I was the winner of the Chemical Guy’s Black Light - Radiant Finish and Hybrid V7 Optical Select High-Gloss Spray Sealant contest a few weeks ago. I told Todd I would post a review of the products once I had a chance to use them.
To begin, this review will NOT contain the following overused and time-worn clichés and phrases:
Amazing – Over the top – Insane – Out of bounds – Crazy – Off the chart – Blown away - Pop
It will contain one phrase that sums up these two products when used together – “optical clarity”. Your vehicle will become a rolling mirror that reflects anything in its path.
I applied these two products to my wife’s black 2001 Lexus RX 300. This car has the softest paint on the planet. If you dry it with a soft microfiber towel, you will induce micro-marring. I have to blot it dry with a Water Sprite synthetic towel to avoid marring the finish.
In all the years I’ve owned this car, I have never been able to achieve a reflective surface that I was extremely happy with. I would see others post pictures of their vehicles that I was more than envious of. Those days of envy are over.
Product Name: Chemical Guys Black Light - Radiant Finish
Product Container: 16 oz plastic bottle
Product Labeling: Label is designed not to smear or run if product is spilled on it. Clear instructions for use on label.
Product Characteristics – Black Light:
Color: Purple
Scent: Pleasant artificial grape
Consistency: Thick cream
Product Application: The instructions state that it can be applied by hand or machine. I used my Porter Cable 7424 set at speed 4 along with a blue finishing pad. Just two dots about the size of a dime are all you need for a 24” by 24” section.
According to the label, due to the Nano blending formulation, you should wait at least 15 minutes to allow the product to blend and cure before removing. After testing the product on the hood, I did the rest of the car leaving the product on and then removed it in the same sequence I applied. It can be removed very easily, even if left on for more than 15 minutes.
Product Performance: Once I removed the product I couldn’t believe it was the same paint. I said, “Why top this with Hybrid V7 Optical Select High-Gloss Spray Sealant? It can’t get any better.” But it did. I’ll explain later.
This product is advertised as a “Gloss Enhancer” but it also contains some type of cleaning ability as I had some minor water spots which it removed with ease.
I think this statement from the product label best describes this product: Black Light Radiant Finish is crafted and formulated especially for car lovers who aim for the smoothest, sharpest and wettest reflection possible with strong durability; ease of application and anti static property. See pictures below for proof.
Additional thoughts: I haven’t had a chance to apply it to a light colored car so I can’t tell if it will produce the same results as my wife’s black car. If you own a dark colored vehicle you owe it to yourself to use this.
At this point, I can’t comment of durability as it has only been on for a few days. One thing I did notice is that it did not stain the trim on the car; another plus for me.
After finally letting my wife drive it to the store, she was approached by a man and wife in the parking lot who asked if the car was new. When she told them it was 11 years old they couldn’t believe it.
Product Price: $27.99 and well worth every penny.
Product Safety: As with any product containing petroleum distillates; wear Nitrile gloves and keep out of reach of children. First aid procedure is printed on label.
The product images below are a reflectrion shot from the passenger's front door. You can tell its a mirror image because the printing on the label is reversed.
Product Name: Chemical Guys Hybrid V7 Optical Select High-Gloss Spray Sealant
Product Container: 16 oz plastic bottle with sprayer
Product Labeling: Professionally designed label that will not smear or run if product is spilled on it. Clear instructions for use on label.
Product Characteristics:
Color: Orange
Scent: Citrus
Consistency: Thin liquid spray
Product Application: This is best if applied to a foam applicator pad such as those used for wax or sealant. I first started by spraying it on a microfiber towel then applying it to the car. I quickly found out that the towel absorbs a lot of the product and you’ll use up the sealant fast. Once applied, I let it dry. It doesn’t haze over like wax or sealant but like most spray LSPs it produced a smear that is easily buffed away with a dry microfiber towel.
Product Performance: As stated above, I didn’t think the finish could get any better after I used the Black Light enhancer but I was wrong. The sealant seems to add even more reflectivity to the paint surface and cleans up any Black Light you may have overlooked. These two products are a perfect marriage.
Additional thoughts: I’ve done enough cars now that I can feel if the finish is flat and hard. Once you apply this over Black Light you’ll know your car’s exterior has been properly detailed. These two products get my highest recommendation not because I won them in a contest but because they work as advertised.
Product Price: $18.99.
