Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light Reviews

CSL is a great ceramic coating but like ANY ceramic coating it's all about maintaining the coating. I had a customer complain it failed but that person wasn't taking care of the vehicle. Then I have a customer that leaves the car out year round and sees sun 100% of the time along with rain it has gone on 3 years and its running strong. Both vehicles were Installed around the same time and both had EXO on top layered right after CSL install.
I then went on to Install CSL only on another car and its been about a year its held up nicely with proper care.
be prepared to spend a long time installing CSL and EXO because you need to do it roughly right after you install the CSL it is a bit of work.
Environment and Location... Located in Hawaii UV index is anywhere between 8-12 Mostly sunny with rainy days mixed in.

Our go to is Crystal Serum Ultra topped with EXO v5. It's arguably the best coating you can get. CSL is very close and super easy to apply if you're familiar with coatings.

Great product. Very easy to apply if you follow the directions. I used this plus the EXOv5 and it provided a super slick and brilliant finish. I do recommend polishing the surface with either a light polish and pad application or medium polish and pad, depends on how scratch free the paint surface is. I Used the Rupes Uno1polish and white pad on a car with very light scratches and Uno performance polish and yellow medium pad where more difficult scratches were. Both polish products removed the scratches to allow a very clen surface to apply the CSL. Follow directions! And if you have any concerns watch Rupes and Gtechniq videos on there websites. Once complete you will be amazed with the final results.

I've applied CSL to many cars. Application process is a breeze and comes off very slick. The effects are spectacular especially when exo is being applied on top. I've only heard good things from customers about the coating. Word of advice - You must store it in a dark and cool area. If you leave it out it will turn chalk white.

This was my first time doing a ceramic coating ad I must say, "CS was easy as pie." I was afraid living in the south with the humidity it would be a bear to work with. So I purposely waiting until the fall where my garage wouldn't be as warm. I noticed it flashed quicker than I had anticipated so I had to do smaller section but the car looks perfect.

GTECHNIQ CSL is the ceramic coating we use at out detail shop. Sets up nicely and easy to fix height spots.

Love this stuff, goes on smooth with easy wipe off

Very good, protects the paint well compared to other products. I like it and will continue to use it.

2013 Jag XFR-S need to do 2 steps of rubbing and buffing than cleaned and deco. My son has done dozens of cars with this and with 2 persons was easy to buff off excess as he applied another section. car has white paint that looks deep!!!

Having used CSL on a few vehicles now, what finally convinced me was when I tried a new technology coating that was noticeably less effective with water beading in just a few months. There are so many of these new girls in school now. Performing light paint correction using Sonax Perfect Finish in combination with a black Lake Country finishing pad and a Flex 3401 polisher, I gave the clear coat a fresh start.

There are many videos on how to apply CSL. The key is to let it properly set up, I almost wouldn't call it "flash". Let the product bead up or appear to sweat. Try a few different set up times in an inconspicuous area. If it is not hot and humid, you can leave it sit for up to several minutes before it wants to start dragging the microfiber. The extended working time makes this very easy to effectively use. Should you notice a high spot, just reapply the product and remove the coating a bit sooner.

Combine this with EXOv4 and you'll get ferocious beading. Plus, there are so many good booster sprays now that will help provide excellent longevity. It's definitely a top level consumer product.

This is a no brainer this coating absolutely rocks! Makes a perfect correction look flawless and the shine is on another level I use this all the time every time!!!!!

Gtechniq CSL. One of the consumer coating that doesn't require multiple coats. Easy to apply and remove, although one has to lay close attention. Not easily remove if you let it dry too long or have high spot.
Great coating.
My top 3 coating I offer to my clients

Extremely easy to use, works well.

Used CSL in the past... used other CC products and find CSL to be one of the best user friendly products. Impressed by the durability, gloss and slickness and the longevity. Have not applied it to the car as of yet but I can. It wait to see the results when applied to a Destroyer Grey Charger. Applied it to my car 3 years ago and it's still going strong... although I do maintain it correctly.

I resently applied Crystal Serum Light and Exo v4 to my 2011 Audio A6, after a full 2- step minor paint correction. The detail process began with prewash and (2) bucket contact wash, next applied Gyeon Iron & tar remover followed by clay bar treatment. This stuff is amazing, my paint is very slick and shiny

Absolutely fantastic product. Extremely easy to apply and leaves a glass like finish. Also impressed with the durability so far after 3 months.

