Protect Your Paint in All Seasons: Best Ceramic Coatings of 2024

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What You Need to Know:

• Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating is a perfect pick for beginners. It has simple directions, smooth application, and a beautiful finish.

• Chemical Guys Carbon Force Ceramic Protective Paint Coating System is not only a complete kit with everything you need, but it also gets our vote for Best Overall ceramic coating.

• Looking for a spray with staying power? Adam's Polishes Advanced Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating Kit has an advanced formula that ensures longer-lasting protection against many hazardous conditions.

There are many reasons someone would use a ceramic spray coating on their car. Ceramic coatings provide better protection from sun, scratches, rain, snow, road debris, and even tree sap. They create a hydrophobic surface, forming an armor-like film on your vehicle. This can even make basic washing much more manageable, with water just rolling off along with dirt. Ceramic coatings help enhance shine or restore a dull exterior. Above all, ceramic coatings aid in the battle against harsh weather, ultimately keeping your car's value high and you happy with a sparkling ride.

Things to Consider about Ceramic Coatings

Ceramic coatings are extremely helpful in protecting your car's finish, and you see results quickly. But they can be a bit intimidating if you've never used one. I connected with David Walker of Epic Automotive Detailing, who dispenses helpful and humorous car knowledge to over 10oK YouTube subscribers weekly. (He also did detailing work for Top Gear, adding cool points.) After hours of reviewing ceramic coatings, I knew we had the right expert.

"If you're a beginner," he advises, "get to know the paintwork that you're dealing with; study your car." He also says beginners don't need to be stressed, and that putting a ceramic coating on your vehicle is a more straightforward process than you'd think.

Application Conditions

I didn't think this would be as important as it is. Direct sunlight and heat can change how this product goes on; even high humidity can affect the application and curing process. In my research, many detailers suggested applying ceramic coatings indoors or on a breezy day.

"Hot weather burns the ingredients immediately, sometimes in seconds," Walker says, before joking that he learned this the hard way. It's not impossible to apply a ceramic coating in hot weather or direct sunlight, but it's a far trickier process. It is best to pick a pleasant, controlled environment to apply in peace.

Preparation

If conditions are priority number one, preparation is number two. Properly preparing your vehicle's exterior before application can make the difference from a decent finish to a spectacular one. Ensuring the paint is spotless and completely dry before starting is vital. This involves washing and possibly polishing to eliminate as many imperfections as possible. Some detailers suggest even a round of clay bar treatments, which is unnecessary but does help. "Clay bars can help remove excess dirt but aren't needed," Walker says.

Skill Level

This can seem like a big undertaking for a casual car cleaner, but it isn't. Don't be intimidated. Many kits, including several we recommend, are designed for DIY applications or beginners. While some are more involved for experts or professionals, you don't need to be scared off from a very beneficial process. Follow the directions and build a little confidence to get comfortable with the application process, and you'll do fine. "Once you learn the process, and you get the hang of it, it will become more natural," Walker advises.

Accessories

You'll need a lot of clean microfiber towels to wipe off excess and buff the product. This will make a huge difference in shine. Having several towels, especially for drying, makes the process headache-free. "You have to have plenty of clean, fresh microfiber cloths on hand," Walker says. "You're going to use a lot, and you must be prepared for that." And there is no shame in numbering your towels to keep track of where you are in the process; this is a practice Walker still does. Applicator pads can help spread the ceramic coatings; several kits already include them.

In our test, we quickly noticed a strong, biting smell; these chemicals can wreck your hands. If you are sensitive to smells, we suggest wearing a mask—but gloves are definitely recommended.

Note: Ceramic coatings can come in either spray-on or wipe-on formulas. Wipe-ons are usually more suited to experienced detailers, so for this article we've focused mainly on ceramic spray coatings designed for DIY use.

The Best Ceramic Coatings

Carbon Force Ceramic Protective Paint Coating System

Don't be deterred by the price or the delicate wipe-on application process; the Chemical Guys Carbon Force Ceramic Protective Paint Coating System is worth both the money and the effort.

"Some ceramic coatings have self-healing properties that make minor scratches less noticeable," Walker says. "You probably saw that pretty quickly." He was right; in a mini-test, we noticed that small scratches on our hood lightened in seconds.

The process is a bit more involved with the included microsuede applicators, and proper surface preparation is very important for this particular kit. But you will be surprised how much you get from such a small bottle. It's well worth the price.

Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating

Walker reviewed Turtle Wax's Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating twice. "I was so glad to give it a do-over," he told us. "I didn't rightfully judge the first time." He rushed the first use in hot weather over the summer, and his results were mixed. But on the second go-round, he couldn't have been happier. "This [stuff] is proper if it's your first time," he says. "It sprays beautifully and moves around all surfaces.

While this entry-level product might not last longer than others on the list, it'll hold up well. In Walker's words, "Let that bonnet beam!"

Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant

The U.S. puts around 25 million metric tons of salt on its roads every year. Cerakote's Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant Kit is recommended as a top protector against the deleterious effects of road salt. "If you live in a snowy area, always protect your vehicle against [salt]," Walker says. Preserving your paint with a ceramic coating like this prevents premature aging and damage.

In our test, I found that the spray bottle evenly dispensed the product, leaving fewer chances for missed spots. It can also cover a more significant area than applying it to a cloth and working it in yourself. You also save yourself a little bit of elbow grease. Work smarter, not harder.

Advanced Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating Kit

Remember when we said to maybe use a mask? We meant it for products like Adam's Polishes Advanced Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating. When we opened this bottle to test, the intense smell nearly knocked us over.

Graphene ceramic coatings outperform traditional ceramics. "Having graphene in the formula will provide enhanced protection compared to traditional ceramic coatings," Walker says. "Graphene offers superior durability." Walker mentioned graphene as something he looks for in a product to safeguard a vintage or particularly valuable car.

After application, a pearlescent shine remained, demonstrating how a ceramic coating could bring a vintage car's finish back to life. If your vehicle has great value, sentimental or otherwise, a vibrant and polished graphene-infused ceramic coating will go a long way.

Ceramic Spray

The formula here isn't as complex as others, so this will be a relatively quick application process. "Spray on and wipe off," praises Walker. "Can't get easier than that." That's pretty manageable for anyone and any car.

"You're looking at protection for up to six months with Nexgen. It's a great product; it's just not a professional-grade ceramic coating," he points out. This is a solid pick but maybe not ideal for those who live in an area where you experience regular rain or snow.

In our test, however, it was very smooth while buffing in. This can make a huge difference if your level of commitment is low and time to do the task is limited. The ceramic coating definitely added some depth to the hood and a high-gloss finish when we used it.

What Is a Ceramic Coating?

Think of a ceramic coating as a super-enhancer and protector for your car. It's a liquid polymer that you apply to your ride's exterior. Once it's on, it forms a bond with the paint, creating a shiny shield that guards your car's coat. It's like giving your vehicle an extra layer of armor against the elements—snow, dirt, UV rays, pretty much anything that could fade or damage the paint.

Ceramic coatings are mainly made of silicon dioxide (SiO2) but might mix in some titanium dioxide (TiO2) for longevity. Once you apply and let it cure, you'll get a tough-as-nails coating that fends off everything from pesky bird droppings to tree sap to torrential thunderstorms.

But keep in mind, no two ceramic coatings are alike. What can set them apart is the amount of SiO2 packed into each formula. Professional-grade ceramic coatings are more powerful and usually have over 80 percent SiO2. But the bottles are smaller and tend to cost more. So, whether you want a little sparkle or a whole lot of shine, there's a potion just right for your ride. There are options with similar ingredients, just diluted and more wallet-friendly.

FAQs

How long does a ceramic coating last?

The endurance of a ceramic coating can vary depending on factors like quality, application, where a vehicle has been stored, etc. Expect most ceramic spray coatings to last around six months, perhaps longer depending on weather and how often you wash your vehicle. Higher-end products and professional-grade ceramic coatings last longer; some claim to provide up to a year of protection.

Is a ceramic coating better than wax?

Yes. Ceramic coatings offer superior protection compared to traditional car wax. Not only do they last longer, but they're also more resistant to contaminants. By contrast, waxes are easier to apply and less expensive, but they offer far less defense against the elements.

Can I apply a ceramic coating myself?

Of course. The knowledge barrier to ceramic coatings is low—but as with any big car-related task, following instructions is important. Proper surface prep and application will get you the right results. You don't need to be a pro to try out this form of vehicle protection, but you will need healthy amounts of patience and precision.

How do I maintain a car with a ceramic coating?

Once you apply a ceramic coating to your car or truck, regular washing without harsh chemicals removes road dirt, bird droppings, and almost anything else your vehicle comes in contact with. Depending on usage and environment, washing every two to four weeks is a good rule of thumb. Look for a pH-balanced shampoo formulated explicitly for ceramic-coated vehicles; you don't want anything that will strip the coating. Also, absolutely avoid using a high-pressure washer directly on the coated surface.

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