By Haroun Adamu
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Waxes have been the go-to method of shining and protecting car paint for years. However, that quickly changed with the emergence of ceramic coating with superior qualities.
Detailing shops have their go-to brands, either from partnerships or years of experience. But for the everyday car owner like you and me, there are so many popular names on the market, alongside new and emerging ones claiming to be the next best thing.
So which do you go for?
Thankfully, we’ve done all the research. We’ve curated the best ceramic coat for cars, from simple DIY solutions to professional-grade products that’ll bring out the expertise in you.
Factors To Look For in a Ceramic Coat
If you’re looking for an efficient and long-lasting way to protect your car from scratches and abrasions, the best ceramic coat sprays are the way to go. And while our list encompasses some of the top options on the market, they’re still quite different from each other. So, here are some crucial factors to consider when choosing a ceramic coating spray.
Durability
While cheaper coatings provide good short-term protection, they tend to wear off or get damaged quickly. On the other hand, superior and more durable coatings are typically costlier. When choosing the best car ceramic coating, it’s important to find a balance between price, durability, and longevity. Look for products that offer at least six months of protection. But if you’re willing to spend more, some high-end products last 2–5 years.
Hardness Level
The hardness level of a ceramic coating determines its ability to withstand scratches, stains, and damage. Regular clear coats typically have hardness levels of 2H or 4H, but professional-grade ceramic coatings have hardness levels of 9H. This level of hardness offers superior protection against water, swirls, and chemical agents, making it ideal for those looking to keep their car’s surface pristine for longer.
Age of the Car
Old cars that have had their protective layer cleaned multiple times are not the best for ceramic coating. Of course, the best car ceramic coats will still improve the faded or chipped paint, but the results won’t be like if you applied the product to a freshly purchased automobile. That said, there’s nothing stopping you from restoring your older car’s paint before applying a ceramic coat.
UV Resistance
Ceramic coating offers several benefits, one of which is protection against damaging UV radiation. It also provides excellent resistance to high temperatures and rain, which helps prevent oxidation and rust. When choosing the best ceramic coat for car protection, it’s essential to select a product that offers superior UV resistance to keep your car looking like new for longer.
Cost
Cost is an important consideration when searching for the best ceramic coat for car protection. With several brands and products available at different price points, it’s important to find a high-quality ceramic coating that fits your budget.
Premium ceramic coat protection typically costs a few hundred dollars for a large enough bottle, while regular options cost less. It’s important to strike a balance between affordability and quality to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Ease of Use
When searching for the best ceramic coat spray, ease of use is an important factor to consider. Some products come in a comprehensive auto-care kit that includes a towel, applicator, gloves, and other necessary equipment.
Others come in a simple spay-on bottle that’s easier to apply. Some products even require multiple applications to achieve the maximum results. That said, it’s important to note that different ceramic coating products target people with varying skill levels and have varying levels of duration.
Curing Time
When choosing the best ceramic coat for car, curing time is an important consideration. If the coating dries too quickly after application, you have to take extra care to avoid uneven thickness.
That said, curing time varies depending on the heat and general meteorological conditions of your area. If you live in a hot climate, you may need a product that takes longer to cure and has a higher heat capacity, and vice versa.
Best Ceramic Coat for Car Overall: 3D Ceramic Coating
The 3D ceramic coating is our overall pick and the perfect product for those seeking an outstanding glossy finish and long-lasting protection. It provides a glassy shine that will make your car look brand new. Thanks to the hydrophobic surface, rainwater will bead up and roll off your car’s surface, making it harder for dirt and dust to stick to it.
Unlike most ceramic coats that primarily contain silicon dioxide (SiO2), the 3D coating mixes in Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) so that it becomes rock solid after full cure. This probably contributes to the high melting point of 4,950°F (2,730°Celsius) and 9H Mohs hardness rating, which is the highest level of protection.
It comes in a bottle, alongside a foam block and suede applicator for installing it. While you can leave your car to dry on standing, the company recommends using a cordless leaf blower, such as the EGO 650CFM leaf blower. This will prevent the marring of the surface from unintended touches.
