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Total price R 2,449.00
Precision Application
The AP5's ultra-soft microfibre face and foam-filled core work together to hold the right amount of product and release it in a controlled, consistent film - critical when you are applying ceramic coatings where layer thickness affects levelling and cure.
Why the AP5
Four reasons it belongs in your coating kit.
Ultra-soft microfibre face introduces zero marring on polished or corrected panels.
Foam-filled core distributes coating in a thin, consistent film for easier levelling.
Machine washable construction makes it a long-term tool, not a throwaway.
Designed specifically for Gtechniq's ceramic coating range for predictable results.
AP5 vs Generic Foam Block
A cheap foam block will get product onto a panel, but the AP5 is built for the specific demands of ceramic coating application - controlled laydown, no contamination risk and reusability that justifies the step up.
| Feature | DetailerSA | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-soft microfibre contact face | Yes | No |
| Machine washable and reusable | Yes | No |
| Designed for ceramic coatings | Yes | No |
| Applies product to a panel | Yes | Yes |
| Works on curved surfaces and tight areas | Yes | Yes |
| Risk of fibre contamination on paint | No | No |
Built to Last
Most foam block applicators are single-use in practice. The AP5 is machine washable, so it stays in your kit long-term - lower cost per detail and consistent performance across every coating job.
Reviews
Proper coating applicator. The microfibre face holds product without dumping it all at once, which makes laying down C1 on a bonnet much easier to control. Washed it twice already, still flat and soft.
Does the job well - even laydown, no fibres left on the panel. Took a few washes to get the first coat of coating out fully, but it came clean eventually. Worth having a couple on hand for bigger jobs.
Switched from foam blocks to these and the difference in control is noticeable, especially around curves and door shuts. Arrived well packaged from Detailer SA. Will be stocking a few.
Questions
The AP5 is Gtechniq's recommended applicator for their ceramic coating range, including Crystal Serum Light, C1 Crystal Lacquer, EXO v5 and similar products. It can also be used with sealants and lighter liquid protection products where controlled application is needed.
Yes. The ultra-soft microfibre face is safe on clear coat, glass, plastic trim and wheels - anywhere you are applying a liquid coating or sealant. Just keep separate pads for different surface types to avoid cross-contamination.
The AP5 is machine washable. Rinse out as much coating residue as possible under running water immediately after use, then wash in a dedicated microfibre wash at 40°C or below. Do not use fabric softener and tumble dry on low heat or air dry flat.
For ceramic coatings, less is more. Prime the pad with a few drops and work in small sections - roughly 50 x 50 cm at a time. The foam-filled core retains product well, so you rarely need to reload heavily. Over-saturating the pad leads to thick, uneven layers that are harder to level.
No. The ultra-soft microfibre contact face is safe on corrected, polished paint. That said, always ensure the panel is clean and decontaminated before application - the pad itself introduces no abrasion, but dragging grit across fresh paint will.
With proper rinsing and machine washing after each use, the AP5 can last through numerous applications. Performance drops if cured coating residue builds up in the fibres and is not fully removed. If the pad feels stiff or the fibres are matted after washing, it is time to replace it.
The AP5 is a hand applicator pad, not designed for machine use. For coating application on a DA or rotary, use a dedicated foam or microfibre coating pad sized for your backing plate. The AP5 gives you the hand control needed to work tight edges, door shuts and curves.
You can, although it is best practice to keep a dedicated pad for coatings and use separate applicators for wax and quick detailers. Residual wax or detailer in the fibres can contaminate a coating application and affect bonding, so label your pads and keep them separate.
