mjlinane
My name is Mike
Review: Chemical Guys Black Light Radiant Finish
Introduction:
I mentioned in one of my review responses that I started off mainly using Chemical Guys products (this was before ACC picked up the line - before I knew about ACC even). They are an interesting outfit and, on one order, they tossed in a complementary bottle Hybrid V7, unsolicited. Tried it, loved it. The partner product is CG BLRF which had to be tried.
Thanks to Corey again for providing the format. Unlike one of my reviews on AGO, this one will be a (more) serious attempt.
Product Claims:
From Autopia Car Care site -
"Chemical Guys Black Light - Radiant Finish
Nano-blend formulation
Can be applied by hand or machine.
Produces a stunning gloss.
BLACK LIGHT-Radiant Finish is crafted and formulated especially for car lovers who aim to achieve the smoothest, sharpest, wettest and brightest reflection possible.
BLACK LIGHT is the brain child of 3 years of research to develop a durable extremely bright Hybrid Finish that would deliver the maximum level of color vibrancy, optical clarity and brightness while withstanding the harshest of climates. BLACK LIGHT is extremely easy to apply by hand or machine and delivers a durable anti-static finish that radiates color.
BLACK LIGHT is developed using a fully synthetic nano-blend formulation enriched with the highest available emulsion of gloss enhancers. By combining the finest blend of optical clarity gloss enhancers with Chemical Guys proprietary bi-blend technology BLACK LIGHT delivers a slick radiant finish unlike anything else.
BLACK LIGHT is extremely easy to apply by hand or machine and delivers a durable anti-static finish that radiates color.
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.
Black Light Radiant Finish has a fully synthetic nano blended formulation with a massive emulsion of gloss enhancers coupled with the new bi - blend technology that leaves one crazy slick finish .
The new blending technology allows for vastly xxxxgeneous mixture resulting in an extremely smooth finish once the applied layer is fully and properly cured.
For best results apply by hand via a foam or microfiber applicator. Apply in a thin and even coat. Due to the Nano blending formulation BLACK LIGHT will blend and cure in around 15 minutes, then use a plush microfiber towel to buff off. To reach optimum results allow 30 minutes before reapplying a second coat. Detailing professionals and enthusiasts world wide have spoken."
Chemical Guys Black Light - Radiant Finish
Details:
1.- Packaging: Plastic Bottle and Squirt Top
2.- Directions: Clearly labeled
3.- Viscosity: Very Thick
4.- Color: Purple chalk
5.- Scent: Blueberry Bubble Gum
6.- Price at time of review: 16oz = $ 27.99
7.- Manufacturer: Chemical Guys
9.- Made in: California
Product
Other Products Used:
Short nap MF
PCXP
Black Foam Pad
Preparation:
Wash - (optional) Clay - (optional) Compound - (optional) Polish. (For newbies, the complete detailing sequence finishes with (optional) Seal and (optional) Wax.)
Application:
Squirt a couple of Skittle-sized dots onto a no cut pad and work into paint with DA polisher on 4. Let sit for 15 min before removing with MF. Wait 30 min and repeat. Pretty standard stuff.
A little goes a long way and is too good to waste - so don't.
Observations:
Wonderful smell. Leaves a glossy, slick finish. Does have cleaning properties. Darkens color slightly.
I polished/jewelled the car first so am not sure of the filling properties.
Does it meet its claims, yes.
Comparisons:
CG calls this a Gloss Enhancer. ACC has glaze in the description. What is it? What does it compare to?
I believe CG BLRF is an AIO - cleans, fills, lightly polishes and seals. I know it cleans because it removed a freshly applied coat of CG Wet Mirror Finish I was trying to layer over. I could tell because CG WMF actually has more gloss and looks wetter. Not much but noticeable. I remember being a bit disappointed because I liked the look of CG WMF, wasted 30 min applying it and the product itself but that feeling left when I finished with the Hybrid V7 topper. It had a look on my paint that I hadn't seen before. I actually left it alone on my car for a month (a record for me) before giving in to the urge to top it off with new products. Was on until I stripped it off to coat my car.
All of that to get to this - the comparisons. KAIO is faster to apply because there is no wait time but doesn't protect as long (on its own) and has a clearer, almost candy-coated look. I still like the Klasse twins on silver cars. Griot's One Step Sealant is very similar in that I know it cleans well and does fill but has a more standard sealant look and could they do something to cover up the solvent smell? Optimum Poli-Seal is another great product that has similar properties and is a little closer to the Radiant Finish look but whose durability is somewhat less. None of these has a great deal of swirl cutting power.
So just what does the Radiant Finish look like? Imagine if Blackfire had an AIO (rumors, rumors) and you'd be pretty close.
Pros:
1.- Easy to apply/remove
2.- Beautiful Radiant Finish
3.- Pleasant smell
???:
1.- Ultimate durability - it was on my car through the 110F+ days we had this summer until Xmas break but was topped with Hybrid V7 and other products (not necessarily because it needed it but mostly because I wanted to).
Cons:
1.- Not as slick as some products like BFWD
Final Observations and Summary:
I like CG BLRF. A lot. The two kinds of products I think they do as well as or better than anyone are car shampoos and sealants and CG BLRF is at the top of the sealant list. (Jetseal 109 is also great - has a more traditional sealant look, (I think) lasts longer and would serve better for a base for wax, if you are into that sort of thing.) Just so easy to apply & remove plus a great look.
