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The DIY ceramic coating industry is filled with contenders – and pretenders. Let’s face it, making a user-friendly product that was initially intended for professional application is hard. While there are a few brands who have accomplished this difficult task, some are not as successful.
Then there are those in the middle, like today’s contender, Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light, a DIY version of Gtechniq’s Crystal Serum (CSL) professional coating and paint sealant that is applied by a Gtechniq accredited detailer.
In today’s blog, we’ll compare our Armor Shield IX DIY ceramic coating vs Crystal Serum Light. Like all of our reviews, we’ll do an apple to apple comparison. We’ll break down what’s in each product (to the best of our knowledge), what’s in each DIY kit, and outline some areas of paint protection similarity and differences.
Breaking Down the Formulation of Armor Shield IX vs Crystal Serum Light
All ceramic coatings are essentially made from the same ingredients to produce a high gloss finish. What makes them unique is the formulation, or how those ingredients are combined. It’s not very easy to find the ingredients and especially the exact percentage of each, simply because that’s proprietary information.
With that said, the one ingredient that helps consumers determine the quality of a DIY ceramic coating is SiO2. This is a chemical formula for silica dioxide. SiO2 is mainly responsible for forming the solid crystal layer of protection that infuses onto a clear coat of paint.
With regard to the percentage, professional coatings typically have a SiO2 percentage close to 90% and are very difficult to apply. The ‘happy spot’ for DIY ceramic coatings is slightly below 86% SiO2. When the SiO2 percentage is lower, the application is easier for the DIY consumer – however, hardness and longevity is compromised.
https://detailsector.com/gtechniq/
CSL: Crystal Serum Light is marketed as the ‘prosumer’ (which is English for DIY version) of their dealer-only Crystal Serum Ultra formulation. According to the parent company, CSL offers 80% of the performance of their professional formula, that according to them, requires 1,500 grit sand paper to remove if applied incorrectly.
We searched high and low, placed three phone calls to several dealers and emailed their US distributor. Regardless of our efforts, we received no reply to our inquiry about their SiO2 percentage. So, we’ll have to assume that since it’s 80% of the strength of their pro-grade product (likely 90% SiO2), that would equal 72%. But again, that’s just a logical guess.
US: Our Armor Shield IX maintains a SiO2 percentage above 80 percent of 99.9 percent pure Si02. Our first formulations were in the 86-percentile range, but we reduced it for easier application for DIY consumers.
Winner: We’re going to take the win here for two reasons. First, when you contact us, we reply quickly to all inquiries. Second, 80 is better than 72.
What are the Product Contents?
Since this is an apple to apple comparison, we’ll compare what you receive when you order a 30ml bottle of each product. CSL does offer a 50ml bottle, but we’ll compare their 30ml version since that’s the only size we offer.
US: What’s in Armor Shield IX? – $69.99 + FREE Domestic Shipping
When you order (1) DIY ceramic coating kit, here is what you’ll receive:
- (1) 30ml Bottle of Armor Shield IX
- (1) Applicator Sponge
- (3) Applicator Suedes
- (1) Pair of Professional-Grade Nitrile Gloves
- (1) Microfiber Buffing Towel
A 30ml bottle of Armor Shield IX is good enough to apply (2) coatings if desired on a compact car or motorcycle. Order (2) bottles for sedans, Jeeps and smaller pick-ups. (3) bottles will cover SUV’s, full-sized trucks, and vans. Our packaging is clean, arrives in a form fitted matte-black case with the product inside a chrome-coated bottle, detailed illustrated instructions, microfibre towel, and the user guide.
We also provide volume discounts for ordering multiple kits.
- (2) kits cost $104.99 – or buy one get 2nd half off
- (3) kits are $139.99 – or buy two get one free.
Them: What’s in Crystal Serum Light – $69.99 + Shipping
Crystal Serum Light is sold to US consumers as a 30ml bottle or a 50ml bottle. The 30ml version costs $69.99 with the customer covering all shipping charges. However, if you order more than $250 worth of products from their US distribution company, they’ll throw in free shipping. So, what’s in their kit?
