GTECHNIQ Crystal Serum Light-Exo v4

• Products: Crystal Serum Light, Exo v4.
• Manufacturer: GTECHNIQ.
• Packaging: In a kit (30ml, 50ml).

GTECHNIQ is a product brand particularly well known and recognized for the quality of their ceramic protection products for all surfaces. They were known among others for the very old C1 Crystal Lacquer for bodywork, the C4 Trim Restorer for plastics and seals, and the C5 Wheel Armour for wheels.

A few years ago, GTECHNIQ developed two new references of ceramic bodywork protection. Crystal Serum and the Exo. The first is a "Hard" protection serving as a base and offering great durable protection, the second plays the role of "Topper" to bring even more hydrophobic effect, feel, and finish.

These two products have undergone successive evolutions (we are now on the fourth version for the Exo).
Today we will study through this article the latest commercially available versions: Crystal Serum Light (usable by everyone, unlike the Ultra which is reserved for accredited professionals) as well as the Exo v4.


Crystal Serum Light:


This ceramic treatment always comes in a box (kit) containing a 30ml or 50ml product vial depending on your choice, the essential pipette for application, an applicator, a pair of protective gloves, and an instruction manual in English.



Why "Light"? Simply because it has the same composition as the Pro Ultra version at 80%, but the difference is that the Light can be removed by machine polishing (use of a compound required) whereas the Ultra will need to be sanded with 2000 grit to remove it.

You will therefore find almost the same protection characteristics and chemical resistance without the constraints of removing it in case of error.

Worth noting is the durability announced by GTECHNIQ of 5 years for the Light (up to 9 years for the Ultra). We will discuss this a little further on...

However, the first thing to respect before using Crystal Serum Light (or even the Exo, or any other ceramic treatment in general) is excellent preparation of your surface.
Washing/Decontamination and finishing polish will be the minimum required.

Next, you will proceed to degrease your bodywork with an Oil Cleaner. GTECHNIQ offers Panel Wipe (PW) but you can perfectly use the Oil Cleaner of the brand of your choice.
This step is however crucial for optimal adhesion of the treatment.



Next, GTECHNIQ supplies its Crystal Serum with a very practical pipette that allows you to really dose the quantity to the drop.
You will therefore unscrew the vial and mount the pipette on the thread of the vial.



Also, GTECHNIQ offers a mini circular glove for the application of Crystal Serum Light. Honestly, I do not recommend its use for applying the treatment on the bodywork, as it is not very practical on large areas. Only one usable side and above all your fingers will cramp over time.



It will however be perfect for applying the ceramic treatment on wheels (particularly the wheel spokes).
Otherwise, prefer a classic suede cloth in 10x10cm with a foam applicator block.



Start by applying two rows of drops on the suede cloth and then section your panels into areas of approximately 60x60cm.
Apply in a "criss-cross" pattern (left/right then up/down) without pressure.







Then let the product "flash" for only a few seconds (approximately 30-40 sec) until you see the appearance of micro-bubbling on the surface.
The two photos below taken at 40-second intervals show the flash point with the appearance of a micro-bubble haze.




Warning: It is critical not to leave Crystal Serum Light on the surface for too long (a few minutes) as otherwise wiping will not be difficult — it will be impossible! You will then need to polish it off very aggressively (using a compound).

Wipe off with a double-sided microfiber (the Black Velvet is perfect). Wiping Crystal Serum Light is a true formality. Almost no residual haze after one pass, optimal glide.



Nevertheless, plan on a second 40x40cm suede microfiber for the finishing wipe.
Make sure to leave no product residue, otherwise you will have to polish it after approximately 20 minutes. Crystal Serum Light cures very quickly and after that time it cannot be removed without polishing. No Oil Cleaner will be effective.



Crystal Serum Light can be applied on the entire bodywork, on wheels, and on polycarbonate lights. Simply avoid glass surfaces and especially the windshield. Specific treatments for these materials are available from GTECHNIQ.



The finish of Crystal Serum once applied is really very glossy. The feel is relatively soft. No surprises to report except for a fairly noticeable static effect once fully cured (12-24h).

On an average vehicle (here a BMW M2), product consumption is all in all modest. Here, the 50ml bottle is still quite full. With a little experience you should be able to get 5 coats from 50ml. Of course, this will vary depending on the size of your vehicle to be treated.



It is not necessary to apply 2 coats of Crystal Serum Light. You can however do so, but it is strongly recommended to pair it with the Exo to further enhance the hydrophobic effect. Indeed, think of Crystal Serum as the hard base coat, and the Exo as the light sacrificial coat that magnifies the finish and reinforces hydrophobicity.






Exo v4 Application:

The Exo from GTECHNIQ is a product that has existed for many years and is now in its fourth evolution. Going back to the first generation, it had a completely different packaging, namely it was offered as an aerosol.


Now, the Exo is offered as a complete kit (30ml or 50ml vial) just like its big brother Crystal Serum Light seen previously.



The difference of the kit compared to that of Crystal Serum Light is that there is no dosing pipette offered with the Exo v4. This is a bit of a shame in the end, as you will see that when applying to the suede cloth, you need to be careful not to use too much. The pipette would have allowed more precise and economical dosing.

