Protecting the Cali Interior/Exterior

Been doing a bit of research on how I'm going to look after my Cali when I get it so I thought I would post my thought processes (worrying) and conclusions.

NB: I have read old threads.

My circumstances are slightly different than most in that I live in a harbourside flat. Got my own parking and access to a power point so charging and vacuuming ok. No tap though so it will be a local place where they have a DIY lance etc.

First off it's new and clean and therefore in a good state to apply protection. I have looked at the VW Autoglym option and decided against on the basis that the product is probably OK but the application may be questionable.

Professional detailing is an attractive but costly proposition. Slightly torn as many of the services are to protect but also to enhance the look and that is not my primary objective. Best companies seem to be those that use Gtechniq products and there is one near me.

At the moment I'm probably going down the DIY route and therefore looking to identify the best products.

I have got as far as identifying 2 products for the interior. For the seats which are Alcantara I shall go for
I1 Smart Fabric by Gtechniq

http://gtechniq.com/products/auto/perfect/exterior/paint/i1-smart-fabric#content

For the carpets especially the Brandrup ones which I can treat before putting in the Cali I shall go for
Scotchguard multi purpose protector.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005N62OR8/?tag=eliteelect-21

There is already quite a lot of discussion on cleaning and the two bucket method seems the way to go. My choices for polishing waxing are going to depend on whether I go down the detailing route. I probably won't so will be looking at products to use.

Yes I'm bored. I've still got a back issue and have time on my hands but it keeps me amused.

A tad more research n Alcantara led me to this site that may be of interest if you do stain your seats.

http://www.alcantara.com/en/stain_removal/39/index.do

I now know far to much about it e.g. Alcantara is composed of about 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane,[5] giving increased durability and stain resistance. The appearance and tactile feel of the material is similar to that of suede, and it may be incorrectly identified as such.










Mike

Thread resurrection!
Hoping to take delivery of a new California with half leather, half alcantara seats in a couple of weeks. We sold our (much, much loved) Cali back in September - my number 1 requirement for the new one was a non-fabric interior. The seats in the old one broke my poor little OCD heart!
I'm interested in hydrophobic sprays for the seats (one that's been suggested is Gyeon Q2 Fabric Coat - instructions say that it's for fabric, though, so I'm hesitant to use it on alcantara).
Just wondering how you found the Gtechniq Smart Fabric?
- did it alter the colour or feel of the alcantara?
- how well did it protect the alcantara?
- how often does it need reapplying?
Thanks for any help!
Georgina

If you can afford it I would opt for ceramic coating. Ask them not to wash it on delivery. They can scratch it quite badly.
There are some good DIY ceramic coating kits available at the moment. I tried the auto finesse caramics glass kit last week on the golf. It’s worked a treat. Will do the paint when I can get through the salt on the side of it.
Says it will last a year as well.

Can't comment on the alcantara as I have the cloth interior but had the interior coated in Gtechniq Smart Fabric and exterior ceramic coated also had the wheels, glass and bike rack treated too. interior - honestly couldn't tell much difference - I base this on the front door cards as the seats are now covered. Exterior - amazing and well impressed.