- (1) 30ml Bottle of CSL
- (1) Dropper/pipette
- (1) Applicator Pad
- (1) Pair of gloves
- Instruction/info sheet
- (1) Gtechniq sticker
Winner: Armor Shield IX. We ship Armor Shield IX to all consumers in the United States for FREE. Crystal Serum Light charges a minimum of $8.65 for USPS delivery. We include multiple applicator suedes and a buffing towel. Crystal Serum Light does not.
What are the Similarities Between Armor Shield IX and Crystal Serum Light?
With regard to comparing the two DIY ceramic coating products, there are some similarities that you’ll find.
- Great hydrophobic properties
- No need to polish and wax after installation to maintain an incredible gloss
- Simple to apply for the average DIY car care consumer
- Level of preparation work. Both Armor Shield IX and CSL recommends a detailed car wash, clay bar treatment, paint correction (if needed) and a final IPA panel wipe down prior to applying the products.
- Provides chemical resistance, water, tree sap, contaminants, road grime, UV rays, and more.
- Resistant to bug splatters, light scratches, and bird droppings.
- Reduced need to wash cars frequently due to great dirt repellency.
- Both should not be applied in direct sunlight.
- Same life expectancy – 2 to 5 years depending on the paintwork condition, prep work completed, and correct application
What Are the Differences?
Both products are very good at what they are designed to do – protect the paint surface. But, there are some differences.
Distribution
CSL: This product is sold in the United States by Gtechniq North America INC, which is a division of the parent company located overseas. When customers order online, they pay for shipping and have several shipping options to choose.
US: This product is sold in the US by AvalonKing – the parent company itself. We have no distributors or authorized third-party sales. We do not charge for shipping to consumers in the United States.
Winner: Armor Shield IX – manufactured, sold, and shipped from the USA.
After Care
CSL: Gtechniq recommends two different aftercare or enhancement solutions for their Crystal Serum Light DIY ceramic coating. The first option is to apply an overcoat product they call Gtechniq EXO, which provides enhanced gloss, depth, and ultra durable paint protection. The second option is a spray called G2, another top coating that reduces water spots and improves paint coating protection.
US: Aftercare for Armor Shield IX consists of washing your car every two weeks using the two-bucket method. No extra investment needed to keep your vehicle looking sharp.
Winner: Save money, save time, and keep the car looking clean by installing Armor Shield IX.
Application Recommendations
CSL: The process for applying Crystal Serum Light is somewhat similar to our product, but some important differences. First, they include a dropper, to apply thin strips of their product on their application sponge. You’ll apply in similar 2 x 2-foot small panel overlapping strokes in sections, but when it ‘flashes’ you’ll use a three towel buffing process. The video above explains this in detail. They also recommend using one of their top-coat products after the coating.
US: We recommend applying (1) coating of Armor Shield IX. You can apply the 2nd layer for extra protection, but it’s not required. Plus, we don’t offer a top-coat product to enhance water beading or shine.
Winner: Although there isn’t a huge difference in the benefits of the top-coat products from Gtechniq, I’m certain it does provide a benefit. So – we’ll call this one a draw (since those extra products will cost you extra).
Summary: What’s Best for Your Car?
These two consumer-installed ceramic coating products will both protect your vehicle against exposure to elements, extreme cold and hot temperatures, and contaminants. They’ll both keep the vehicle shiny, glossy, and looking fresh and clean for up to 5 years. How they achieve those results is slightly different.
US: Armor Shield IX is a one-product solution. Simply prep the vehicle correctly, apply following our detailed, illustrated instructions and keep the car washed every two weeks as recommended. We offer (1) bottle size, make purchasing additional bottles simple and cost-effective, and don’t charge for shipping – PERIOD.
CSL: Crystal Serum Light is a very good ceramic coating product, that when combined with their top-coat products, produces similar results to Armor Shield IX. The state that their 30ml bottle is good enough for an average-sized car and their 50ml bottle is good for larger sedans.
Winner: If you’re looking for simplicity – a one-product solution with superior customer service and support, Armor Shield IX is your best bet. If you’re looking for multiple steps, spending extra money on top-coat and protection products, you’ll likely enjoy CSL.