After application, you need to wait at least 3 days before washing the car or driving in bad weather. For the best results, wait for 5 days instead. If well installed and maintained, you can expect it to last up to 2 years. It’s also worth noting that the product is eco-friendly. It meets Proposition 65 requirements for cancer-causing chemicals and is V.O.C. (volatile organic compound) compliant.
The 3D ceramic coating provides a glossy finish and long-lasting protection with a 9H Mohs hardness rating and eco-friendly composition that lasts up to 2 years.
- 9H Mohs hardness rating
- Up to 2 years of protection
- Eco friendly formula
- 3-day minimum cure time is a bit long
Best Ceramic Coat for Cars Runner-up: Nano Bond Ceramic Coating
Nano Bond ceramic coating is one of the newest products in the market. However, it has quickly gained popularity due to its excellent performance, so it’s no surprise it’s our runner-up. This high-quality ceramic coat is the complete maintenance package to restore your car’s charm and enhance its appearance.
Like the 3D coat, Nano Bond’s ceramic coating is rated 9H, making it one of the toughest options available. It also doesn’t cost too much either. For less than $40, you get the ceramic coat in a bottle alongside a full package consisting of a sponge, a microfiber towel, a micro suede applicator, and a pair of gloves.
With proper application, use, and care, the Nano Bond ceramic coating can last 2–3 years. You also don’t need to worry too much if you live in a hotter region, as it can withstand temperatures of up to 760°F (404°C) while maintaining a high gloss finish.
Nano Bond ceramic coating is an affordable and highly rated option with a 9H hardness rating, a full package of application tools, and a lifespan of 2-3 years with proper care.
- 9H Mohs hardness rating
- 2–3 years of protection
- 760°F temperature resistance
- Relatively inexpensive
- One bottle may not be enough
Best Ceramic Coat for Car Interior: DIY Detail Interior Ceramic Coating
While ceramic coats are commonly applied to a car’s bodywork, there are products for the interior trim as well, and this product from DIY Detail is one of the top options. When used properly, it can elevate the appearance of your car from the inside.
The product comes in a spray container, making it one of the easiest to apply on this list. It is safe on most interior trims, including leather, vinyl, and fabric. That said, it’s recommended to test it on a small inconspicuous surface before applying it all over your upholstery. The company also doesn’t recommend you spray the coating on your headliner or oversaturate any surfaces.
Like the other ceramic products on this list, it contains SiO2 nanoparticles. So you can expect similar levels of outstanding, long-lasting protection for your interior trim.
DIY Detail's ceramic coating for car interior trim is an easy-to-apply spray that contains SiO2 nanoparticles, providing long-lasting protection and enhancing the appearance of most interior trims.
- Easy application
- Suitable for multiple interior surfaces
- Unsuitable for headliners
Best Budget Ceramic Coat for Cars: TurtleWax Ceramic Spray Coating
Looking for a budget-friendly ceramic coating that provides great value for your money? Turtle Wax’s ceramic spray is our pick. It can be used on several surfaces, including fenders, bumpers, and windows, making it a versatile choice for car enthusiasts on a budget.
Application is a breeze thanks to the spray bottle in which it comes. Simply spray it on a part of the car and rub it in with a microfiber towel. It leaves a mango tropical fragrance on your car, alongside a shine that can last about 1 year.
You can probably already tell that it won’t offer the same level of protection as some of the more expensive options on this list. However, you can improve the results by letting the spray cure for 24 hours and reapplying another layer.
Even if you have to buy more than a bottle, this is still a great way to add an extra layer of protection to your car and keep it looking great without breaking the bank.
Turtle Wax's ceramic spray is a cost-effective option that can be used on various car surfaces, making it an excellent choice for those who want to add extra protection to their vehicle on a budget.
- Cheap
- Easy to use
- Suitable for all hard surfaces
- Pretty light unless applied multiple times
Best Premium Ceramic Coat for Cars: TopCoat CRYSTALEEN Ceramic Coating
At approximately $300, TopCoat CRYSTALEEN ceramic coating is the premium choice for car owners seeking long-lasting and high-quality protection for their vehicles. While its 7H hardness rating is not the highest on the list, it makes up for this in several ways.
