Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light + EXO v5 Kit
by
Gtechniq
£95.00
- Two-stage coating kit
- High-gloss finish
- Strong water beading
We Say
The long-lasting protection of Crystal Serum Light with the incredible gloss and water repellency of EXO v5. Two coatings that work brilliantly together to give your paintwork the best of both worlds.
If you're looking to give your paintwork some serious protection, this is one of our favourite combinations from Gtechniq. Crystal Serum Light and EXO v5 are both excellent coatings in their own right, but putting them together makes a lot of sense. CSL provides the durable foundation, while EXO brings the slickness, water repellency and beautiful finish that make ceramic-coated cars so rewarding to maintain.
Crystal Serum Light is the consumer version of Gtechniq's professional Crystal Serum Ultra. It chemically bonds to paintwork to create a hard-wearing protective layer that helps resist wash-induced marring and keeps the finish looking glossy for longer. Gtechniq claims up to five years of durability, although that depends on preparation, application and ongoing maintenance. It's a fantastic standalone coating, but water repellency isn't necessarily its strongest characteristic.
That's where EXO v5 comes in. Applied over CSL, it adds a wonderfully slick, highly hydrophobic top layer that makes water bead and run off the paintwork. Dirt and road grime have a harder time taking hold, making regular washing considerably easier. The latest EXO is also more forgiving to apply than previous versions, with a slower flash-off time and just one layer required. There's no longer any need to go around the car applying a second coat.
We'd recommend this kit to enthusiasts who are comfortable preparing and coating their own paintwork properly. The results can be outstanding, but don't underestimate the preparation involved. The car needs to be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated, polished if required and wiped down with Gtechniq Panel Wipe before you begin. Apply CSL first, wait at least an hour, then finish with EXO v5. Get those stages right and you'll have a beautifully glossy, water-repellent finish backed by long-lasting ceramic protection.
Key Features
Water Beading
10/10
(PolishedBliss comparison rating)
CSL Durability
UP TO 5 YEARS
(Manufacturer-claimed base protection)
Slickness
10/10
(PolishedBliss comparison rating)
Description
Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light + EXO v5 Kit combines two advanced ceramic coatings to deliver long-lasting paint protection, outstanding gloss and exceptional water repellency. Crystal Serum Light provides a durable, chemically bonding base layer, while EXO v5 adds an extremely slick, hydrophobic finish that helps repel water, dirt and everyday contamination.
Crystal Serum Light offers manufacturer-claimed protection lasting up to five years, with excellent resistance to wash-induced marring and environmental wear. EXO v5 complements this with enhanced gloss, easier cleaning and a water-repellent top layer that offers approximately 18–24 months of durability in its own right.
Designed for experienced enthusiasts and professional detailers, this two-stage ceramic coating system provides a comprehensive solution for protecting properly prepared automotive paintwork.
Why you'll love it:
✓ Complete two-stage ceramic paint protection system
✓ Combines Crystal Serum Light with EXO v5
✓ Durable, chemically bonding ceramic base layer
✓ Up to 5 years of CSL protection, according to Gtechniq
✓ EXO v5 provides exceptional hydrophobic performance
✓ Deep gloss with a warm, reflective finish
✓ Extremely slick surface feel
✓ Helps reduce brake-free road grime and dirt adhesion
✓ Makes regular washing and maintenance easier
✓ Helps resist wash-induced marring
✓ Improved resistance to road salt and wash chemicals
✓ EXO v5 requires only one application layer
✓ Slower EXO flash-off for easier residue removal
✓ Suitable for experienced DIY coating applications
✓ Available in 30ml and 50ml kit options
For the best results, the paintwork must be thoroughly washed, decontaminated and polished where necessary before applying protection. Use Gtechniq PW Panel Wipe to remove polishing oils and preparation residues, then apply Crystal Serum Light using the supplied applicator.
Allow at least one hour before applying EXO v5 over CSL. The improved EXO formula requires only a single layer, making application more straightforward than with previous versions. Use clean Gtechniq MF1 ZeroR Microfibre Cloths to remove residues and inspect each panel carefully for missed areas.
Following application, keep the vehicle indoors and protected from moisture for at least 12 hours. Gtechniq recommends avoiding washing for the first seven days while the coatings continue to cure.
