BLACKFIRE Crystal Seal (New Formula) - Review

[donbeezy]

anyone know what the durability was with the old formula?

[Ronkh]

anyone know what the durability was with the old formula?

I never tested durability. It was so quick and easy it never mattered to me.......

[GearHead_1]

I never tested durability. It was so quick and easy it never mattered to me.......

Felt the same way. Also picked up some of the new formula but have been waiting for the weather to cooperate to try it.

[Loach]

Thanks for reviewing, those frost shots are incredible! I also caved in and picked this up during the sale as well as Wolfgang DGLS, I`m looking forward to putting them to the test.

[Angus]

*1 Month Update*

Well it`s been a month, and I have to say things aren`t looking good for Crystal Seal - on the paint.

Take a look at the photos I took this morning after yesterday`s rain:

(Roof)


(Hood)


Beads have turned into amobias on the paint however if you look carefully at my sunroof, beading is still going strong on the glass surfaces I applied CS too:



Here`s another angle showing how the two surfaces vary: paint on the left, glass on the right:



Why the dramatic difference between the 2 surfaces? Well the only thing I can think of is, BF CS and HD SPEED don`t play well together and failed to bond.

Prior to applying CS, I used HD SPEED for some light paint correction before the cold weather set in. I was hoping CS would add a nice top layer for extra durability but knew full well my plan could backfire. And it did! However it`s pretty cool to see the difference in beading between the paint and glass surfaces. And it only go to show how important prep work is and using products that work with each other.

So lesson learned: Do not use BLACKFIRE Crystal Seal on top of HD SPEED. I`ll continue to keep any eye on the CS coated glass surfaces and update this thread on longevity.

For now, hopefully I`ll have time this weekend to apply a new LSP on the paint. HD Poxy anyone????

[silverfox]

I would have topped HD speed with HD express. It`s a killer combo and lasts about 5 months. If you apply HD express monthly you can go indefinitely

[Angus]

If you apply HD express monthly you can go indefinitely

Good to know! Thanks.

[GearHead_1]

I`d be interested to see if the beading returns once the car has been cleaned. I too have noticed that once the vehicle has dust/dirt on it the beads seem to be gone but once I clean the finish the beading returns, the sealant appears to still be doing its job.

[Angus]

I`d be interested to see if the beading returns once the car has been cleaned. I too have noticed that once the vehicle has dust/dirt on it the beads seem to be gone but once I clean the finish the beading returns, the sealant appears to still be doing its job.

Interesting. I`ll keep this in mind while I`m cleaning the car in preparation for the next LSP I use. Who knows, maybe CS is still there hiding under a layer of crud? We shale see...

[zmcgovern45]

Your glass will likely bead water regardless of if you applied CS or not, so I don`t think comparing the water behavior on a painted surface to a glass surface is relevant.

[RaysWay]

While not the strongest beading, I`d say the BFCS is definitely still there. If I was observing those results 1 month later for a durability test, I`d note that BFCS was still present. But I`m interested to see if the beading gets better after a wash. Keep us updated Angus and thanks for the follow up!

[glfnaz]

Angus

I am very curious to see if the beading is improved after a wash as well.
Thanks

[Angus]

I`ll try and squeeze in a wash this weekend fellas and report back on the results

While I`m at it, what soap do want me to use? Stock on hand:

1. 3D HD Wash
2. Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss
3. Chemical Guys HoneyDew Snow Foam
4. Four Star Ultimate Auto Wash Shampoo
5. Nanoskin Bubble Bath Wash & Shine Shampoo
6. Pinnacle XMT Gel Shampoo & Conditioner
7. Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Coating Shampoo
8. SONAX Gloss Shampoo Concentrate
9. Zymol Auto Wash

Vote now!

[GearHead_1]

Black Label

[Loach]

Your glass will likely bead water regardless of if you applied CS or not, so I don`t think comparing the water behavior on a painted surface to a glass surface is relevant.

I agree with Zach, especially on sunroof glass I`ve noticed many of them repel water quite well without having anything applied on top. Add another vote for Black Label shampoo!