10 comments
Matt
To build on what Carlos said it’s like these orange juice companies that say they make their orange juice with 100% pure orange juice well that’s fine and dandy but if you only put 10% of that pure orange juice in a carton then that would actually make the carton of orange juice only 10% real orange juice so if you say that you put 80% of pure SO2 in every one of your bottles if you only put 10 ml of a 30 ml bottle is 80% SIO2 then that would mean that you only have 8% of your bottle by volume is SiO2….. Which again the way you word it makes it sound give me key and like it could be the case… Plus to add this one other note… If CSL has become the industry standard around more detail shops than not then wouldn’t it be wise to go with what detail shops have adopted as the industry standard
To build on what Carlos said it’s like these orange juice companies that say they make their orange juice with 100% pure orange juice well that’s fine and dandy but if you only put 10% of that pure orange juice in a carton then that would actually make the carton of orange juice only 10% real orange juice so if you say that you put 80% of pure SO2 in every one of your bottles if you only put 10 ml of a 30 ml bottle is 80% SIO2 then that would mean that you only have 8% of your bottle by volume is SiO2….. Which again the way you word it makes it sound give me key and like it could be the case… Plus to add this one other note… If CSL has become the industry standard around more detail shops than not then wouldn’t it be wise to go with what detail shops have adopted as the industry standard
Dale Pearl
Hi Ryan!
I’m very sorry you had a bad experience! We do try to give customers the best possible customer service experience possible. When it comes to making a purchase the ordering system is 100% automated so there is plenty of room for incorrect situations to occur. Also the orders will ship out within 24 hours so often times the logical choice is to cancel the order/refund and advise the customer. When it comes to Sale events such as our Labor Day sale the events cannot be combined with other promo codes. If you choose to use another promo code you certainly can, just keep in mind the first one entered is the only one that is going to be availed against the purchase. If you are still wanting to take advantage of the Labor Day sale contact us in support and we can make that happen, just understand we cannot stack other promo codes on top of the discounted pricing.
Hi Ryan!
I’m very sorry you had a bad experience! We do try to give customers the best possible customer service experience possible. When it comes to making a purchase the ordering system is 100% automated so there is plenty of room for incorrect situations to occur. Also the orders will ship out within 24 hours so often times the logical choice is to cancel the order/refund and advise the customer. When it comes to Sale events such as our Labor Day sale the events cannot be combined with other promo codes. If you choose to use another promo code you certainly can, just keep in mind the first one entered is the only one that is going to be availed against the purchase. If you are still wanting to take advantage of the Labor Day sale contact us in support and we can make that happen, just understand we cannot stack other promo codes on top of the discounted pricing.
Ryan
Sad you treat customers poorly though when they try to use a coupon from say Pan the Organizer. I essentially had my entire order cancelled!!
These guys are kinda hard to deal with from a customer service stand point
Sad you treat customers poorly though when they try to use a coupon from say Pan the Organizer. I essentially had my entire order cancelled!!
These guys are kinda hard to deal with from a customer service stand point
Dale Pearl
Hi Bob!
Hold tight. We have our own ceramic spray under development and we are hoping to have that available before the end of the year!
Hi Bob!
Hold tight. We have our own ceramic spray under development and we are hoping to have that available before the end of the year!
Bob Wells
I appreciate the comparison, understanding that the perspective is biased by definition. However, you can do some of us a service by making a recommendation for a good maintenance spray/detailer that is compatible with AS9. Because some of us just can’t help ourselves after washing. :)
I appreciate the comparison, understanding that the perspective is biased by definition. However, you can do some of us a service by making a recommendation for a good maintenance spray/detailer that is compatible with AS9. Because some of us just can’t help ourselves after washing. :)
Dale Pearl
HI Tom!
I went ahead and posted your review even though it doesn’t look like you have purchased or used it before. We do our best to make Armor Shield at an affordable price and we certainly are interested in maintaining fiscal responsibility by not giving away the product. We invest in our customers and stand behind the product by our actions which also includes ensuring customer satisfaction with the product.
HI Tom!
