Good people of Briskoda, my supply of Optimum Optiseal has come to end and as I love the ease of use of OOS, I want to replace with a similar product.

I've seen many people advocate the use of GTechniq C2v3 and think I'll give it a bash. Have used GTechniq stuff before, namely G1 and G4. But have a couple of questions:

1. What should it sit on? Does it need a base layer?

2. What is 'real' world durability like? I do 500-1000 miles a week

3. Can it / does it need to be layered?

4. Can I top it with a QD, currently have a stash of Zaino Z6

Any feedback would be great

Taken from 'Ultimate Finish'

I havent used it so I had to copy this for you

Its a sealer, so just one coat is enough ......to completely bare paint....ie. all previous products removed

Instructions for use:

Prepare the surfaces to be treated (C2 v3 works on all substrates including paint, GRP, glass, metal, rubber and plastics) by washing with a wax-free pH-neutral shampoo to remove organic dirt such as grease, soot, wax and polish residues, rinse thoroughly and then dry using a drying towel.

Wipe C2 v3 onto all surfaces using a microfibre cloth and dry using a clean microfibre cloth. Do not apply in direct sunlight or allow to dry. By applying slight hand pressure when drying C2 v3 offers longer adhesion and higher gloss levels. One pass and a single thin layer is all that is required.

Maintenance

A single application of C2 v3 offers up to 8 months protection. C2 v3 does not require any special maintenance routine and being inorganic will cause no adverse reaction with any other product including repaint. For very best results use a 1:20 dilution of C2 v3 as a quick detailer (spray onto surfaces just prior to drying) once every 3 washes. C2 v3 can alsobe layered to hide minor surface imperfections (e.g. marring on soft lacquers).

I have used this recently on my own new motor, very happy with it's sheeting and durability at the moment, will be running with this product long term to see how it gets on:

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=309213

The product, as Chris has suggested, is a one hit sealant, super slick once applied

Thanks Chris and SImon

So it appears that there is no other base or prep required and can just be applied to bare paint, loving the ease of use of these products, so will get some ordered.

I'll keep tabs on that DW thread and would be keen to understand how the durability is going.

Thanks Chris and SImon

So it appears that there is no other base or prep required and can just be applied to bare paint, loving the ease of use of these products, so will get some ordered.

I'll keep tabs on that DW thread and would be keen to understand how the durability is going.

No worries, I wouldn't say that G-Techniq are the easiest products to apply but then that does depend on the product, like many things though a lot of it is down to the preparation and getting the most out of the product used.

Glad to help

However, I would recommend a paint cleanser or a light polishing followed by an IPA wipe down before applying it to ensure proper adhesion and bonding

C2v3 is best direct on the body, it can be put on top of wax or filler polishes though this will ultimately impare the overall durability of it.

As Chris says, a good polish, panel wipe and a couple of layers of C2v3 would get the best out of the product.

Thanks Svend - got some on order to try!

C2 does not chemically bond, so no need for IPA and/or panel wipe and lack of this should not affect how long it lasts according to Gtechniq. Obviously you want car clean as possible though as it will seal in any watermarks, tar spots, blemishes too

So far for me it offers great levels of gloss, recent dirt will run off with heavy rain (noticed this already on wife's fiat 500 which is really bad at the rear for this). Good levels of water repellency, near Exo levels, and so far it is lasting well, but only 1 month in on both cars.

I also only applied 1:1 diluted, as personally I like it easier to spray and buff off. I'm topping up as a QD every other wash at 4:1.

So thumbs up from me so far