Review: Crystal-Glo

[WuNgUn]

I purchased this Canadian company's product on the advice of 'BlackSunshine', a fellow Canadian (I guess I'm feeling patrioting lately?). Living in mid-western Ontario, winters can be harsh!
Anyhow, I used my PC for the first time with SSR2 followed by SSR1, using 7.5" LC rotary pads (don't ask). After this process, I applied the Crystal-Glo to the car using a black LC pad, on speed setting 3 or 3.5.
The product is a nice creamy texture, and applied easily and evenly, even in indirect sunlight (paint surface was very warm, but not hot). I removed it with a MF cloth after a few minutes, allowing it to haze slightly. I could of left it on the finish longer, in retrospect, because it removed very easily (I was concerned about the difficulty of removal with the warm paint). Also, it didn't appear to effect the plastic/rubber trim that I accidently coated.
Immediate results seemed just okay, not spectacular. I immediately applied a second coat overtop using the same technique as before. Again, a nice shine and reflectivity, but seemed to be lacking depth.
So I applied ontop of that, a thin layer of Mothers pure carnuba paste wax by hand.
A lot of work, which at first, I thought was not exactly worth the effort. BUT, that was Saturday...today, the finish looks MUCH better than it did the day I detailed it! I haven't washed it since then, but dusted it twice using a California duster.
I don't know if it's just me or not, but I think the finish now looks much deeper now, with equally impressive reflectivity...and the shine is blinding!
I might alter my method next time with a layer of Gold Class or NXT over the Crystal Glo, followed by a layer or two of Mother's Carnuba as a LSP...
Apparently Crystal-Glo is also great for plastic, windows and lens' as well, and I'll be applying a couple of coats to these items as well!

 

[cwcad]

Interesting to say the least. Am not familiar with this product.

I use LC 7.5 inch pads often with my PC. I have applied many coats of LSP using a PC also. Have recently stopped applying a second coat of any LSP because I feel that the action could remove the layer previously applied. Especially with a product like NXT because it does have some cleaning properties in it.

Do you think that the depth and shine are from the Mother's carnuaba? You did mention that you were rather unimpressed with the sealant.

 

[WuNgUn]

Interesting to say the least. Am not familiar with this product.

I use LC 7.5 inch pads often with my PC. I have applied many coats of LSP using a PC also. Have recently stopped applying a second coat of any LSP because I feel that the action could remove the layer previously applied. Especially with a product like NXT because it does have some cleaning properties in it.

Do you think that the depth and shine are from the Mother's carnuaba? You did mention that you were rather unimpressed with the sealant.

I'm using the stock counter weight on my PC...shakes like a Harley when I crank 'er up!
I was also wondering the same thing about layering LSP or other products. I think next time I'll machine apply my LSP, then the following day, lightly apply another coat by hand, and then the carnuba...
I was refering to the depth and shine AFTER I applied 2 coats of Crystal Glo and the Mother's on day one. Previously, I've used Gold Class and the Mother's carnuba over that, and I was immediately impressed.
I think for some reason, the Crystal Glo maybe hardens after a day or two (it is an acrylic sealant after all).

 

[BlackSunshine]

Cwcad>>Crystal-Glo IMO is a similiar product to Klasse AIO....it is acrylic based with a very mild cleaner. As with most acrylics...it does give that sterile shine that they are known for. I would have let the first coat cure for at least 24 hrs and applied a second without the PC (maybe too harsh) that way you can apply the second coat with a light touch since it does have a cleaner in it. I believe what WuNgUn was saying is that it lacked depth which I'm sure that the mothers supplied afterwards. The shine i'm sure is from the sealant underneath. Don't get me wrong....I'm not a spokeperson for Crystal-Glo and there are much better sealants available out there. I recommended the product so that he would not have to deal with the wait and shipping charges to Canada which can be crazy...I just received my FK2180, 425 and Pinkwax which was shipped express over 2 weeks ago. Shipping alone was $20 plus $8 handling charge plus $13.75 in taxes...oh and don't forget the exchange rate!!!!!
WuNgUn >>> hope you like the product...it has many uses...windows, rims, plastic...and it doesn't stain trim as you already know. I have slid mine aside for FK2180 but I continue to use it on rims, glass and plastic...and it's great for jams and under the hood and trunk lid.

 

[CharlesW]

I think for some reason, the Crystal Glo maybe hardens after a day or two (it is an acrylic sealant after all).

While it isn't a product I am familiar with, but since you do say it's a sealant, I would almost bet they suggest letting it cure for a day before adding anything.
Does it say anything in the instructions about cure time?
The instructions might also have a suggestion as to how long to wait before removing it.

Charles

 

[AutoBuff]

Hey WuNgUn

I have used this product and have had great results. For best results I find when used on a vehicle for the first time, do the vehicle 2 -3 times and everytime after that apply it once. Crystal glo suggests to do it twice for first time applications and they also say each other application helps the depth look.


Cheers
Chris

 

[Beemerboy]

I purchased this Canadian company's product on the advice of 'BlackSunshine', a fellow Canadian (I guess I'm feeling patrioting lately?). Living in mid-western Ontario, winters can be harsh!
Anyhow, I used my PC for the first time with SSR2 followed by SSR1, using 7.5" LC rotary pads (don't ask). After this process, I applied the Crystal-Glo to the car using a black LC pad, on speed setting 3 or 3.5.
The product is a nice creamy texture, and applied easily and evenly, even in indirect sunlight (paint surface was very warm, but not hot). I removed it with a MF cloth after a few minutes, allowing it to haze slightly. I could of left it on the finish longer, in retrospect, because it removed very easily (I was concerned about the difficulty of removal with the warm paint). Also, it didn't appear to effect the plastic/rubber trim that I accidently coated.
Immediate results seemed just okay, not spectacular. I immediately applied a second coat overtop using the same technique as before. Again, a nice shine and reflectivity, but seemed to be lacking depth.
So I applied ontop of that, a thin layer of Mothers pure carnuba paste wax by hand.
A lot of work, which at first, I thought was not exactly worth the effort. BUT, that was Saturday...today, the finish looks MUCH better than it did the day I detailed it! I haven't washed it since then, but dusted it twice using a California duster.
I don't know if it's just me or not, but I think the finish now looks much deeper now, with equally impressive reflectivity...and the shine is blinding!
I might alter my method next time with a layer of Gold Class or NXT over the Crystal Glo, followed by a layer or two of Mother's Carnuba as a LSP...
Apparently Crystal-Glo is also great for plastic, windows and lens' as well, and I'll be applying a couple of coats to these items as well!

There is a guy here in Calif that has a similar or now I'm wondering if its the same one and he sold his line...I tried the net but everything comes up in Canada and the UK....Kind of odd because I went to his shop to look at this...The owner was from Hong Kong as I remember and they had a shop in the San Fran Bay area