A car wax was the standard, but recently, it’s been replaced by a new thing called ceramic coatings. Ceramic coatings offer better aesthetics, greater durability, and more permanent results.
This is why many people are looking to try them out. However, as with any other car product, not all ceramic coatings are the same.
Simply put, you need to pay attention to what you are buying and from who. Furthermore, the fact that ceramic coating products are relatively new, there are still a lot of differences in quality.
Check out our list of Must-have Tesla Model Y Accessories.
There are higher chances of coming across a product that’s completely useless. This is why we’ve decided to set aside the best options currently available.
In this guide, we will try to point you in the right direction and help you get the quality products your car deserves.
What Are Ceramic Car Coatings?
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to the surface exterior of vehicles. This chemical then bonds with the paint of the vehicle and creates a new layer that protects it from various factors.
A lot of people think that ceramic coating can be used as a paint protection film substitute, but they are wrong.
A paint protection film gives better protection and a ceramic coating is a premium alternative to car wax. Depending on the product, the ceramic coating can create a semi-permanent or permanent bond with the paint. It doesn’t have to be applied every several months and it doesn’t break down or wash away.
So now that we’ve quickly explained what ceramic car coatings are, let’s see which products are the best.
1. CarPro Cquarts 50 ml
This weather-resistant, anti-static nano-coating gives great protection. The CarPro Cquarts changes the surface on a molecular level. After applied, the surface gets a clear, reflective look and repels all contaminants and water. A single application can last around two years. Cquartz has ceramic nano-particles that create a very hard finish.
The result is extreme durability and scratch resistance. When applied, the layer thickness ranges from 0.7 to 1.5 micrometers. This product can be used on all kinds of surfaces including rubber, leather, plastic, wheels, and glass.
It’s a straightforward product with advanced technology that allows you to preserve your vehicle in top state without putting in a lot of effort or time.
Key Features:
- Anti-corrosion
- Repels insects
- UV protection
- Weather protection
- Water-repelling
- Anti-static
- Antioxidant
- Fire retardant
- Has a self-cleaning effect
The Pros
- Easy to apply: Applying this coating is easy for both professional detailers and passionate DIY-ers.
- Amazing finish: The finish is simply amazing, shiny, and makes your car look brand new.
- Lasts a long time: After applied, the coating can last up to two years.
- Great protection: Easy cleaning, no water, scratches, or other marks left on the surface.
The Cons
- Product expires in a year: The bottle itself lasts from 6 to 12 months and after that, you can throw it away.
- It’s not consistent: Some users bought the same product several times and got mixed results.
2. Color N Drive Car Ceramic Coating
This is a DIY kit that uses 9H nano-technology to protect the car’s surface. The Color N Drive can last for 5 years and it completely stays intact for around 150 washes. Anyone can apply it easily, just as long as they follow the detailed instructions they get with the manual.
This nan-bionic kit provides optimum protection against, snow, rain, mud, dirt, and many other things. This nano-bionic technology ensures self-cleaning and quality protection at all times. The H represents the scratching protection a coating provides and this is where this product excels.
Color N Drive has 9H hardiness meaning your car will be protected from all kinds of scratches. It has a strong molecular structure which ensures a high level of hardiness, durability, resistance to external force, and vibrations.
Key Features:
- Self-cleaning
- Dirt and mud repellent
- Deep gloss
- UV protection
- 9H hardiness
- Water protection
- Nano-bionic technology
The Pros
- Lasts a long time: It can last up to 5 years.
- Applied easily: The coating is applied easily with gentle hand movements.
- Excels at protection against scratches: Almost impossible to leave a scratch on it.
The Cons
- Low stone chip protection: Most products have this kind of protection.
3. Migliore Acqua Coating
The Migliore Acqua Coating is a ceramic coating product designed specifically for water vehicles like yachts or boats. Its special formula protects the surface against a harsh water environment and its nano-ceramic coating can withstand these conditions for a year. When applied, it creates a slick shield that can repel all common water contaminants such as algae, dirt, salt, and so on.
There is no need to scrub the surface of your boat as nothing will stick to it. Migliore Acqua Coating has hydrophobic capabilities meaning that all of the water simply drains down the surface of the boat. At the same time, we noticed that when applied, this coating fills all the imperfections and cavities on the surface.
It makes the whole vessel sleeker while also reducing the tension between the water and the external surface. This could potentially lead to better performance. It’s applied with ease and everyone can use it.
Key Features:
- Water protection
- Deep gloss
- Nano-ceramic technology
- Weather protection
- Anti-corrosion
The Pros
- Lasts a long time: Migliore Acqua Coating lasts around 12 months after applied, which is great for underwater protection coating.
- Easy apply: It’s really easy to apply compared to waxing.
- Great shine: Gives your vessel a great look.
The Cons
- Can be used once or twice: One bottle is enough to use it twice if you have a smaller vessel.