Specification
| Adds Protection | Yes, two-stage ceramic coating system |
|---|---|
| Application Method | By hand, CSL followed by EXO v5 |
| Application Temperature | 5–25°C, indoors |
| CSL Durability | Up to 5 years (manufacturer claim) |
| Curing Time | Keep dry for at least 12 hours |
| Enhances Gloss | Yes |
| EXO v5 Durability | 18–24 months (standalone manufacturer claim) |
| EXO v5 Layers | One |
| Minimum Time Between Coatings | 1 hour after applying CSL |
| Protection Type | Ceramic base coating and hydrophobic topcoat |
| Size | 30ml and 50ml kit options |
| Slickness |
|
| Suitable Surfaces | Compatible automotive paintwork |
| Water Beading |
|
How To Use
1) Prepare the paintwork:
Thoroughly wash, chemically decontaminate and dry the vehicle. Polish the paintwork where necessary to remove defects before coating. The vehicle must be indoors, between 5°C and 25°C, and away from direct sunlight.
2) Complete the panel wipe:
Spray Gtechniq PW Panel Wipe onto an MF1 microfibre cloth and wipe each panel in manageable sections. Remove any remaining residues and ensure the surface is completely clean and dry.
3) Prepare Crystal Serum Light:
Shake the CSL bottle and wear suitable protective gloves. Apply three full measures from the pipette to the supplied applicator pad and distribute the liquid evenly through the pad.
4) Apply CSL:
Work in overlapping strokes across an area approximately 60 × 60cm. Keep the bottle capped when not dispensing product to reduce premature curing.
5) Remove CSL residue immediately:
Buff the treated area immediately using a clean MF1 cloth, followed by a second cloth where necessary. Inspect under bright, diffused lighting for high spots or missed residue before moving on.
6) Allow CSL to settle:
Wait at least one hour after finishing the CSL application before applying EXO v5. Do not apply another panel wipe between freshly applied CSL and EXO.
7) Apply EXO v5:
Shake the EXO bottle, wear gloves and prime the AP2 foam applicator evenly. Spread the coating across an area approximately 60 × 60cm using overlapping strokes.
8) Buff EXO v5:
Allow approximately one to two minutes after application, then buff with a clean MF1 cloth. Follow with a second MF1 to remove smears and ensure a clear, even finish. Only one layer of EXO v5 is required.
9) Allow the coatings to cure:
Keep the vehicle indoors and completely dry for at least 12 hours. Avoid washing for at least seven days after application.
Important Notes:
✓ Apply indoors between 5°C and 25°C
✓ Thoroughly decontaminate and prepare paintwork first
✓ Remove polishing residues using Gtechniq Panel Wipe
✓ Apply Crystal Serum Light before EXO v5
✓ Remove CSL residue immediately after each section
✓ Allow a minimum of 1 hour between CSL and EXO v5
✓ Do not Panel Wipe freshly applied CSL before EXO
✓ Apply only one layer of EXO v5
✓ Buff EXO after approximately 1–2 minutes
✓ Inspect carefully for high spots and remaining residue
✓ Avoid direct application of CSL to unpainted plastic or rubber
✓ Keep the vehicle dry for at least 12 hours
✓ Avoid washing for at least 7 days
✓ Use opened coating bottles within 3 months
✓ Follow each coating's current label and Safety Data Sheet
Safety Data
This kit contains two separate ceramic coating formulations: Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light and EXO v5 Ultra Durable Hydrophobic Coating. Both products have their own Safety Data Sheets and should be handled according to their individual safety instructions.
The manufacturer-hosted Safety Data Sheets identify an aspiration hazard (H304) for both products: may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. The current product labels must be followed for the appropriate hazard and precautionary statements.
Important safety information:
✓ Wear suitable protective gloves
✓ Use appropriate eye protection
✓ Apply in a well-ventilated environment
✓ Avoid breathing concentrated vapours
✓ Keep away from heat, sparks and ignition sources
✓ Do not smoke during application
✓ Avoid unnecessary skin and eye contact
✓ Do not swallow either product
✓ If swallowed, seek immediate medical assistance and do not induce vomiting
✓ Keep containers securely closed when not in use
✓ Store out of reach of children
✓ Prevent unnecessary release into drains or waterways
✓ Dispose of coating residues and contaminated materials appropriately
✓ Follow the current product labels and Safety Data Sheets
Safety Data Sheets:
Both documents below are hosted directly by Gtechniq. Check the current product label against the appropriate document revision before use.
Download Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light Safety Data Sheet (PDF)