We Say
Spilt drinks, muddy shoes and everyday accidents are much easier to deal with when your fabric is properly protected. Gtechniq I1 helps stop stains taking hold in the first place.
Fabric protection is one of those jobs that's easy to overlook until something gets spilt. Whether it's coffee on a seat, muddy water on a carpet or rain soaking into a convertible roof, unprotected fabric can absorb liquids surprisingly quickly. Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric AB creates a water-repellent barrier around the individual fibres, helping prevent spills from soaking straight in and giving you a better chance of wiping them away before they leave a stain.
What we like about I1 is that it doesn't leave upholstery feeling stiff or coated. Gtechniq designed it to protect individual fibres while preserving the fabric's original feel, flexibility and breathability. It's also suitable for convertible roofs, making it a useful product well beyond the interior. The latest AB formulation includes antimicrobial technology, which Gtechniq says kills 99% of bacteria on treated surfaces and helps prevent mould and mildew.
Durability is another strong point. Gtechniq quotes around six to twelve months of protection for interior fabrics, depending on how much use they receive. The manufacturer has also carried out independent water-repellency and washing tests, reporting significantly greater durability than competing products. We wouldn't promise that every application will last a full year, particularly on heavily used driver's seats or carpets, but it's an impressive level of protection for a spray-on treatment.
Preparation is really important with I1. Clean the upholstery first using Gtechniq I2 Tri-Clean and, most importantly, allow it to dry thoroughly. Gtechniq actually recommends up to 48 hours in good drying conditions after cleaning, because fabric that feels dry can still contain enough moisture to affect the treatment. Once prepared, spray evenly from around 15cm, make sure the fibres are properly saturated and allow 24 hours for the protection to develop. Take your time with the application and you'll have a much better chance of getting the durability I1 is capable of.
Key Features
Durability
UP TO 12 MONTHS
(Manufacturer-claimed protection)
Water Beading
9/10
(PolishedBliss comparison rating)
Additional Protection
ANTIMICROBIAL
(Antibacterial and anti-mould)
Description
Gtechniq I1 V3 Smart Fabric AB is a durable fabric protection spray developed to repel water, resist everyday staining and help keep automotive upholstery, carpets and convertible roofs looking their best. Its advanced formulation protects individual fibres without noticeably changing the fabric's feel, appearance or breathability.
The latest AB formula combines excellent hydrophobic performance with antibacterial and anti-mould technology. Gtechniq claims protection lasting up to 12 months and reports that its antimicrobial treatment kills 99% of bacteria on treated surfaces.
Why you'll love it:
✓ Durable water and stain-repellent fabric protection
✓ Helps prevent liquid spills soaking into fabric
✓ Suitable for car seats, carpets and fabric upholstery
✓ Also suitable for convertible fabric roofs
✓ Preserves the natural feel and flexibility of the material
✓ Allows treated fabrics to remain breathable
✓ Antibacterial protection on treated surfaces
✓ Helps prevent mould and mildew
✓ Kills 99% of bacteria according to Gtechniq
✓ Up to 12 months of manufacturer-claimed durability
✓ Independently tested water-repellent performance
✓ Fluorocarbon-free formulation
✓ Colour-safe when used as directed
✓ Straightforward spray-on application
I1 is ideal for protecting fabric surfaces once they've been thoroughly cleaned. For interior upholstery and carpets, we recommend preparing the surface with Gtechniq I2 Tri-Clean. For convertible roofs and other suitable exterior fabrics, Gtechniq W5 Citrus All Purpose Cleaner can be used at the manufacturer's recommended dilution.
Allow cleaned fabrics to dry completely before treatment. Apply I1 evenly, ensuring thorough coverage, then leave for 24 hours to develop its full protective properties. The treatment helps resist future staining but does not remove existing stains or make fabric completely stain-proof.
Specification
| Adds Protection | Yes, water and stain repellency |
|---|---|
| Antimicrobial Protection | Yes, antibacterial and anti-mould |
| Application Method | Spray evenly from approximately 15cm |
| Application Temperature | 5°C or above |
| Curing Time | 24 hours |
| Durability | Approximately 6–12 months for interior fabrics |
| Fluorocarbon Free | Yes |
| Suitable Surfaces | Fabric seats, carpets, upholstery and convertible roofs |
| Water Beading |
|
How To Use
1) Clean the fabric:
Thoroughly clean the surface before applying protection. Use Gtechniq I2 Tri-Clean for interior fabrics or W5 Citrus All Purpose Cleaner for suitable exterior fabrics, following the manufacturer's instructions.
2) Allow to dry completely:
The fabric must be thoroughly dry, not simply dry to the touch. Gtechniq recommends allowing up to 48 hours in good drying conditions after cleaning. For optimal impregnation, fabric moisture content should be below 15%.
3) Prepare for application:
Shake the bottle thoroughly, wear suitable protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area at a temperature of at least 5°C. Avoid direct sunlight.
4) Spray evenly:
Apply I1 from approximately 15cm away, ensuring the fabric is thoroughly and evenly saturated. Pay attention to seams, edges and areas that are easily missed.
5) Remove overspray:
Immediately wipe any product that lands on surrounding surfaces with a clean microfibre towel. Remove excess product from the treated fabric where necessary.
6) Allow to cure:
Leave the treated fabric to dry for 24 hours, protected from rain, spills and unnecessary contact. Full effectiveness develops after this period.
Important Notes:
✓ Ensure fabric is clean and thoroughly dry before application
✓ Apply at temperatures of 5°C or above
✓ Shake well and wear protective gloves
✓ Work in a well-ventilated environment
✓ Avoid direct sunlight
✓ Spray from approximately 15cm away
✓ Ensure complete and even saturation
✓ Do not rely on a second coat after the first has dried
✓ Remove overspray from surrounding surfaces immediately
✓ Allow 24 hours for full protection to develop
✓ Store in a cool, dry place
✓ Use within 12 months of opening
✓ Follow the current product label and Safety Data Sheet
Safety Data
Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric is a chemical fabric protection treatment. The manufacturer-hosted Smart Fabric V3 Safety Data Sheet, revised 30 October 2022, identifies flammable liquid, eye irritation, inhalation and aquatic environmental hazards. Its product identifier is Smart Fabric V3, so the SDS should be checked against the current I1 AB formulation and packaging before relying on its hazard classifications.
Important safety information:
✓ Keep away from heat, sparks and naked flames
✓ Do not smoke during application
✓ Use outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
✓ Avoid breathing vapours and spray mist
✓ Wear protective gloves and suitable eye protection
✓ Avoid skin and eye contact
✓ Keep the container closed when not in use
✓ Keep securely stored out of reach of children
✓ Avoid release of concentrate into the environment
✓ Follow the current product label and Safety Data Sheet
Safety Data Sheet:
The following document is hosted by Gtechniq and linked from its I1 Smart Fabric AB product page. It is identified as Smart Fabric V3, revised 30 October 2022. Confirm applicability to the current AB product before publication.
Download Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric V3 Safety Data Sheet (PDF)