adequate ventilation and wear protective gloves
• Ensure that the surface to be coated is entirely free from fats/oils or previously applied products
• Use the lint free application pads supplied to spread the coating onto the trim
• Because the coating forms its bond immediately it is very important to remove excess coating from the treated surface and any that has gone onto the vehicles bodywork or glass within 5 minutes of application
• To remove residue, use a clean microfiber cloth

Pictured below is cowl trim piece on a Porsche Boxster, and you will notice how faded or aged it looks.  Over time with exposure to the sun all trim will begin to look like this if not properly cared for and protected.  This is where a product like Gtechniq C4 is perfect.

To begin the application, you will want to thoroughly clean the trim.  I like using Einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner, as shown in my previous blog on this product.

Application is quite simple with C4.  Included in the kit is everything you will need to use, including cotton applicators that will be used to apply the product.  You will apply a small amount of coating on the applicator to start applying.  A small amount will go a long way when using this product, and you will want to be sure that you are applying the product evenly.

You can see that once dried the product will drastically darken the trim leaving a dark, rich sheen on the trim.

The rear bumper guards also were in poor condition and needed some attention. These were cleaned just like all the other trim pieces before applying the coating.

For the application of C4 on these, I preferred to use a detailing swab as this was easier to get into the tighter spaces recessed into the bumper cover.

As with the cowl trim, you can see that the dark color has been restored to the piece and should remain for upwards of 2 years.

The one on the left is cleaned and has the coating applied, while the one on the right is still in the condition that the car arrived in.

If you are wanting a product that is extremely easy to use that will darken and protect your trim for years, not weeks or months then you will certainly want to give Gtechniq C4 a try.