Gtechniq Crystal Serum: Ultra vs Light
Gtechniq is the one brand where the two products people search for are genuinely different purchases. Crystal Serum Ultra can only be applied by an accredited detailer and carries a registered warranty. Crystal Serum Light is the same idea in a bottle anyone can buy. Knowing which one a quote refers to is most of the decision.
- Installers listed
- 32 across 14 states
- Cities covered
- 29
- Typical price
- $1,200 median of 56 published prices
- Usual range
- $899–$1,650 middle half of published prices
Counted from 32 shops' published credentials and their own price lists, 2026-09-07.
What Gtechniq costs
We read 56 published prices that name Gtechniq by product or package. The median is $1,200, and the middle half of them run $899 to $1,650. The outer quarter at each end is left out deliberately, because a raw minimum and maximum describe a spread nobody can actually buy: the top of this set is a top-tier package on a large vehicle and the bottom is an entry coating on a small car.
Set against the market, professional ceramic coating nationally runs $599 to $1,399 across every brand, measured the same way over the same data — so the two are directly comparable. A Gtechniq quote outside its own band is not necessarily wrong; it usually means the correction work is doing the talking rather than the coating.
These are advertised prices read from shops' own websites, not quotes, and not prices we were given. Nothing here is paid placement.
The Gtechniq range
Made by Gtechniq in the UK. Crystal Serum Ultra is restricted to accredited detailers; Crystal Serum Light is sold to consumers.
- Crystal Serum Ultra (CSU)
- Accredited-detailer only, with a registered warranty. The hardest coating in the range.
- Crystal Serum Light (CSL)
- The consumer version. Shorter stated durability, no accreditation needed, no registered warranty.
- EXO
- A topper layered over Serum for water behavior and gloss, rather than a coating on its own.
- Halo and C1
- Film and trim coatings, for the surfaces a paint coating does not cover.
What people get wrong about Gtechniq
- Ultra and Light are not the same purchase
- CSU is only legitimately available through an accredited detailer and comes with a registered warranty. If a quote says "Crystal Serum" without saying which, that is the first question to ask.
- Serum is usually sold layered with EXO
- The standard professional application is Serum with EXO on top, and EXO is the layer renewed later. A price that looks high for a coating is often covering both.
- Accreditation belongs to a detailer, not a building
- Gtechniq accredits people. A shop can carry the credential because one technician holds it, so it is fair to ask who will be doing the work.
Gtechniq installers
32 shops across 14 states publish a Gtechniq credential, ranked on what they put in writing rather than on payment. We have not confirmed any of these with Gtechniq. Every credential on this site is a claim a shop makes on its own website, which is worth something and is not the same as the brand vouching for them — so ask to see it.
Auto detail Garage
Indian Trail, North Carolina 5.0 90 reviews
Customers often expected a basic clean but were blown away by how new their vehicles looked and smelled, even after significant interior issues like cigar smoke, ants, and stains. Many mentioned their cars looked like they just rolled off the showroom floor or were brand new again.
Stated on their own site, not confirmed with the issuer
- Does
- Ceramic Coating · Paint Correction
- Known for
- Deep interior cleaning and odor removal · Exterior paint restoration and shine
- Travels to
- Indian Trail, NC
More about Auto detail Garage
They also appreciated the fair pricing and outstanding customer service from Derick and his team in Indian Trail, North Carolina.
Best for Uber and Lyft drivers, and those with a 2007 Honda Odyssey or 2015 Mercedes C300 needing an extreme makeover, ceramic coating, or stain removal.
- Exceptional quality, delivering "new car" or "showroom" results
- Outstanding and personalized customer service
- Ability to tackle extreme dirt, stains, and odors
Pip's Auto Detailing
Staten Island, New York 4.9 104 reviews
Customers often expected a standard car cleaning but received vehicles looking showroom quality, even after years of neglect. Reviewers frequently mention that James's deep cleaning tackles significant issues like mold, strong odors, and dull, swirled paint, making interiors and exteriors pristine.
