In 2026, Gtechniq celebrates 25 years of science driven innovation in automotive surface protection. What started in 2001 as a scientific curiosity has grown into a global brand trusted by enthusiasts, professional detailers, manufacturers and installers around the world. I have had the privilege of working at Gtechniq for nearly seven years now, and one thing that has always stood out is how much the company still cares about doing things the right way, even as the industry continues to evolve.
Gtechniq was founded by Dr. Drew Gill, a quantum physicist whose background in materials science shaped the brand from the very beginning. Instead of improving traditional waxes or polymers, his focus was on understanding how surfaces actually behave. Why paint degrades, how contamination bonds, and how a coating could become part of the surface instead of just sitting on top of it. That mindset led to the development of some of the first true paint ceramic coatings and set the tone for everything that followed.
In the early 2000s, most paint protection products lasted weeks or months at best. In 2004, Gtechniq introduced C1 Crystal Lacquer, one of the first quartz based coatings designed to chemically bond to paint. At the time, this was a major shift in thinking. Coatings were no longer just about short term shine, they were about durability, clarity and long term protection that could be measured and proven.
As the brand continued to grow, innovation expanded beyond paint alone. In 2008, Gtechniq launched several products that many detailers still rely on today. C4 Permanent Trim Restorer addressed fading exterior plastics by bonding to the material rather than masking the problem. C5 Wheel Armour was developed to handle the heat and contamination that wheels see every day. That same year, C2 Liquid Crystal was introduced as an easy to use ceramic product that gave enthusiasts a simple way to experience real ceramic performance.
As vehicles and maintenance expectations changed, hydrophobic performance became a bigger focus. In 2012, EXO was introduced as a dedicated top coat designed to improve slickness, water behavior and ease of cleaning. This helped shape the idea of a layered coating system, where durability and user experience could work together instead of competing with each other.
In 2014, Gtechniq raised the bar again with Crystal Serum Ultra, a professional only coating designed for maximum chemical resistance and durability. This technology was later adapted into Crystal Serum Light in 2015, bringing similar performance to a wider audience while remaining approachable for experienced enthusiasts and installers alike.
As paint protection film and vinyl wraps became more common, it was clear that traditional paint coatings were not always the right solution. In 2018, HALO Flexible Film Coating was introduced specifically for PPF and vinyl. HALO was engineered to flex with the film, maintain clarity and improve hydrophobic performance without compromising self healing properties or the intended finish. It quickly became an important tool for detailers working on wrapped and protected vehicles.
Throughout all of these changes, one thing has remained consistent. Gtechniq products are developed through real world testing, not just lab work. They are used on daily drivers, weekend toys, show cars and some of the most extreme vehicles on the planet. That constant feedback loop is a big reason so many professionals trust these coatings with their own customers.
As Gtechniq enters its 25th year, the mission remains the same. Build products based on science, test them in real conditions and keep pushing surface protection forward as vehicles and materials evolve. The technology will keep changing, but the foundation has always been rooted in measurable performance and scientific integrity.
Twenty five years on, Gtechniq is proud of how far the science has come and genuinely excited about what is still ahead. I would love to hear from you in the comments. What was the first Gtechniq product you ever tried, and which one has become your favorite to use today?