The Science of Gtechniq: 25 Years of Innovation

In 2026, Gtechniq celebrates 25 years of science driven innovation in automotive surface protection. What began in 2001 as a scientific pursuit has grown into a global brand trusted by enthusiasts, professional detailers and vehicle manufacturers alike. From the very beginning, Gtechniq set out to challenge traditional thinking around paint protection and replace short term cosmetic solutions with measurable, long term performance.

Gtechniq was founded by Dr. Drew Gill, a quantum physicist whose background in materials science shaped the company’s direction from day one. Rather than reformulating waxes or polymers, Dr. Gill focused on understanding why surfaces degrade, how contamination bonds at a molecular level and how coatings could chemically bond to a surface instead of sitting on top of it. That research led to some of the earliest true ceramic coating technologies in the automotive industry.

In the early 2000s, most paint protection products lasted weeks or months at best. In 2004, Gtechniq introduced C1 Crystal Lacquer, one of the industry’s first quartz based coatings designed to bond directly to paint. C1 set a new standard for hardness, clarity and durability, proving that coatings could become part of the surface rather than a temporary layer.

As the brand grew, innovation expanded beyond paint alone. In 2008, Gtechniq launched several products that would become staples in surface protection, including C4 Permanent Trim Restorer, C5 Wheel Armour and C2 Liquid Crystal. C4 addressed the growing issue of fading exterior plastics by forming a chemical bond with trim rather than sitting on top of it. C5 was engineered to withstand the high heat and contamination found on wheels, while C2 delivered fast, easy ceramic protection with impressive water behavior and gloss.

Hydrophobic performance became a major focus as vehicles and maintenance expectations evolved. In 2012, EXO was introduced as a dedicated top coat designed to dramatically reduce surface tension. Rather than focusing solely on durability, EXO improved real world usability by making vehicles easier to clean, reducing dirt adhesion and enhancing gloss. This marked a shift toward complete coating systems rather than single product solutions.

In 2014, Gtechniq raised the bar again with the launch of Crystal Serum Ultra, a professional only coating that introduced a new level of chemical resistance and durability. This technology was later adapted into Crystal Serum Light, released in 2015, bringing similar performance characteristics to a wider audience while maintaining ease of use and long term reliability.

As paint protection film and vinyl wraps became more common, traditional paint coatings were no longer sufficient for every surface. In 2018, Gtechniq launched HALO Flexible Film Coating, developed specifically for PPF and vinyl. HALO was engineered to flex with the film, maintain optical clarity and improve hydrophobic performance without compromising self healing properties or surface finish.

Throughout these advancements, one thing has remained constant. Gtechniq products are developed through real world testing, not theory alone. From daily driven vehicles to show cars and hypercars, every Gtechniq coatings are trusted across so many levels of the automotive industry.

formula is refined through use, feedback and continued research. This commitment to validation is why As the company enters its 25th year, the mission remains unchanged. Build products based on science, test them in real conditions and continue pushing surface protection forward as vehicles and materials evolve. The technology will continue to change, but the foundation will always be rooted in measurable performance and scientific integrity.

Twenty five years on, Gtechniq is proud of how far the science has come and even more excited about what comes next.