For starters, it’s expected to last more than 5 years, protecting your car’s paint against dust, dirt, oxidation, and microbial growth. The finish is also flexible and bends with the surface on which it’s applied. Hence, you can rest assured that it will not crack, flake, chip, or peel.
To achieve these premium levels of shine and protection, you need to apply the product correctly. The package includes two solutions (a sealant and a curing solution), an applicator pad, and two microfiber towels.
You’re expected to apply the sealant in the first stage, followed by the curing solution or hardener in the second. The process is more detailed and more complex than that, though, so make sure to check the application instructions before using it.
TopCoat CRYSTALEEN ceramic coating provides long-lasting, high-quality protection for car owners at a premium price, with an expected lifespan of over 5 years and a flexible finish that does not crack or peel.
- Extreme durability (5 years+)
- Stunning radiance
- Microbial resistance
- Costly
- Applying two coats takes time
Best Car Ceramic Coat for Easy Application: Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat
If you want the benefits of ceramic coating without all the hassle of applying one, Shine Armor’s Fortify Quick Coat is for you. It comes in a three-in-one formula that acts as a waterless wash, coats and shines simultaneously.
The product is safe for most surfaces, including paint, chrome, plastic, and vinyl, and can be used on cars, boats, motorbikes, RVs, and more. To top it all off, it comes in a spray bottle like the DIY Detail and Turtle Wax ceramic coats, making it easy to apply.
After applying this perfect blend of surfactants and SiO2 ceramic coating, you can expect it to last up to 6 months, depending on maintenance and environmental factors. While that’s not as long as most of the options on this list, the product is also relatively cheaper than most of them.
The company also has combination offers containing the Fortify Quick Coat with a scratch remover or all-purpose interior cleaner. So, check those out.
The Fortify Quick Coat is an easy-to-use three-in-one formula that acts as a waterless wash, coat, and shine for most surfaces, making it a hassle-free and budget-friendly option for car owners.
- Easy application
- 3-in-1 formula
- Suitable for most surfaces
- Inexpensive
- Only lasts 6 months
Best Hyperwax Car Ceramic Coat: Chemical Guys HydroSlick Ceramic Coating
The HydroSlick ceramic coating is what Chemical Guys calls a hyper wax. That’s because the suspension has a gel-like consistency that you’d expect from wax. It’s also easy to use and shines like wax, but it’s not actually wax. Like most ceramic coats, it incorporates SiO2 for that ceramic longevity, beading, and slickness.
The Chemical Guys ceramic coating is suitable for paint, glass, painted wheels, chrome, and headlights. When applied, you can expect a high level of protection against road grime, water spots, road tar, bird droppings, brake dust, tree sap, and road tar.
The product also lasts reasonably long—up to one year. While that’s not bad, it’s still behind the 2 years offered by 3D and Nano Bond and the 5 years from TopCoat.
The Chemical Guys HydroSlick ceramic coating is like a wax and ceramic coating in one formula. It has a gel-like consistency that incorporates SiO2 for maximum protection and shine.
- Inexpensive
- Combines the best of wax and ceramic coating
- Easy to use
- Last a year
Best Ceramic Coat for Black Cars: TurtleWax Ceramic Acrylic Black Car Wax
If you own a black car, you know how hard it is to keep it looking clean and shiny. Ceramic coating helps a lot with maintaining a black car, but what if you can take things a step further? That’s where the TurtleWax ceramic acrylic black car wax comes in.
Its unique combination of acrylic and ceramic components makes it perfect for black vehicles. For starters, the acrylic component fills in light scratches and swirls, somewhat rejuvenating your paint. Meanwhile, the ceramic component delivers all the typical ceramic coating goodness, including hydrophobic and water-beading effects.
What really stands out about the product is the super-slick formula with Hydro-Glide polymer that makes it easy to spray on and wipe off without worrying about scratching your car’s delicate paint. The one downside of this product is that it only lasts for up to 6 months. While that’s a pretty long time in car maintenance years, it’s shorter than most other offerings.