After using for a few times and getting use to this product I would definitely recommend this product to anyone it's very user friendly and if you f up it's very easy to remove will continue to use

This is one of the easiest coatings ever. Goes on smooth and wait for it to flash and removes with ease. Results are glassy like shine. Awesome.

Great product all around! Easy to apply and great durability. Tested the car I applied it to. Does what is described.

This was my first coating I ever applied to my vehicle myself and I was definitely nervous about messing up my paint! I had a previous ceramic coating that was on its last legs that I removed prior to install with a clay bar, rewashed, and used the recommended Panel wipe. I was surprised at exactly how easy this was to apply, hardly any buffing needed. Directions were easy to follow and didn't leave any guess work. I followed up with the EXO4 and I couldn't be happier with the results. I wish I could post a pic/vid to show the amazing high gloss finish it gave my paint. It's been 2-3 weeks since I've applied and have had a chance to see the great hydrophobic qualities of the products, no water marks left behind whatsoever. When the time comes I'll def use this product again to protect my paint

This was my first coating I ever applied to my vehicle myself and I was definitely nervous about messing up my paint! I had a previous ceramic coating that was on its last legs that I removed prior to install with a clay bar, rewashed, and used the recommended Panel wipe. I was surprised at exactly how easy this was to apply, hardly any buffing needed. Directions were easy to follow and didn't leave any guess work. I followed up with the EXO4 and I couldn't be happier with the results. I wish I could post a pic/vid to show the amazing high gloss finish it gave my paint. It's been 2-3 weeks since I've applied and have had a chance to see the great hydrophobic qualities of the products, no water marks left behind whatsoever. When the time comes I'll def use this product again to protect my paint

Doesn't get better than this! For the beginner and has good results for the price and effort.

Great product easy to use

Price, easy application, looks great in different humidity conditions, water bead is very good. Have not had one problem with product on customers cars unlike a few other brands that made me work harder. A winner so far.

As a professional Detailer I have worked with many Professional Coatings. This is an easy Coating to apply and remove for the DIY. It also has good longevity 3-5yr depending. Good Coating for the average retail market price. It does have some drawbacks but are minor in the grand scheme of things. Hydrophobicity and Cleaning abilities lack behind some PRO Coatings but its a solid Coating for the Money.

GTechniq CSL has become my top favorite ceramic coating to offer to my clients! It's super user friendly. Installation is smooth. The results are amazing. The gloss and hydrophobic properties are outstanding. I've installed it on 4 vehicles and I will continue to use it.

The name says all, very good product. Preparation is the key, very easy to apply with outstanding results.Good job detailed image keep on bringing good product.

Just finished putting this on my 2006 Lexus SC430 and was very impressed by the ease of use and beautiful high gloss finish. Only negative for me was the "eye dropper" style applicator. A bit awkward to work with for a novice like myself. But for the price, ease of use, and results, I would definitely use this again. I'll be anxious to see how it holds up over time.

Love this stuff!..so easy to apply and wipe off!..and when paired with EXOv4 it has insane shine and hydrophobics

Absolutely not! This product went bad within a month after opening. It turned a milky white color and when I went to apply it to my 2nd car it began to cure white. I quickly removed it before it cured, so it didn't ruin my car. I contacted Gtechniq. The CEO admitted knowing there is an issue with the product contaminating. Notwithstanding their knowledge of this issue, they failed/refused to warn of this issue and imo putting people's prized cars at risk. The company says the product should last 3 months after opening but it did not last for 30 days. I had to trash the product. What a waste of time and money. Buyer's beware and be forewarned.

This is a great product and put a good coating on your car that will last two years, I recommend it to anybody that is looking to put a coating on their car. Or new car. 8 stars.