4. HydroSilex Recharge
HydroSilex Recharge is designed to be used as stand-alone coating protection and maintenance coating for already coated surfaces. It can be used with any other coating brand product to improve UV protection, self-cleaning, to maintain gloss, and give the surface the sleek feel. Even when used alone, it still has all of these features.
This ceramic coating isn’t resistant to scratches. It’s very versatile as it can be used on various surfaces including metal, wood, stone, car paint, plastic, glass, and so on. This is a multi-functional product that you can use for your car but also for any other parts of your home, windows, bathroom, and so on.
The HydroSilex Recharge lasts 6 – 8 months after applying. However, it is designed to be used routinely. If you stick to the guidelines, it will last a lot longer.
If you are using paint protection film, HydroSilex can be a great addition over it with its sleek feel and UV protection.
Key Features:
- Self-cleaning
- Deep gloss
- UV protection
The Pros
- Very versatile: It can be used on various surfaces and can serve as a maintenance layer or independent coating.
- Easy to use: If you just want to maintain your professional coating, this product helps you do this easily.
The Cons
- Isn’t as effective as some similar products.
5. Ethos Ceramic Wax 9H
The Ethos Ceramic Wax 9H found its way on our list because it is an affordable option that still packs a lot of useful features. This coating is applied easily and even people without any experience can use it. The coating, when formed, gives quality protection, shine, and clarity.
It has a formula that comes with 9H SiO2 which provides durability and protection. These SiO2 components bring together hand-applied sealants and ceramic coatings. It can be applied both manually and with a car buffer.
It’s all up to you – how you want to do it. Of course, it’s easier to apply it with a buffer but if you don’t have one, you can do it equally well with your hands and some cloth. The important thing is that the coating doesn’t leave any traces or marks when applied.
If maintained properly, the coating can last a year while maintaining all of its visual benefits and protective features.
Key Features:
- UV protection
- PH resistance
- Water repellant
- 9H formula
The Pros
- Affordable: Compared to other similar products, this ceramic was is affordable with its price being around $30.
- Strong protection: The 9H hardiness level provides a lot of protection against impacts and will protect your car for a long time.
The Cons
- Could crack at high pressure: With extremely strong blows, it’s possible to crack the coating and it will have to be repaired.
- Its water-shedding finish isn’t ideal: Products with similar features usually have better water shedding.
6. Aerolon Tech Shine Fast Wet-Applied Coating
Aerolon Tech Shine is a polymeric, cross-linking, and moisture activated coat film. This formula reacts really quickly with wet surfaces and cross-links with them to make a strong bond. It can be used on all external surfaces which are non-porous.
What’s great about this gloss clear film is that it doesn’t cause any ugly residue on moldings or plastics. This coating creates a durable, dark, and deep finish with an awesome look. What’s great about Aerolon Tech Shine is that 2 ounces of it can be used for coating a regularly sized vehicle.
The whole Tech Shine Company was built around the need for shining jets, power-boats, helicopters, and so on. This is a reliable brand with a lot of interesting innovations and Aerolon Tech Shine proves it. Each time you apply, this coating improves the sleekness and dynamics of your vehicle, improving its performance in the process.
Key Features:
- Water protection
- Weather protection
- Dirt protection
- Mud protection
- Sun protection
The Pros
- Easily applied: It’s generally really easy to apply and comes with all the items necessary to do it.
- Looks amazing on black paint: This product excels on black paint which can be especially difficult to coat perfectly.
- Can last indefinitely when applied regularly: When applied continuously, the coating can last as long as you have the product.
The Cons
- Can be difficult to apply: Some people have reported having difficulties when applying the product.
- Needs to be applied several times to get that shine: On certain paint jobs, it requires multiple applications to get the best shine possible.
7. Nano Bond Ceramic Coating PRO Premium
Nano Bond is a known brand and they’ve recently released a new product which comes with a combination of several brand new features. It has a unique formula which incorporates 80% of SiO2 which is completely pure. Due to the high content of pure SiO2, the coating results in a much better shine.
The PRO Premium is applied easily as it’s extremely hydrophobic. This makes to whole process easier, simpler, and faster. We were really amazed by the amount of shine this product gave us. For anyone looking to give their car a fresh look without wasting a lot of time and effort, this is the right product.
We recommend this product for all kinds of users as it really gives great results. Still, it has some downsides of its own and we will discuss them below. Overall, it’s a great purchase and this is why it’s our top pick!
Key Features:
- High SiO2 content
- Weather protection
- Scratch-resistant
- Water repellant
- Dirt & mud protection
- Durable
The Pros
- Amazing finish: One of the best looking glossy finishes of all the products we reviewed.
- Easy to apply and use: Even if you have zero experience, you just need to read the manual and follow the instructions to get great results.
- Comes with a towel and coating applicators: You get everything you need to use the product.
