I wanted to start off by saying that I’m pretty excited that DI has been stocking the Gtechniq line! I’ve been using Gtechniq for years and have always had a great appreciation for the products. They’re solid and always preform amazingly. Now onto the review of the I1 Smart Fabric!

I1 is a very versatile product and can be used on all types of fabrics. Interior carpets, floor mats, convertible tops, seats, carpeted wheel wells and even under the bonnet on the fabric insulation guard. All these areas can have increased protection by using the Smart Fabric.

I1 will produce a hydrophobic effect with water and other liquids. When I1 Smart Fabric is used as a convertible top protectant, it will help the regular maintenance washes and act with amazing self cleaning properties. Protecting against bird droppings, oils and other natural fall-out as well as the most commonly used shampoos.

If you’re a crazy coffee drinker like I am and can’t leave the house without a cup, you know how much coffee can stain the carpets (we don’t mean to spill … but it happens!). This I1 Smart Fabric will not allow those stains to occur and set into the actual carpet. If you spill a little, just grab a few napkins to soak it up, it is that easy! If you spill a lot, you may need a bigger napkin, BUT as long as the I1 Smart Fabric is protecting the carpets it will hold that liquid on top of the carpet. This allows it to not penetrate the fibers or reach into the base of the material. Coffee, protein shake whatever your car driving drink of choice is it is great to be safe guarded! Your shoes, your outdoor furniture, canopy’s & tents, grill cover, I mean its just so versatile. I’ve got I1 Smart Fabric on all the above of my own! The rain and all else just rolls off and helps with quicker faster drying and non-damp storage.

Okay, back to auto care starting with how easy it is to use! It comes ready to spray (no dilution required) and if there is any over-spray on material you wish it not to touch, not a problem. It will not hurt anything, although you should get it wiped up as soon as possible. Do your best to avoid contact with the paint, trim and other non-fabric surface and all the material that it is being applied to MUST be completely clean and dry first.

Here is the soft top from a recently completed Bentley GT (above and below)

In the picture below the top is completely saturated with water from the wash. It has no protection at all on it and if we were to wring this top out, I’m sure their must be at least a gallon of water within it. This is something we don’t want. Things can mildew, rot or remain damp for sometime after something as simple as a wash.

After the top on the car had completely dried, I masked off a few area’s to protect the paint. The rear window I just used a clean microfiber towel and guided it with each spray.

You want to make sure you’ve covered the entire surface and 2-3 coats would be ideal. I would recommend keeping it about 10″ to 12″ inches from the material upon each spray and for the best results, get the material very well covered.

This Ferrari F430 also got some Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric for the convertible top protectant.

This fabric guard will not get rid of the creases in the soft tops caused from active use. That gets asked to me occasionally and the I1 is just hands down a great protectant!

As you can see from the picture above, the hydrophobic properties are amazing! The I1 Smart Fabric still allows the material to breath and does not take away from the natural texture what so ever. Durability will depend on the amount of use obviously and will require re-application as needed.

Like I said in the beginning, I’m really excited that DI is now carrying the Gtechniq products!