I'm a professional detailer near Chicago, IL. Tried a bunch of coatings until I tried CSL / EXO and never turned back. I've probably coated at least 15 vehicles with GTechniq Crystal Serum Lite or EXO by now and smile every time I use it. Other coatings I've used are finicky when it comes to flash off time, or simply just fight with you on removal no matter what. Not with CSL though! Extremely easy application and wipe off. I've even tried it in direct sunlight once and had no issues at all. Wiped off just as easily! With proper application I can usually get 2.5 - 3 applications out of one bottle. Highly recommend this coating! I've only started using it a year ago so I'm not too sure about durability yet, but given its from GTechniq, I'll take their word for it!

Great product easy to apply. I recommend this to all of my customers.

I've now coated two cars with this. The first is my 2017 Infiniti Q60 Premium in Majestic White. I performed the normal prep, including claying and polishing. I truly don't think I had the right polish/pad combo to perfect the paint, as there are still some imperfections,. But this is my DD and I really don't care that much since it is white.

Putting the product on is simple. This was my first time using any coating, so I was a bit nervous. I just followed the directions and it went fine. It was about 60 degrees, so I had plenty of time to put it on and take it off right away. No problems there.

I let it cure for 24 his and it was very sick and glossy. I'm in Illinois and we have pollen and farm debris in the air which say on the car for a few days before a rain. I wouldn't say the costing is magical, but it seemed to stay somewhat cleaner. I made the mistake of washing with Gold Class car wash. I didn't realize that you should not use normal wash as it leaves something of itself behind that interferes with the coating.

I then did our brand new Civic. Again metallic white. I clayed and used iron cleaner than washed again with dish soap and used panel wipe as directed. No polishing was necessary. Application was easy. I did notice one spot where I failed to remove the product correctly and saw what is comparable to wax residue. I took some polish and hand polished it off and reapplied to that area. Simple correction.

I don't know yet about longevity, but application could not be easier. I'll try to update in a few months.

UPDATE 10/14/22

I've now costed about ten cars with this product. I left a previous review after my first two. I bought a 2019 Genesis G70 three years ago and coated it immediately.

I'm not sure why people keep talking about letting it flash. I follow the directions which say to apply and wipe off.
Last weekend I removed the three year old coating and reapplied. I'm going to admit that, since my car is white and was coated, I've used touch car washes almost exclusively for the past three years. The marring was almost non existent. Very faint and easily removed.

The only explanation is the coating. The new coating applied easily and I look forward to another 3 years of protection against car wash marring and the environment.

It's a good quality coating, works great! But, It's downfall for me, was the difficulty applying the product. It's flashed too quickly before i could wipe off and left horrible streaking. i had to take the coating off and apply a different brand

Like most frontline ceramic coatings, GTechniq Crystal Serum Light (CSL) is a good prosumer product. There is room for critique however. Combining the high cost and being highly labor intensive (both with prep and application), all of the frontline ceramic coatings should continue to raise the bar in product longevity and lower per unit product cost.

My new go to coating. Application and removal were easy. It doesstart to sweat after just a few minutes in my Hawaii weather, but it was plenty of time for me to cover about a quarter of a hood and wipe off with no issues. Can't speak on the durability since I've only been using it for about 6 months now, but the surface up to this point on the cars I've done is still very hydrophobic and has lots of shine.

I have just finished applying CSL to my first vehicle. I have applied CQuartz to several vehicles prior. At this time I can only comment on application and initial impressions. I will be able to comment on longevity between the 2 products in about 1 year. As far as application, I found the application of CQuartz was fairly easy. I have 2 minor issues with application. Firstly, CQuartz recommends 2 coats which is not a big deal but it is time consuming. Secondly, if you are a do it yourselfer and applying in a non-climate controlled environment such as in a garage or under a car port, there is a little guess work on set times (remove it too early and too much of the product is removed resulting in less protection, let it set to long and it will be really difficult to remove). I have found that cure times can vary by 100% between summer and winter temps. If it's a little warm, less cure time is needed, colder temps require a little more cure time. Basically, I guess on cure times based on outside temps at application time and recommended cure time from CQ. If it removes too easily, I let the next section set an additional 30 secs and repeat as necessary until the product is a little tacky to remove.

CSL on the other hand bonds pretty much instantly so the guessing on set time is removed. Also, CSL has a longer work time as compared to CQ. I let the product set for about 1 minute after application (until the CSL streaks started to bead) and removed the product. It came off very easily. As far as fear is concerned for the first time do it yourselfer, I definitely recommend CSL over CQ. In fact, I recommend CSL over CQ even if you have experience. One coating application vs 2 with CQ and no guessing game on set times before removal. I give CSL the clear edge on ease of application and removal. Water sheeting I find is about the same between the two products, so no clear winner here.