Product Safety: As with any product containing petroleum distillates; wear Nitrile gloves and keep out of reach of children. First aid procedure is printed on label.
To begin, this review will NOT contain the following overused and time-worn clichés and phrases:
Amazing – Over the top – Insane – Out of bounds – Crazy – Off the chart – Blown away - Pop
It will contain one phrase that sums up these two products when used together – “optical clarity”. Your vehicle will become a rolling mirror that reflects anything in its path.
I applied these two products to my wife’s black 2001 Lexus RX 300. This car has the softest paint on the planet. If you dry it with a soft microfiber towel, you will induce micro-marring. I have to blot it dry with a Water Sprite synthetic towel to avoid marring the finish.
In all the years I’ve owned this car, I have never been able to achieve a reflective surface that I was extremely happy with. I would see others post pictures of their vehicles that I was more than envious of. Those days of envy are over.
Product Name: Chemical Guys Black Light - Radiant Finish
Product Container: 16 oz plastic bottle
Product Labeling: Label is designed not to smear or run if product is spilled on it. Clear instructions for use on label.
Product Characteristics – Black Light:
Color: Purple
Scent: Pleasant artificial grape
Consistency: Thick cream
Product Application: The instructions state that it can be applied by hand or machine. I used my Porter Cable 7424 set at speed 4 along with a blue finishing pad. Just two dots about the size of a dime are all you need for a 24” by 24” section.
According to the label, due to the Nano blending formulation, you should wait at least 15 minutes to allow the product to blend and cure before removing. After testing the product on the hood, I did the rest of the car leaving the product on and then removed it in the same sequence I applied. It can be removed very easily, even if left on for more than 15 minutes.
Product Performance: Once I removed the product I couldn’t believe it was the same paint. I said, “Why top this with Hybrid V7 Optical Select High-Gloss Spray Sealant? It can’t get any better.” But it did. I’ll explain later.
This product is advertised as a “Gloss Enhancer” but it also contains some type of cleaning ability as I had some minor water spots which it removed with ease.
I think this statement from the product label best describes this product: Black Light Radiant Finish is crafted and formulated especially for car lovers who aim for the smoothest, sharpest and wettest reflection possible with strong durability; ease of application and anti static property. See pictures below for proof.
Additional thoughts: I haven’t had a chance to apply it to a light colored car so I can’t tell if it will produce the same results as my wife’s black car. If you own a dark colored vehicle you owe it to yourself to use this.
At this point, I can’t comment of durability as it has only been on for a few days. One thing I did notice is that it did not stain the trim on the car; another plus for me.
After finally letting my wife drive it to the store, she was approached by a man and wife in the parking lot who asked if the car was new. When she told them it was 11 years old they couldn’t believe it.
Product Price: $27.99 and well worth every penny.
Product Safety: As with any product containing petroleum distillates; wear Nitrile gloves and keep out of reach of children. First aid procedure is printed on label.
The product images below are a reflectrion shot from the passenger's front door. You can tell its a mirror image because the printing on the label is reversed.
Product Name: Chemical Guys Hybrid V7 Optical Select High-Gloss Spray Sealant
Product Container: 16 oz plastic bottle with sprayer
Product Labeling: Professionally designed label that will not smear or run if product is spilled on it. Clear instructions for use on label.
Product Characteristics:
Color: Orange
Scent: Citrus
Consistency: Thin liquid spray
Product Application: This is best if applied to a foam applicator pad such as those used for wax or sealant. I first started by spraying it on a microfiber towel then applying it to the car. I quickly found out that the towel absorbs a lot of the product and you’ll use up the sealant fast. Once applied, I let it dry. It doesn’t haze over like wax or sealant but like most spray LSPs it produced a smear that is easily buffed away with a dry microfiber towel.
Product Performance: As stated above, I didn’t think the finish could get any better after I used the Black Light enhancer but I was wrong. The sealant seems to add even more reflectivity to the paint surface and cleans up any Black Light you may have overlooked. These two products are a perfect marriage.
Additional thoughts: I’ve done enough cars now that I can feel if the finish is flat and hard. Once you apply this over Black Light you’ll know your car’s exterior has been properly detailed. These two products get my highest recommendation not because I won them in a contest but because they work as advertised.
Product Price: $18.99.
Product Safety: As with any product containing petroleum distillates; wear Nitrile gloves and keep out of reach of children. First aid procedure is printed on label.
