Gtechniq is a ceramics coatings world leader with a sharp focus on marine solutions

Today, the company - based in Northampton, England, with offices in the USA, Europe and Asia - is a world leader in both automotive and marine ceramic technology. “There is, however, still quite a bit of misunderstanding about ceramics in the marine industry,” points out Gtechniq’s Marine Marketing Manager, Michael Braybrook.

“In the automotive sector ceramics are firmly established as an alternative to traditional waxes and coatings, but in the marine industry there’s some way to go to explaining the many benefits of ceramic treatments. For instance, when boat owners think about coatings, the main benefits lend themselves to the boat’s topsides - but there’s lots of other areas involved, such as stain resistance on glass and plexiglass windows, synthetic decking and even fabrics and sun deck cushions. You’ll realize the value of a good protective coating immediately when you’ve seen red wine spilled onto a cushion and just rolling right off.

CERAMICS TECHNOLOGY – BUSTING THE MYTHS

Ceramic protection is often seen as complicated or something that only a specialist can apply. The important distinction is between professional ceramic coating systems and ceramic products developed for boat owners to apply themselves.

Our Marine Ceramic Base and Ceramic Top system is designed for customers seeking a comprehensive, longer-lasting treatment. Surface preparation and correct application are essential to achieving the intended performance, and this is where the expertise of a professional installer adds real value.

“Alongside these professional coatings, we have developed consumer products that make ceramic protection accessible to owners who prefer to look after their boats themselves. Ease of application is central to these products, while recognising that they serve a different purpose from a full professional treatment.”

“Rinse-on Ceramic is a good example. Using a hose attachment, owners can spray the product in sections, rinse thoroughly and dry, leaving a water-repellent protective layer on the boat’s surfaces in a matter of minutes. It offers a straightforward introduction to ceramic protection, with visible water repellence and stain resistance making ongoing boat cleaning much quicker and easier.”

It does not offer the same durability as our full Ceramic Base and Ceramic Top system, nor is it intended to replace it. These are different options for different needs: professional treatment for longer-lasting protection, and accessible ceramic products for owners who prioritise convenience and ease of application.”

When it comes to our full Ceramic Base and Top system, one question we’re often asked is what happens if a coated area needs repairing or repainting. We recognise that sometimes accidents happen, and we want to make sure our coatings are compatible with everyday boat use. Our coatings are formulated and applied to be ‘repaint ready’, meaning the standard sanding process used to prepare the surface for painting also removes the coating. Once the repair or repaint is complete and the paint has fully cured, the coating can be reapplied to the affected area.

IMPROVING ASSET VALUES

If you look back into the history of ceramic technology, you’ll see that it evolved originally in the electronics industry where they began using silicone to create chemical resistance, insulating properties, scratch resistance and hardness. Eventually it was realized that those same coatings could be used for paint protection as a replacement for traditional waxes and polishes.

“Much of our work at Gtechniq is about taking ceramic technology further. We develop our formulations around the surface they need to protect and the conditions they will face. For boats, that means looking closely at how coatings bond to gelcoat and marine paint, and how well they withstand saltwater, sunlight and regular cleaning. Getting those properties right takes considerable research, testing and refinement. A coating needs to do more than produce impressive water beading when it is first applied. We want that performance to last, giving owners protection they can rely on and making their boats easier to keep in good condition.”

STRICT TESTING PROTOCOLS

As an IS014001-accredited company, Gtechniq ensures the quality of its work with its own in-house laboratory and highly experienced chemistry team. They use a comprehensive and stringent testing protocol - important because, as yet , there are no industry-standardized tests for the manufacture and sale of ceramic-based products.

PRODUCT INNOVATION

Despite its impressive commercial success in the marine leisure market, Gtechniq refuses to rest on its laurels, and, instead, continues to launch innovative new products.

Most recently it launched its new RIB range that combines two complementary formulations: RIB Cleaner and RIB Protector.

RIB Cleaner, suitable for both PVC and Hypalon, combines the natural benefits of citrus oils with advanced cleaning agents to create a high-performance formula able to tackle everything from everyday grime and salt deposits to waterline scum and stubborn marine residues. RIB Protector, meanwhile, uses advanced Si02 (silicon dioxide) and ceramic polymers to create a durable, invisible protective layer across RIB surfaces, helping to repel dirt, salt and UV damage, and making surfaces easier to clean and maintain.

BIO-BASED FUTURE

While ceramic coatings remain a cornerstone of the range, Gtechniq has also developed a comprehensive selection of maintenance products for every area of the boat. Designed to perform effectively on their own or alongside the ceramic coatings, they help customers achieve outstanding results throughout the care and protection process.

“It’s relatively easy to make a powerful cleaner by using a very high pH and aggressive ingredients, but that can come at the expense of the boat’s surfaces. The challenge is to deliver effective cleaning without causing damage,” explains Braybrook. “We, on the other hand, design our maintenance and cleaning ranges to be as gentle on a boat’s surfaces as possible, while, at the same time, preventing the fading and loss of gloss lower-grade aggressive cleaning chemicals can create. This, in turn, of course, helps maintain the resale value of the boat and maintain the overall appearance.”

Gtechniq is also working to increase its use of raw materials from renewable biological sources, reducing reliance on fossil-derived ingredients.

“Starting with our maintenance range, we are switching from more petro-chemical based detergents to sugar surfactants - the main waste product of the sugar industry,” says Braybrook. “These plant-based products have a much lower environmental impact, something which many in the marine industry are rightly passionate about.”

“Our current product range contains no banned substances or bioaccumulates, but we’re going to keep driving bio-based raw materials as part of our forward-thinking strategy. We want to make sure our products are completely future-proofed.”

“The development of our range of marine products is based on 25 years of experience and expert know-how. We now create marine specific products that solve a lot of the problems associated with boat ownership - helping to make boat ownership and boat maintenance a good deal easier.”

For more information about Gtechniq products, go to: www.gtechniq.co.uk