Please do not let me frighten anyone from purchasing and applying CQ. It is a good product and with any common sense is easy to apply and remove as long as the directions are followed. For me, CSL was much easier to apply and remove. If the coating lasts nearly the length of time as CQ, I will stick with CSL from here on.

First use of the CSL. MY fifth different name brand coating applied. This is the easiest I've use to date. and the best looking also. I have done multiple vehicles with this coating, just csl on one and csl topped with exov3 on the other. To me the exo took some of the candy sparkle from the csl but still looked very glossy. The csl only coated the vehicle, I have done multiple coats, 3 to be exact and the gloss and candy just seemed to be getting more and more after each coat. I am testing this product, so if the multicoat messes up, I will repaint car as I am also a professional painter. This stuff is amazing. Cant speak for endurance at this time as I am a newby to csl. Will be buying more. My new go to coating.

Crystal serum is very easy to apply and the product works great!
I love every Gtechniq product I've tried.

This is my second use of CSL. The first time results were OK but not as good as I wanted. The second time I used a foam bar and suede cloth for application and it worked much better. I also buffed a larger area with a second MF each time I applied a 2x2 area. Covering a much larger area than the 2x2 with the second MF really helped. Using the foam bar and suede cloth also helped me cut down the amount of CSL I used so I had a half-bottle left over. Also I used Essence to finish prep. Results were excellent!

I'm very impressed with CSL. I put it on my Audi S6 phantom black pearl paint over a year ago and it's still holding up great, water glides right off. Makes car washes much easier. I did top off with EXO but not really sure it was needed. I also apply a sealant ~ 3 months, usually Black Fire Wet Diamond or Jescar Powerlock.

You need to make sure and follow the directions. There were 2 small areas where CSL dried that I didn't see until days later. It doesn't come off without some elbow grease. A few months later, I broke out my DA polisher and removed from the small area.
Used the entire 30ml bottle on my sedan.

My wife may get a new car soon and the first thing I will do (hoping no major correction) is to apply CSL!

It is all in the prep. You MUST have near perfect or perfect paint to get a proper bond and excellent results out of any coating, CSL is no different. What IS different is the ease of application and removal. Not the greatest beading, but it sheets like crazy and makes for an incredibly fast and easy wash process for years to come. Top with EXO for crazy beading or maintain with C2V3. Top notch product, a 30ml bottle used on an average size sedan will leave you with enough left over to do a small car or if you missed a spot, touch up and then some.

Decided to give CSL a shot since I really like their G4 trim coating. All I can say is wow, they have made applying a coating easy...as long as YOU follow the directions. I deconned, corrected, and wiped down with Eraser.

With good lighting, multiple cloths for removal and application, and proper protections, it was pretty straightforward and easy. It took me about and hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
The Gloss and slickness are pretty amazing. Again, just follow the manufacturer's instructions. I managed over three years of protection with my last consumer grade coating so if I get that with CSL, this will be my new favorite.

I did use the small white pad that came with the coating but dropped it after a couple of panels. I switched over to the foam block and suede cloth and had no issues.

UPDATE: Nine months into this coating... I washed the car and did a chemical deconning on it recently, in between Nor'Easters. The coating still has the gloss and slickness as if was applied a week ago. The winter and road salt has not slowed this coating down at all, in terms of protection. When foaming the car, the foam just floats right off and takes any contamination with it. I'm hoping to get a couple of years with this coating. Hopefully, it will live up to its claims in that area.

In my opinion this is pound for pound the best consumer available coating on the market. It is affordable, has great durability and when topped with EXO, it looks amazing. Application is smooth and easy. I use the blue foam applicator from Optimum because it takes much less product. Wipe off is just as easy and when done I like that I don't have to worry about the towels hardening. Until technology delivers a better coating this will be my go to coating.

