Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light + EXO v5 Combo Obsessed Garage

Almost all of the other products I now have in the OG store were very simple for me.  Most of them I have been using for years or there is a very clear front runner for use in my garage.  I’ve been very vocal of my apprehensions when it comes to a coating for either the paint or wheels.  There can be significant cons that are often overlooked when dealing with a coating:

• Not as easily installed
• Very difficult to remove if you installed it incorrectly or don’t want it on the paint any longer
• More susceptible to mineral deposit or water spots
• Lasts longer than waxes or sealants, but may not look as good
• Generally requires more detailed maintenance to keep looking proper

So it’s not as cut and dry as you might think.  It wasn’t an easy decision for me to decide what coating to offer.  I narrowed it down to 4 that I was considering.  Kamikaze ISM, CARPRO CQUARTZ UK 3.0, Dr. Beasley’s Nano Resin Pro, and this Crystal Serum Light.  I had ISM on my RS and had it on my Gen 2 Raptor.  I also did a section of the Raptor with Nano Resin Pro that looked and was applied much like ISM.  Those two are the most “wax-like” I’ve encountered.  CQUARTZ UK 3.0 probably beads and protects the best that I’ve found.  It doesn’t look as good as ISM or Nano Resin Pro, but I think its durability is likely going to be better. 

None of the above really matters to me any longer because I’ve found my preference.  All of my Pro buddies kept telling me about Crystal Serum Light.  When I finally got my hands on it, put it on the red R8, then ran the back of my hand on the paint afterward, I instantly knew after all this research that this was the coating.  Top CSL with EXO v5 and treat with Drying Aid regularly, and we have a winner.  There are lots of great coatings on the market, but I don’t want to be a retailer.  I want to offer you the one I use.  This is it.

As you will see from GTECHNIQ’s results here, there is no difference in performance. (NB these tests equate to approximately 3 years real-time). In addition to this, please note that all solvent carrier liquids fully evaporate from the surface after application so there will be no change to the surface color of the product. Furthermore, as shown in this video, the yellowness in the liquid disappears once the product is opened. (NB during the course of the video the bottle is agitated twice causing the liquid to froth).

FAQ & Support

Installation:

• Wipe the car down with CARPRO Eraser.  (You have better polished the car before or you aren’t OG approved.)
• I have 2 of my Coating Removal Towel 3.0 ready.  One will be for an initial wipe and other for final wipe.
• Prime the CARPRO Foam Suede Microfiber Applicator on an Applicator Block.
• You don’t want to need to use a ton of product.  Just a few drops per 2′ x 2′ section.  I apply in a cross-hatch pattern.  Check out the R8 video above.  
• I’d do about two sections, then wipe off one, do another, wipe off the previous, and repeat…
• CSL IS NOT LAYERABLE.  One coat is all you need.
• Let cure for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, then apply a coat of EXO v5.
• Wait about 3 hours and apply a 2nd coat of EXO v5.

After the first wash, use OG Drying Aid, and you’ll be good to go.