Comments and questions are encouraged. Thanks for viewing!
Introduction:
I mentioned in one of my review responses that I started off mainly using Chemical Guys products (this was before ACC picked up the line - before I knew about ACC even). They are an interesting outfit and, on one order, they tossed in a complementary bottle Hybrid V7, unsolicited. Tried it, loved it. The partner product is CG BLRF which had to be tried.
Thanks to Corey again for providing the format. Unlike one of my reviews on AGO, this one will be a (more) serious attempt.
Product Claims:
From Autopia Car Care site -
"Chemical Guys Black Light - Radiant Finish
Nano-blend formulation
Can be applied by hand or machine.
Produces a stunning gloss.
BLACK LIGHT-Radiant Finish is crafted and formulated especially for car lovers who aim to achieve the smoothest, sharpest, wettest and brightest reflection possible.
BLACK LIGHT is the brain child of 3 years of research to develop a durable extremely bright Hybrid Finish that would deliver the maximum level of color vibrancy, optical clarity and brightness while withstanding the harshest of climates. BLACK LIGHT is extremely easy to apply by hand or machine and delivers a durable anti-static finish that radiates color.
BLACK LIGHT is developed using a fully synthetic nano-blend formulation enriched with the highest available emulsion of gloss enhancers. By combining the finest blend of optical clarity gloss enhancers with Chemical Guys proprietary bi-blend technology BLACK LIGHT delivers a slick radiant finish unlike anything else.
BLACK LIGHT is extremely easy to apply by hand or machine and delivers a durable anti-static finish that radiates color.
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.
Black Light Radiant Finish has a fully synthetic nano blended formulation with a massive emulsion of gloss enhancers coupled with the new bi - blend technology that leaves one crazy slick finish .
The new blending technology allows for vastly xxxxgeneous mixture resulting in an extremely smooth finish once the applied layer is fully and properly cured.
For best results apply by hand via a foam or microfiber applicator. Apply in a thin and even coat. Due to the Nano blending formulation BLACK LIGHT will blend and cure in around 15 minutes, then use a plush microfiber towel to buff off. To reach optimum results allow 30 minutes before reapplying a second coat. Detailing professionals and enthusiasts world wide have spoken."
Chemical Guys Black Light - Radiant Finish
Details:
1.- Packaging: Plastic Bottle and Squirt Top
2.- Directions: Clearly labeled
3.- Viscosity: Very Thick
4.- Color: Purple chalk
5.- Scent: Blueberry Bubble Gum
6.- Price at time of review: 16oz = $ 27.99
7.- Manufacturer: Chemical Guys
9.- Made in: California
Product
Other Products Used:
Short nap MF
PCXP
Black Foam Pad
Preparation:
Wash - (optional) Clay - (optional) Compound - (optional) Polish. (For newbies, the complete detailing sequence finishes with (optional) Seal and (optional) Wax.)
Application:
Squirt a couple of Skittle-sized dots onto a no cut pad and work into paint with DA polisher on 4. Let sit for 15 min before removing with MF. Wait 30 min and repeat. Pretty standard stuff.
A little goes a long way and is too good to waste - so don't.
Observations:
Wonderful smell. Leaves a glossy, slick finish. Does have cleaning properties. Darkens color slightly.
I polished/jewelled the car first so am not sure of the filling properties.
Does it meet its claims, yes.
Comparisons:
CG calls this a Gloss Enhancer. ACC has glaze in the description. What is it? What does it compare to?
I believe CG BLRF is an AIO - cleans, fills, lightly polishes and seals. I know it cleans because it removed a freshly applied coat of CG Wet Mirror Finish I was trying to layer over. I could tell because CG WMF actually has more gloss and looks wetter. Not much but noticeable. I remember being a bit disappointed because I liked the look of CG WMF, wasted 30 min applying it and the product itself but that feeling left when I finished with the Hybrid V7 topper. It had a look on my paint that I hadn't seen before. I actually left it alone on my car for a month (a record for me) before giving in to the urge to top it off with new products. Was on until I stripped it off to coat my car.
All of that to get to this - the comparisons. KAIO is faster to apply because there is no wait time but doesn't protect as long (on its own) and has a clearer, almost candy-coated look. I still like the Klasse twins on silver cars. Griot's One Step Sealant is very similar in that I know it cleans well and does fill but has a more standard sealant look and could they do something to cover up the solvent smell? Optimum Poli-Seal is another great product that has similar properties and is a little closer to the Radiant Finish look but whose durability is somewhat less. None of these has a great deal of swirl cutting power.
So just what does the Radiant Finish look like? Imagine if Blackfire had an AIO (rumors, rumors) and you'd be pretty close.
Pros:
1.- Easy to apply/remove
2.- Beautiful Radiant Finish
3.- Pleasant smell
???:
1.- Ultimate durability - it was on my car through the 110F+ days we had this summer until Xmas break but was topped with Hybrid V7 and other products (not necessarily because it needed it but mostly because I wanted to).
Cons:
1.- Not as slick as some products like BFWD
Final Observations and Summary:
I like CG BLRF. A lot. The two kinds of products I think they do as well as or better than anyone are car shampoos and sealants and CG BLRF is at the top of the sealant list. (Jetseal 109 is also great - has a more traditional sealant look, (I think) lasts longer and would serve better for a base for wax, if you are into that sort of thing.) Just so easy to apply & remove plus a great look.
Comments and questions are encouraged. Thanks for viewing!