The black car wax boasts a unique combination of acrylic and ceramic components that fill in light scratches and swirls while simultaneously delivering hydrophobic and water-beading effects.
- Fills in light scratches and swirls
- Rejuvinates paint
- Easy to use
- Lasts 6 months
How Did We Research?
We evaluated 20 products from established and emerging brands before making our picks.
The total research time, excluding the actual writing and editing, was about 4 hours.
We analyzed at least 7 reviews before compiling our findings.
What Is a Ceramic Car Coat?
Ceramic car coating or nano-ceramic coating is a chemical solution composed mostly of silica and titanium dioxide that creates a strong bond with the vehicle’s paint. This results in a highly hydrophobic finish that repels water and improves the paint’s appearance and longevity, especially when applied to a cleaned and prepared surface.
Benefits of Car Ceramic Coating?
Investing in a high-quality ceramic coating product has several benefits for your car. Here are some of them:
Long-Lasting Protection
Compared to waxes and polishes, ceramic car coatings offer superior protection and scratch resistance that can last anywhere from six months to five or more years, depending on the quality of the coating, application process, environmental factors, and maintenance.
Ease of Cleaning
Regularly washing your car can result in swirl marks and damage to your paint. Ceramic coating makes the surface of your car super slick, drastically reducing friction and preventing scratches. It also forms a layer over the paint, preventing potential scratches from reaching it. Finally, the hydrophobic properties make it harder for dirt and mud to stick to your car’s surface, reducing the need for frequent washing.
Enhanced Gloss
By improving the reflectivity of your clear coat and adding a rich gloss to the paint, ceramic coating improves the appearance of your vehicle, adds clarity and depth, and increases its aesthetic appeal.
Cost Effective
Ceramic coating proves to be a cost-effective option for maintaining car paint compared to regular car washing and waxing due to its duration. In the long run, it prevents paint damage caused by road debris, such as rock chips, and reduces the need for frequent paint repair treatments.
Resistance to Corrosion
Bird droppings, tree sap, and acid rain can cause corrosion and damage to your car’s paint, leading to costly repainting. However, ceramic coating provides a chemical-resistant sacrificial layer that protects the paint from corrosion, stains, and chemical etching, making it a valuable investment for long-term car maintenance.
Protection From UV Rays
Leaving your car parked under the sun for extended periods exposes it to damaging UV rays that may cause paint harm. A professionally applied nano-coating protects against such rays, preventing oxidation and other adverse consequences.
Should You Use Ceramic Coating With Other Products?
Combining different car maintenance products can provide the best results for your car’s finish, but it is not always necessary. While it’s okay to wash a ceramic-coated car using the best car wash soaps, the same can’t be said about combining with wax.
While it won’t cause any damage, using wax after a ceramic coat has hardened is almost pointless, as both serve the same purpose. It’ll probably not even stick in the first place due to the hydrophobic qualities of ceramic coats.
How Do Waxes Differ From Ceramic Coatings?
Although both car waxes and ceramic coatings do the same job and improving your car’s shine, ceramic coating lasts longer—six months and beyond—while waxes typically last a few weeks.
Also, ceramic coats form a protective layer against UV rays, mineral deposits, chemical damage, and contaminants, while wax hardly has any of these properties.
Ceramic Car Coat FAQs
How Can I Get Rid of Ceramic Coating?
Removing ceramic coating can be a bit challenging process. If you can’t wait for it to wear off on its own, you can use a mixture of polishing and clay to remove it from your car.
Does Ceramic Coating Protect Against Scratches?
Yes, ceramic coating protects against light scratches from washing and other mundane activities. However, it won’t do anything against deep gouges or panel damaging impact.
Can Ceramic Coating Be Applied to an Older Vehicle?
Yes, you can apply ceramic coating to an older vehicle. However, it may require additional preparation time, especially if the paint is cracked or thin.
How Do You Keep Ceramic Coating in Good Condition?
To keep ceramic coating in good condition, it is recommended to clean your car with a trusted automotive soap regularly. This is because persistent pollutants on the coating may degrade its hydrophobic properties. You can also apply a lighter ceramic product every six months to renew the base coating’s shine.
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