Stated on their own site, not confirmed with the issuer
- Does
- Ceramic Coating · Paint Correction
- Known for
- Interior deep cleaning and odor remediation (including mold, coffee, and chemical spills) · Exterior paint correction, contaminant removal, and polishing
- Travels to
- Staten Island, New York
More about Pip's Auto Detailing
Several note his communication throughout the process, explaining what to expect and what results are achievable.
Best for minivans with food spills and sickness, cars with coffee spills and mold, vehicles with pungent pine cleaner odors, and CRVs with dull, swirled paint from years without detailing
- Achieves 'like new' or 'showroom quality' results for both interior and exterior
- Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness in all cleaning aspects
- Highly effective in removing stubborn odors, stains, and paint contaminants
Florida Auto Ceramics & Paint Protection Film
Jupiter, Florida 5.0 86 reviews
Dave at Florida Auto Ceramics & Paint Protection Film in Jupiter, Florida, applied ceramic coating and paint protection film to a new Corvette, with the owner calling the results stunning. Customers mention Dave's thorough work, like recoating a truck's 3-year-old ceramic coating and even providing rides.
Stated on their own site, not confirmed with the issuer
- Does
- Ceramic Coating · Paint Correction
- Known for
- Ceramic Coating Application · Paint Protection Film (PPF) Installation
- Travels to
- Jupiter, FL · Palm Beach County · South Florida
More about Florida Auto Ceramics & Paint Protection Film
He also ceramic coated a 9-year-old black F150, which now receives compliments on its appearance.
Best for new Corvettes, black 2015 F150s, Mazda cars, trucks, and even boats needing ceramic coating and paint protection film
- Exceptional quality and meticulous attention to detail in all services, resulting in vehicles looking better than new.
- Outstanding customer service, including clear communication, follow-up checks, and convenient services like vehicle delivery.
- Vehicles receive lasting protection and enhanced appearance, with coatings maintaining their look for years.
Justice to Detail LLC
Hampton, Virginia 5.0 60 reviews
Justice, operating Justice to Detail LLC in Hampton, Virginia, offers a convenient mobile detailing service, bringing his own water and electricity. Customers appreciate his promptness, excellent communication, and reasonable prices for services ranging from full details to paint correction and ceramic coating.
Stated on their own site, not confirmed with the issuer
- Does
- Ceramic Coating · Paint Correction
- Known for
- Mobile Detailing (self-sufficient) · Paint Correction & Ceramic Coating
- Travels to
- 757 · Hampton Roads
More about Justice to Detail LLC
Many note their vehicles look amazing or practically new after his work.
Best for a reliable mobile car detailing service with excellent communication and reasonable prices, making older cars look new or protecting newer vehicles with ceramic coating
- Exceptional Quality & Attention to Detail
- Reliable, Punctual & Efficient Service
- Excellent Communication & Scheduling Flexibility
5 Colorado Auto Spa
Arvada, Colorado 5.0 112 reviews
Colorado Auto Spa is a mobile detailing service where the detailer comes to the customer's location. Customers often mention the convenience and ease of scheduling, even on short notice.
Stated on their own site, not confirmed with the issuer
- Does
- Ceramic Coating · Paint Correction
- Known for
- Scratch and scuff removal · Stain and odor elimination (including pet hair and strong air fresheners)
- Travels to
- Denver · Castle Rock · Castle Pines +14
More about Colorado Auto Spa
The service is thorough, removing stains, scratches, and even strong odors from vehicles, leaving them looking significantly improved.
Best for customers in Arvada, Colorado, needing a mobile detailing service that comes directly to their home or workplace, for thorough cleaning of interiors and exteriors, including scratch and stain removal, and odor elimination.
- Highly professional and knowledgeable service
- Exceptional attention to detail and quality results (vehicles look brilliant/new)
- Convenient mobile detailing option
6 Diamond Auto Detailing
Chesapeake, Virginia 4.9 53 reviews
Diamond Auto Detailing in Chesapeake, Virginia, makes vehicles look new, even those with significant wear or previous poor detailing work. They often require more time than initially estimated to ensure a thorough job, and their ceramic coating applications are highly valued for their durability and protective qualities.
