Best soft top waterproofer I've used

Geebo

Geebo

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After nine years of VX220 (weekend car) & the last two years of A4 Cab roof proofing the best product by far in my experience is this
Interior Coatings // G|Techniq
Ive used Renovo & Autoglym products but I think this is a much better product.
The beading & water sheeting is nothing short of remarkable. I'm nothing to do with the company.
I just thought I'd share what I've discovered over the last nine years of re proofing my soft tops.
This is my A4 Cab roof a couple of months after being treated.



 
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Good to know, does it darken the colour of the roof by any chance?

PS photos taken on a beautiful Scottish summer's day by any chance?
 
Yes, I've been using the Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric Coat and can confirm that it's a great stuff...
 
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Stevieb2905 said:
Good to know, does it darken the colour of the roof by any chance?

PS photos taken on a beautiful Scottish summer's day by any chance?
Click to expand...
No it doesn't darken the colour of the roof sorry.
Ha ha ha not a beautiful Scottish summers day (I really must get up to Scotland)
Just an early spring North Staffordshire day.
 
Scotland, particularly the highlands, is the place to cruise with the top down. Your partner will be able to soak up some of the most stunning scenery in the world but unfortunately you'll miss out, your eyes will be glued firmly on the road as you'll need to average at least 80mph so the rain and midges get blown right over the back. Some of the roads are pretty nice though :)
 
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Stevieb2905 said:
Scotland, particularly the highlands, is the place to cruise with the top down. Your partner will be able to soak up some of the most stunning scenery in the world but unfortunately you'll miss out, your eyes will be glued firmly on the road as you'll need to average at least 80mph so the rain and midges get blown right over the back. Some of the roads are pretty nice though :)
Click to expand...
We always end up in Cornwall & every winter we say "We must try Scotland next time"
Not sure I'd like the midges though!
We went to Cornwall once in the VX & once in the A4 last year.
We must be very complacent (I guess its like putting an old pair of slippers on) the VX has been to Cornwall 16 times since I bought it.
It maybe time to sell it now as it only did 1000 miles (11 day's in Cornwall) last year & I'm getting a little too old for a 'go kart'
I used to go to Kielder forrest every November in the 80's following the old RAC Rally so thats the nearest I've ventured to Scotland finest roads.
 
We holidayed in Cornwall for many years, camping mainly when the kids were young, saw the eclipse there in 99, brilliant place and many fond memories of the beaches and the best (warm) waves in the UK, back in my surf bum days!

I'm obviously biased but I can honestly say that the scenery in the NW is outstanding (although I'm near Edinburgh) and would recommend you take a trip up north before you sell the VX.

One of my favourite runs has always been up to Fort William through Glencoe, that road seems to get busier every year but doesn't take away from the scenery.

If you are feeling really adventurous continue up to Ullapool then head up the coast and turn off towards Durness. I thought I knew Scotland pretty well but only discovered that road about 2 years ago, it is incredible. The closest I can think of is like driving through monument valley, the mountains look like something from a kids fairy story, the road surface is pothole free, quiet and I've yet to see speed enforcement of any kind, perfect for a roadster.
 
PS midges are only out during the summer but they can be right wee bxxxxxds. They hate the sun though and any breeze keeps them away.
 
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303 fabric guard is far better, and lasts longer than the I1.

I don't rate the I1 for the car in any way, but I do use it on my coats.... ;)
 
the_cueball said:
303 fabric guard is far better, and lasts longer than the I1.

I don't rate the I1 for the car in any way, but I do use it on my coats.... ;)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the heads up on the 303 fabric guard being a better product.
I'll mention it to the Professional car detailer who's applied the G techniq I1 Smart Fabric guard to my roof & see if he'll apply the 303 next time. He comes here every 2 weeks so I'll speak to him.
Although I must say I'm personally very impressed with the G techniq compared to the Renovo & Autoglym.
It needs the roof to be at least 5 degrees & left to dry for a couple of hours without any rain.
If the 303 is better & lasts longer then it's a no brainer.
So I'll look forward to him trying the 303 next time.
 
Seems pretty good stuff how is it applied ? Does it last long in are great British weather ?
 
G_Shail said:
Seems pretty good stuff how is it applied ? Does it last long in are great British weather ?
Click to expand...

Applied as any other soft top protector. Clean the roof first with dedicated soft top cleaner, than spray the protector and leave to dry. So far this is the longest lasting stuff I could find, and I've tried a few...
 
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Geebo said:
Thanks for the heads up on the 303 fabric guard being a better product.
If the 303 is better & lasts longer then it's a no brainer.
So I'll look forward to him trying the 303 next time.
Click to expand...

303 in action:

null_zps8bff3f1e.jpg


the 3 key things with these products (I1 as well):

get the roof as clean as possible, then
as dry as possible, then
leave the product to cure as long as possible before getting it wet again.
 
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Doing several searches, i1 and 303 look to be the best of the bunch.

But what are you guys using to prepare the roof before sealing.
I have some Meguiars, which I have not got around to using yet and am leaning heavily toward i1.
I would expect, using either product, it would be something which would be re-applied after six months or so.

Also seems you really need to have a covered area to apply. That combined with our lovely weather makes planning a weekend roof clean very difficult.
 
audi upgrades
Before, I was using AutoGlym Soft top cleaner as it lasted me much longer than the protector which came with it. As I had a few of those kits, I typicaly used the AutoGlym protector stuff in about two applications (plus it didn't last very long so i tent to apply it more often), while the cleaner lasted about four applications... So when I run out of the AutoGlym protector and started using the i1 protector I still had more than one full bottle of AutoGlym cleaner. After that I started using the Maguiars Soft top Cleaner which I would say is as good if not better. From my own personal experience I believe that as far as you're using a reasonably good brand cleaner it doesn't really matter what you're using... What makes a BIG difference is the BRUSH that you use to apply and clean the roof. Ideally you want to use one made of hourse hair which is gentle with the fabric but cleans it well too..
 
the_cueball said:
303 in action:

null_zps8bff3f1e.jpg


the 3 key things with these products (I1 as well):

get the roof as clean as possible, then
as dry as possible, then
leave the product to cure as long as possible before getting it wet again.
Click to expand...

I've only ever used the autoglym (need to get some 303 before next winter), but the instructions on that say to apply the protector whilst the roof is still damp from cleaning... is this specific to their product or just not the best way to make it last as long?
 
Do you spray the protector on then brush it?? sometimes seem a bit hit and miss with the spray to get an even coat(auto glym)
 
jjmurphy21187 said:
I've only ever used the autoglym (need to get some 303 before next winter), but the instructions on that say to apply the protector whilst the roof is still damp from cleaning... is this specific to their product or just not the best way to make it last as long?
Click to expand...

I think that is specific to the AG product.

The 303 instructions:

For best results, fabric surfaces to be treated with 303 High Tech Fabric Guard must be spotlessly clean and completely dry before use. Working in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight, the product should be sprayed on lightly and evenly, and then left for several hours to dry fully.
Click to expand...

lewie said:
Do you spray the protector on then brush it?? sometimes seem a bit hit and miss with the spray to get an even coat(auto glym)
Click to expand...

I decant the product into a cup and put onto the roof with a paintbrush.

:thumb:
 
Hi Guys,

I got the convertible so planing to use 303 fabric guard as recommended. I just got confused a bit. Do I need to use some other cleaning liquid before applying 303 fabric guard ?

Thankas!
 
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