As before, it will be preferable to use a suede cloth with an applicator block, for the same reasons mentioned.

Exo v4 is a much greasier product to apply than Crystal Serum Light.
It can work perfectly as a standalone protection, but do not expect extreme protection from this product as you would from Crystal Serum Light. Overall, you will have a maximum of 12 months of protection when used alone.



I strongly recommend using a protective mask as Exo v4 is a product with a fairly strong smell that becomes very unpleasant over time!

If you use Exo v4 on top of your Crystal Serum Light coat for more protection, hydrophobic effect, and appearance, you will need to wait 1 hour before applying it.

As with Crystal Serum, section your panels into 60x60cm areas for application and proceed in a "criss-cross" pattern.
You will immediately notice the greasy effect of the product upon application. Therefore, you need to use quite little to avoid overloading the surface and having the product end up only in the microfiber during wiping.



You will also notice that the previously applied Crystal Serum Light coat will create a hydrophobic effect that will not make applying Exo v4 easy. Spread it well even if it means doing another criss-cross pass but always without pressure. The Exo coat should not ultimately be repelled by the Crystal coat but rather mixed with it.



Leave for approximately 40 seconds and proceed to wipe with 2 to 3 microfibers mandatory (due to the greasy nature of the product).

The first wipe with a new double-sided microfiber will reveal a fairly greasy product. Do not force it, simply use a second identical microfiber to perfect your wipe. The film will then be removed very easily.





If you wish to apply a second coat of Exo v4 (you will then have a triple coat), this is perfectly possible. The particularity is that you will need to apply the second coat of Exo v4 directly after the first without waiting.

Exo v4 adds yet another level of gloss, but above all a "candy" effect, meaning you get the impression of a wet look that is quite rare for a ceramic.
The feel will be hyper slick and will further promote water evacuation.





In terms of product consumption, it will ultimately be similar to Crystal Serum Light. Possibility of treating more than 5 vehicles with the 50ml vial.



Important note for both treatments: the mandatory dry cure time! As with any ceramic treatment, it will be imperative to avoid any contact with water for a minimum of 12 hours (24 hours preferred). Unless of course you cure the treatment under IR lamps, but that is equipment not necessarily within everyone's financial reach...

As a highlight of this article, I found it interesting to present a summary table showing the specific characteristics and properties obtained by the two treatments in particular, but also for other treatments in the range. This will allow you to appreciate, for example, the benefit of applying a coat of Exo on top of a coat of Crystal Serum Light.
You will gain in hydrophobic effect notably, in gloss, and in overall resistance.




Last point to address, the durability announced by GTECHNIQ on its products. The 5-year warranty notably on Crystal Serum Light is an entirely theoretical value and will never or very rarely be upheld in the majority of cases. Indeed, all the best conditions of maintenance, storage, and driving in dry weather only (practically impossible to achieve) must be met to benefit from maximum durability.
However, the 5-year warranty is only engaged against a application defect (treatment that peels, yellows, crazes, etc.) or premature aging of the treatment. Under no circumstances should you believe that the protective treatment and its hydrophobic effect will last 5 years. Everything will depend on future and regular maintenance.


General conclusion on the products:

GTECHNIQ does not betray its reputation as a serious brand in ceramic protection with Crystal Serum Light and Exo v4. These two products, usable independently but perfectly complementary, represent a complete and very durable protection solution (several years if well maintained).

The major strength of Crystal Serum Light will be its ease of application and wiping. The feel as well for a hard ceramic. The hydrophobic effect will be present but much less impressive than on the Exo for example. Crystal Serum Light contributes much more on the Protection/Chemical resistance side against alkaline and acid agents in particular.
On the other hand, it can be noted that unfortunately the product does not keep very long and begins to crystallize from the inside 3 months after opening (chip formation). So, if you do not plan to regularly do vehicles in ceramic, opt for the 30ml vial.

Exo v4 is a formidable product. Used alone, it can last up to 12 months in a double coat if well maintained and will provide a tremendous hydrophobic effect. As a result, your washes will be greatly facilitated and contaminants will adhere less. The visual result is also sublime for a ceramic.
In contrast, its chemical resistance is low compared to Crystal Serum Light.

For both products, the fairly static nature is a slight drawback, but this is often the case with ceramic treatments.

Very high quality products, fairly easy to use, but which nevertheless require excellent application conditions (significant lighting, dedicated space sheltered from humidity...). Make sure to gather all the necessary conditions before applying these treatments, otherwise you will regret it. Indeed, any application/wiping defect will result in heavy polishing of the area to remove the product!

Last but not least, the price. Both products are expensive, very expensive even. Count approximately €80 for the 30ml vial (for ~3 coats) and €120 for the 50ml one. That is nearly €25 to €30 per coat, not counting the microfibers used (single use) to apply and wipe your coats.
It is expensive, certainly, but it is the price of quality products that will grant you great durability compared to other types of treatments (on other molecules) currently on the market.



Advantages

+ Surprisingly easy application (Crystal Serum Light).
+ Finish.
+ Paint-like feel.
+ Hydrophobic effect (ease of maintenance).
+ Chemical resistance (Crystal Serum Light).

Disadvantages

- Price.
- Supplied applicator not very ergonomic.
- No pipette (Exo v4).
- More tedious wiping (Exo v4).