Stated on their own site, not confirmed with the issuer
- Does
- Ceramic Coating · Paint Correction
- Known for
- Ceramic Coating application and maintenance education · Paint Correction (swirl and scratch removal)
- Travels to
- Chesapeake · Hampton Roads · Virginia Beach +3
More about Diamond Auto Detailing
Customers consistently report satisfaction with the final appearance and ease of vehicle maintenance.
Best for vehicle owners in the Chesapeake, Virginia, area who can schedule an appointment for ceramic coating application, paint correction, and comprehensive interior and exterior detailing, often taking a week or more to complete, especially for complex jobs or corrections of prior detailer's mistakes.
- Exceptional quality and transformative results, often exceeding customer expectations
- Professional, knowledgeable, and transparent customer service, with clear explanations of services and products
- Meticulous attention to detail and thoroughness, ensuring a superior finish
Starlit Detailing
Conroe, Texas 5.0 26 reviews
Starlit Detailing in Conroe, Texas, is for vehicle owners needing a thorough cleaning, especially after heavy use. Reviewers mention their cars, trucks, and Tundras looked new or shiny after services like full detailing and ceramic coating.
Stated on their own site, not confirmed with the issuer
- Does
- Ceramic Coating
- Known for
- Full vehicle detailing · Ceramic coating application
More about Starlit Detailing
Many customers highlighted the punctuality and professionalism of Omar, the detailer.
Best for vehicles with heavy dirt from off-roading or general use that need to look brand new and shiny, with services completed on time.
- Punctual, reliable, and professional service
- Flexibility in accommodating customer schedules
- Ability to restore vehicles to a 'brand new' or 'spotless' condition
8 Vive Auto PPF Tint Ceramic Coating - Houston Galleria
Houston, Texas 4.9 571 reviews
Publishes no prices — quote on request
This shop in Houston, Texas, is for car owners who want to restore, protect, and enhance their vehicle's appearance. Many customers bring in new or older luxury and exotic cars for ceramic coating, PPF, and tinting, and they report excellent communication, a personalized process, and flawless results.
Stated on their own site, not confirmed with the issuer
- Does
- Ceramic Coating · Paint Correction
- Known for
- Paint Protection Film (PPF) · Ceramic Coating
- Travels to
- Houston · Galleria · Katy
More about Vive Auto PPF Tint Ceramic Coating - Houston Galleria
They often leave with a car that looks better than expected, even after driving it in the rain.
Best for achieving a perfectly protected, detailed, and visually enhanced vehicle, from new sports cars to older daily drivers, without visible film edges or paint swirls
- Exceptional Craftsmanship & Flawless Results
- Outstanding Customer Service & Communication
- Use of High-Quality, Top-Tier Products
Chow's Detailing & Paint Protection
Houston, Texas 5.0 353 reviews
Publishes no prices — quote on request
Customers often expected a standard detailing service but were surprised by the extensive care, especially for new cars needing paint correction and ceramic coating. Many reviews highlight that cars, even those seven years old and used for heavy hauling, ended up looking brand new.
Stated on their own site, not confirmed with the issuer
- Does
- Ceramic Coating · Paint Correction
- Known for
- Ceramic Coating (often 5-year applications) · Paint Correction (addressing swirl marks and imperfections)
- Travels to
- Cypress TX · The Woodlands TX · Sugar Land TX +5
More about Chow's Detailing & Paint Protection
The team in Houston, Texas, is frequently mentioned for explaining the process thoroughly and addressing specific concerns.
Best for new car owners getting 5-year ceramic coating and paint correction, or renewing used vehicles after heavy use
- Exceptional professionalism and expertise
- Meticulous attention to detail, leading to flawless finishes
- Thorough explanations of services and processes
10 Atlanta Ceramic Coating & PPF
Alpharetta, Georgia 5.0 313 reviews
Publishes no prices — quote on request
Customers who brought their cars to Atlanta Ceramic Coating & PPF in Alpharetta, Georgia, found the finished work exceeded their expectations, even though some noted it wasn't the cheapest option. They consistently praise the team's professionalism and communication, especially Evan, Phillip, and Kelly, who thoroughly explained services like full PPF, ceramic coating, and tinting for various vehicles including a Lexus, Tundra, BMW, and Rivian R1T.