The Cons
- The vehicle needs to be clay bared and washed
- Can’t be applied in sunlight
8. Adam’s Ceramic Spray Coating Kit
This full kit comes with three bottles with each one of them giving you 4 or 5 applications. This car coating spray establishes a semi-permanent bond with the paint and, when formed, acts as a protective barrier against weather elements, UV, contaminants, chemicals, and dirt.
Adam’s Ceramic Spray Coating also comes with a 9H hardness rating. This means that the layer formed around the car is very durable and can give effective protection for up to two years. Your car can handle up to 200 washes before it would require a new application.
Even though it’s really easy to apply, it requires a bit of preparation. You will have to wash your car and clay the paint to remove all the contaminants. This is how you will ensure that the coating will give you that deep and rich shine you are looking for.
Key Features:
- Dirt & water-resistant
- Shiny gloss finish
- 9H hardness
- Paint protection
- UV protection
- Weather protection
The Pros
- Little cleaning required
- Can be applied on wet or dry surfaces
- Mistakes can be repaired during application
- Gives a deep shine
- Comes with clear and simple instructions
The Cons
- Very expensive
- Requires a bit knowledge for removal and preparation
9. Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat
The Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat is a 3 in 1 product. It acts as a protection formula, shining product, and waterless ceramic wash. It’s a great product that can give you professional detailing results, only you can do everything on your own without having to pay for someone’s services. You need only 10 to 30 minutes to get everything done.
It’s a combination of SiO2, wetting agents, surfactants, and soaps. It’s really an innovative formula and offers something different from other products. On top of that, it has both the silica and nano-technologies which contribute to its shine and durability.
It’s really simple to use. Simply spray the product directly from the bottle and spread it around with some cloth. After that, use a microfiber cloth to buff it or use a buffer. Repeat those steps as many times as you want to get the right coating thickness you want. The effects are noticeable in a matter of minutes.
Key Features:
- Advanced 3 in 1 formula
- Scratch protection
- Dirt protection
- Can be used on any surface
- Weather protection
- Water protection
The Pros
- One of the most effective repellants: It’s simply amazing how well this product repels dirt and mud.
- It can be used by anyone: Applying is really easy even for people who have no detailing experience whatsoever.
- Affordable: Products with similar features and effectiveness are much more expensive.
The Cons
- Needs to be applied away from the sun
10. Mothers 01024 CMX Ceramic Spray Coating
This spray is an extremely durable, professional, and hydrophobic coating product. Its formula blends TiO2 and SiO2 to create a water protection powerhouse and beautiful aesthetics. This product can be used on its own, or you can boost your current sealant without any issues.
This product is very effective and a lot of professionals use it. However, it’s designed with inexperienced people in mind, who would like to try and do this on their own. It’s extremely beginner-friendly and the only thing you need to do is spray it on the desired surface and use a cloth to wipe it off.
There is really no simpler ceramic coating or sealant you can find on the market. What’s even better is that it works really well. If you need simple and effective water protection, CMX is the one for you.
Key Features:
- Water-repelling
- Dirt repelling
- TiO2 and SiO2 blend
- Glossy shine
The Pros
- Affordable: Very cheap considering how effective it is and for how long a single bottle can be used.
- Anyone can use it: Even children could use this product although we don’t recommend it.
The Cons
- Doesn’t last a long time: Neither the coating nor the product itself lasts a long time.
- Some people say it’s a coating-like product: The ease of use and a limited number of features make the product look like a toy.
Things To Consider When Buying Ceramic Coating
There are many factors that affect the use of any ceramic coating. You need to understand them before you can determine which product is right for your vehicle. Here are some of the essential things you need to consider before spending your money.
The Age Of Your Car
Over time, car paint gets thinned by external factors such as snow, rain, washing, sun, and so on. With old and damaged paint, the coating could go through it and bond to the car which could cause severe damages.
Make sure that you do a new paint job and fix all the major dents before putting your coating on it. After all, these products aren’t magical and can’t get your whole vehicle back into shape.
The Weather
If you live and drive in areas where your vehicle is exposed to strong sunlight, you will need paint coating. This means that you should go with products that have great UV protection and reduce paint oxidation.
On the other hand, if the area is wet and there’s a lot of moisture, look to get a product that has amazing water protection. Weather is an important factor and every product excels in certain conditions.
The Price
The price is always an important factor.
Make sure that you consider all the features and then look at the price.
In the end, remember to look at your needs and see which products can help you fulfill them without spending too much.
Conclusion
Ceramic car coatings can help you protect and preserve your car’s body for a longer time.
At the same time, your vehicle will look amazing every day and take people’s breath away. Make sure to take your time to compare different products and look at all of their features before making a final decision.
Sources
- Everything You Need To Know About Ceramic Coatings – Engineering Explained
- Ceramic Coating – How It Works – Science Garage