This was my first venture into paint coatings and my initial impression is that this stuff is awesome! I applied it to my brand new SUV after polishing the paint and using the panel wipe to remove polishing oils. The application was very straightforward and I had no problem leveling and buffing off the residue. My color is dark blue and it looks like the application is flawless. The paint has a nice wet look and the slickness is really nice to the touch. Haven't washed it yet so I can't comment much other than initial impression is very positive. I hope it holds up. Tip: get the 50ml if you have a larger car or SUV (especially if you will do extra surfaces like door jambs). I almost ran out before completing my job.

Very nice results! Just have to be patient in the preparation of the paint and following the directions exactly.

Applied in a 55 degree warehouse, easy as could be. Used the foam block/suede cloth applicator as opposed to the included one, seemed to go quite far. 2014 Ford E250 Econoline panel van used maybe 30ml of the 50ml bottle. Wiped on in crosshatch pattern, pretty much wiped right off. Very slick feel...added C2v3 Crystal Crystal after letting cure for an hour or 2, should help with water behavior. All in all a definite winner for ease of use, wide application temp range from 38F to 80F makes it an early 'spring possible' product for those in colder climates. I like it!

I have been applying coatings for approximately 4years and CSL was easy to apply, extreme slickness and gloss. Great coating!

Awesome coating, was easy to apply but wasn't my first time coating. The gloss level was amazing! Took about 3 1/2 hours on a Mazda 3 coat.

I was very interested in coatings and after looking into the alternatives, I chose Crystal Serum Light. The product is easy to apply and the results are fantastic. Great shine and feel to the touch. I'm glad with my purchase.

I used C1 And EVO before they came out with Crystal Light Serum, After using CLS I wont use anything else. The finish is now so shinny, it actually looks wet. And living in Florida it holds up very well. The best feature is that its a one step process, but only if paint is in good shape.

Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light is by far the best consumer available coating on the market. Im a Gtechniq accredited detailer. Ive been using C1 and Exo for years, as well as Cryastal Serum pro. Serum Light is not much less of a coating than the pro product, and its very easy to use so long as you follow the instructions. Keep 2 towels handy. I chose to use new, high quality 70/30 blend microfibers for the job. Apply in a 2x2 ft area, go side to side than up and down to ensure an even spread, then remove immediately. This coating is not like quartz coatings where you need to let them flash. As far as performance goes, its very glossy, very slick. Offers just as god swirl resistance as anything else, and superior chemical resistance to everything ive tested. All in all, CSL is an amazing product for the consumer and professional alike. It can be topped with exo for added hydrophobic behavior but csl by itself is much slicker.

Really adds a nice deep gloss, I could see the areas on my car that I hadn't applied it to. I did find the application somewhat difficult, I have smears in certain areas. But overall I would definitely buy this again

I've been using C1 & Exo for about (3) years now & love the combination of the two. Yes its time consuming to apply, but the results after is amazing. Was a little hesitant about the CS Light & was up front with customer that it was first time using it. Even after explaining to her that i had C1 & Exo & the difference between the two; she wonted CS Light. Well after the prep work i begin to apply.

It went on easy enough, wiping with two micro fiber towels wasn't a problem. Over all everything went great. The only issue i have is that it dries up to quickly. An yes i worked a 2x2 section at a time, in a garage & the temperature out side was 64 degrees & 69 inside.
So i started reducing my coverage area to 18"; then down to 12". This seems to be the magic numbers when applying,12 to 18". Time will tell how well it holds up & if it does then CS Light is going to be the go to coating for me.

Okay, I've done two more cars with the C1/EXO combo and have waited 1, 6 and 12 hours to apply the EXO. Directions say 1-12hrs. CS light by itself I highly recommend the slickness and gloss it provides is absolutely amazing. I would NOT put EXO on top of this if it were my car, but the customers have insisted they want it. The EXO is fantastic of top of C1, but when putting it over CS light, I feel like I'm ruining the finish.

Just applied this to a friends car yesterday and like C1 & EXO, application was easy, only time consuming. Working in small sections, I would lay down the CS light and then immediately go over very lightly with a MF towel to help spread it around. It started out with almost a slight tack to it, but as I continued to massage it into the paint, it would clear up and get really slick. So much so, I almost didn't think it was worth it to top with the EXO, but did anyway. Can't comment on the durability, but I've had C1/EXO on my personal car and it's been going strong for 8 months and this is supposed to be better.