I went ahead and posted your review even though it doesn’t look like you have purchased or used it before. We do our best to make Armor Shield at an affordable price and we certainly are interested in maintaining fiscal responsibility by not giving away the product. We invest in our customers and stand behind the product by our actions which also includes ensuring customer satisfaction with the product.
tom
Interesting but I did not see any details on easy of use and application. Yes it seems CSL is using a little less sio2 but that is also a factor for the application.
Once on, flashes easy and easy off, never grabby. Each coating is a learning curve. Best always to start in a very small section for DIY’er to get a good feel of the process. Also it can limit mistakes, keep it small and simple. Someday I will try A. K. ’s Amor Shield IX. Only then will I know about cost-efficiencies, gloss, jetting, durability, uv protectiveness, self-cleaning behaviors……..Also not sure you do not off a 50ml. Seems a bit $ grabby up front…
Interesting but I did not see any details on easy of use and application. Yes it seems CSL is using a little less sio2 but that is also a factor for the application.
Once on, flashes easy and easy off, never grabby. Each coating is a learning curve. Best always to start in a very small section for DIY’er to get a good feel of the process. Also it can limit mistakes, keep it small and simple. Someday I will try A. K. ’s Amor Shield IX. Only then will I know about cost-efficiencies, gloss, jetting, durability, uv protectiveness, self-cleaning behaviors……..Also not sure you do not off a 50ml. Seems a bit $ grabby up front…
Hasan Syed
Tim, first I’d like to say thank you for all the info you have put up on this site. Second, I bought 4 of your kits recently & am looking forward to trying Armor Shield out. That said, could you contact some of these “real world testers?” I already bought your product but I’d really like to see how it compares to others.
Checkout this guy’s newest test w/ 42 products (some overlap from the 34 product test results of the year long he did previously)
https://youtu.be/6Go5reR_PBU
Thank you.
Regards,
Hasan
Tim, first I’d like to say thank you for all the info you have put up on this site. Second, I bought 4 of your kits recently & am looking forward to trying Armor Shield out. That said, could you contact some of these “real world testers?” I already bought your product but I’d really like to see how it compares to others.
Checkout this guy’s newest test w/ 42 products (some overlap from the 34 product test results of the year long he did previously)
https://youtu.be/6Go5reR_PBU
Thank you.
Regards,
Hasan
Tim Charlet
Hi Carlos:
I appreciate your feedback. However, the point of adding the 80% of 99.9 percent SiO2 is more of a subtle jab at those who depend on those ‘gimmick’ tactics to seel their stuff. I’ll review the article, but I think it’s pretty clear. Maybe I’ll add a note “This is being sarcastic”…cause that’s cool too. Again, I appreciate the feedback. – Tim Charlet
Hi Carlos:
I appreciate your feedback. However, the point of adding the 80% of 99.9 percent SiO2 is more of a subtle jab at those who depend on those ‘gimmick’ tactics to seel their stuff. I’ll review the article, but I think it’s pretty clear. Maybe I’ll add a note “This is being sarcastic”…cause that’s cool too. Again, I appreciate the feedback. – Tim Charlet
Carlos Gonzalez
Good article overall but saying “Our Armor Shield IX maintains a SiO2 percentage above 80 percent of 99.9 percent pure Si02.” is confusing at best and comes across initially as gimmicky wording designed to make your product appear to be better than it really is.
I think I know what you mean. Armor Shield has above 80% of Si02 in it. To say 80% of 99.9 percent Si02 implies that the other product has a lower percentage of a type of Si02 that is not as pure as 99.9% which by your own admission you cannot know since the competing company does not give away that kind of information.
You might want to change your wording.
Carlos
Good article overall but saying “Our Armor Shield IX maintains a SiO2 percentage above 80 percent of 99.9 percent pure Si02.” is confusing at best and comes across initially as gimmicky wording designed to make your product appear to be better than it really is.
I think I know what you mean. Armor Shield has above 80% of Si02 in it. To say 80% of 99.9 percent Si02 implies that the other product has a lower percentage of a type of Si02 that is not as pure as 99.9% which by your own admission you cannot know since the competing company does not give away that kind of information.
You might want to change your wording.
Carlos