GTechniq C5 Wheel Armour applied
 

Hi all,
Just wanted to share my experience with applying GTechniq C5 Wheel Armour ceramic coating.
My wheels are from my 2007 STi Spec D hence being silver. They have been reconditioned at some point, but to a very high standard. I've had them for a few years now, and have always looked after them with Poorboys Wheel Sealant and Collinite 915 - great products, but fancied putting C5 to the winter test.
After all the prep, I dried the wheels and bought them indoors to warm up.

The panel wipe was great, and left the faces and drums ready for the C5.

The C5 was easy to apply with the supplied lint free cotton applicators, I got another pack of 10 applicators, they are cheap at 35p for 10 and you'll need them as you only get 4 in the C5 pack. The 15ml bottle should be enough, but I doubt I will have any left once I do the other two wheels and all 4 Brembo calipers.

Wait 30-50 seconds and gently level off. It's not like buffing off a wax or polish, just needs a light level with gentle wiping is all that's required. I did 1/4 of a wheel at a time, and the same inside the drums. On a silver wheel it's fairly hard to see where you have applied the C5 as it is 100% transparent and doesn't flash like a wax.
I think there are still a lot of people who fear ceramic coatings, and how badly it can go wrong....but with care and attention it's fine. Use sparingly and don't leave on there too long and you can't go wrong.

Products used :
https://www.prestigecarcareshop.com/...rubber-cleaner
https://www.cleanandshiny.co.uk/coll...-shampoo-300ml
https://www.cleanandshiny.co.uk/prod...=2874636959773
https://www.cleanandshiny.co.uk/prod...=6017525547037
https://www.cleanandshiny.co.uk/prod...nt=33709236295
https://www.cleanandshiny.co.uk/prod...nt=33708523335
https://www.cleanandshiny.co.uk/prod...nt=33708507463
https://www.cleanandshiny.co.uk/prod...18478048706658

Yes that is a lot of products, but all very handy to keep in the cleaning arsenal I think you'll agree, and some items I had already, plus plenty of nitrile gloves.
I did miss a few stubborn tar spots in the drums, but I can live with that.
How long will C5 last?....we'll see, but at the very least should give me plenty of winter / road salt protection. I'm giving the wheels the full 12 hour indoor curing time. C5 can also be used on painted calipers and exhaust tips.

I highly recommend Clean and Shiny based in Aldershot in Hampshire, they have so much stuff and all the top quality brands and latest products. They have been there since 2003 and I've only just realised they are on my doorstep. I only heard about them by chance from a YouTube video and the guy on the video gave them a mention. Nearly fell off my chair when he said Aldershot.
I asked the guy there (John) if he'd ever been to Waxstock...."Have I ever been to Waxstock? I own Waxstock" Really nice helpful guy, great staff, and the walk in shop is a proper detailing man cave!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...54ab631662.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...73edaf04f9.jpg

Interesting write up :thumb: I use the G1 and G2 for my glass and was interested in how easy this was to apply. I would be keen to know how long it lasts too.

I used this on my wheels when i bought them. Been on the car 18 months and still going strong. Going to do them again next year.

Thank you Rusti, yes I saw you'd used those products.
I think with all these things it is based on using the product carefully and as instructed, and the most important thing being the prep of course.
I'm hoping for 8-12 months realistically, and in that time only needing a gentle wash (no chemicals) and a good power rinse once a month.

I don't have a garage I can use, so will wait for the warmer / drier spring weather when I will try the GTechniq Crystal Serum Light on the paintwork....not ideal curing outside, but I don't have an option.

Ah cool, still good beading?

Yeh still good. Did my exhaust as well. It makes cleaning so easy. By the time it has had a good blast with the pressure washer they only need a quick wipe and they are good as new.