Stated on their own site, not confirmed with the issuer
- Does
- Ceramic Coating · Paint Correction
- Known for
- Ceramic Coating · Paint Protection Film (PPF)
- Travels to
- Alpharetta · Atlanta
More about Atlanta Ceramic Coating & PPF
Best for new or recently acquired luxury vehicles like an LC500, new Bronco, Lexus, Tundra, BMW, or Rivian R1T needing full PPF, ceramic coating, or tinting
- High-quality workmanship and installation
- Professional and knowledgeable staff providing thorough explanations
- Commitment to customer satisfaction, often exceeding expectations
Showing 10 of 32. The rest sit on their own city pages, which is where a shortlist actually gets made — pick your city below.
Where the Gtechniq installers are
- Houston, TX 3 shops
- Jupiter, FL 2 shops
- Alpharetta, GA 1 shop
- Arvada, CO 1 shop
- Bend, OR 1 shop
- Bolingbrook, IL 1 shop
- Bountiful, UT 1 shop
- Buford, GA 1 shop
- Casas Adobes, AZ 1 shop
- Chesapeake, VA 1 shop
- Conroe, TX 1 shop
- Coronado, CA 1 shop
Every city we cover — Gtechniq shops appear on their city's page alongside everything else installing coatings there.
Get quotes from Gtechniq installers
Tell us the car and the work. We put it in front of shops that do this specific job, and they come back to you directly. We aren't a middleman on the price and we take no cut of it.
- Your details go only to shops you're matched with
- Most replies land the same day
- Free, and no obligation to book anything
Gtechniq: common questions
How much does Gtechniq cost?
Across 56 published prices naming Gtechniq, the median is $1,200 and the middle half run $899 to $1,650. Those are advertised prices read from shops' own price lists, not quotes, and the figure for any particular car depends mostly on how much paint correction it needs first.
Is the Gtechniq I can buy the same as the professional version?
Not quite. Made by Gtechniq in the UK. Crystal Serum Ultra is restricted to accredited detailers; Crystal Serum Light is sold to consumers. The professional products carry a registered warranty and the consumer ones do not, however carefully they are applied.
How many Gtechniq installers are there near me?
This site lists 32 shops across 14 states that publish a Gtechniq credential on their own website, in 29 cities. We have not confirmed any of them with Gtechniq, so treat the credential as the shop's claim and ask to see it.
Is Gtechniq worth it compared with other coatings?
On price alone it sits inside the same band as the rest of the category: professional ceramic coating nationally runs $599 to $1,399. What separates two quotes at the same price is almost always the correction hours before the coating goes on, which is the part of the job no brand name covers.
What a coated car needs afterwards
A coating does not need much, and what it does need is specific: a shampoo with nothing in it, something to bring the beading back when road film buries it, and a way to get the water off before it dries.
- WashCheck price
Gtechniq GWash Shampoo
A pH-neutral shampoo with no gloss additives or wax in it.
- ToppersCheck price
Gyeon Q²M Cure
A ceramic detail spray for use after every wash.
- DryingCheck price
Gyeon Q²M SilkDryer
A large twisted-loop drying towel.
Prices come from Amazon and update hourly. We earn a commission on anything bought through these links, at no extra cost to you, and no brand paid to be included. The full shop, or how to look after a coated car.
Other coatings priced the same way
- XPEL 55 installers
- System X 47 installers · median $1,325
- Ceramic Pro 36 installers · median $1,300
- GYEON 17 installers · median $1,380
- IGL Coatings 15 installers
Every one is counted the same way, from shops' own price lists and their own published credentials. If you have not settled on a brand yet, the coating guide is the better place to start, and what a coating costs covers the pricing without a brand attached.