Best Ceramic Coating for Cars: Protect Your Car with a Glossy Finish
It’s the invisible shield that works hard to keep your car looking good.
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You spend a precious Saturday afternoon washing and waxing your car, only for it to get dirty the next time you roll out of the driveway. You can say goodbye to this frustration with a ceramic coating for cars. These detailing products may not be professional-level ceramic coating, but that doesn't mean they can't give you some noticeable benefits. They can make washing easier, prevent water spots, and protect your paint's finish. Car care manufacturers make sure there's something for everyone. From the guy who wants to spend as little time or money as possible to the enthusiast who will happily spend all day on their routine, there's a ceramic coating for you. So, are you a spray and wipe kind of owner, or are you looking for a multi-step system that gives you complete coverage?
Griot's Garage 10978 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax
- Hydrophobic water beading action
- Formulated with advanced polymer
- Spray nozzle can create overspray
- Can create streaks on dark cars
Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating
- Tropical scent
- Easy to use
- Fogs chrome
- Thin consistency
Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating
- Up to one year of durable protection
- SiO2 gel suspension technology
- Complicated and detailed instructions
- Hard to wipe off
Summary List
Best Overall: Griot's Garage 10978 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax
Best Budget: Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating
Honorable Mention: Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating
Best Long Lasting: Adam's UV Ceramic Paint Coating Kit 9H
Best Silicone: Mothers CMX Ceramic Spray Coating
Best Wax Hybrid: Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Learn moreOur Methodology
The team at The Drive gets that you want to keep your car looking its show-worthy best. When creating this list, I wanted to find ceramic coatings that the average vehicle owner could afford and use on their own. While they may not last for years like a professional ceramic coating, they can still enhance and protect your vehicle's surfaces. I chose products from well-known car care companies with a reputation for consistent quality. I then looked for specific products that had ceramic additives and features. Finally, I choose ceramic detailing products that are hydrophobic, UV resistant, create a glossy shine, and are safe for use with other detailing products. The Drive’s Gear About page explains this methodology further.
Best Ceramic Coating for Cars Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Size: 22 ounces
- Application: Spray bottle
- Ceramic Ingredient: SiO2 (silicon dioxide)
Pros
- Hydrophobic water beading action
- Safe for paint, wheels, plastic and rubber trim, and chrome
- Formulated with advanced polymer
- Guards against harmful UV rays and environmental contaminants
Cons
- Spray nozzle can create overspray
- Can create streaks on dark cars
Specs
- Size: 16 ounces
- Application: Spray bottle
- Ceramic Ingredient: Synthetic wax polymers
Pros
- High gloss shine
- Designed to last at least six months
- Easy to use
- Tropical scent
Cons
- Fogs chrome
- Thin consistency
Specs
- Size: 16 ounces
- Application: gel
- Ceramic Ingredient: SiO2 (silicon dioxide)
Pros
- Crystalline ceramic hyper shine
- Up to one year of durable protection
- SiO2 gel suspension technology
Cons
- Application learning curve
- Hard to wipe off
Specs
- Size: four ounces and 50 milliliters
- Application: Spray and squeeze bottles
- Ceramic Ingredient: Nanocrystalline
Pros
- 9H hardness when cured
- Over five years of protection even in the harshest conditions
- Complete accessories kit
Cons
- Extensive application process
- Not for beginners
Specs
- Size: 24 ounces
- Application: Spray bottle
- Ceramic Ingredient: TiO2 (titanium dioxide)
Pros
- Super-hydrophobic protection formula
- Long-lasting when cared for
- Use stand-alone or with other products
Cons
- Comes off quickly with harsh soap
- Requires multiple layers
Specs
- Size: 16 ounces
- Application: Squeeze bottle
- Ceramic Ingredient: Hybrid SiO2 technology
Pros
- Applies like regular wax
- UV protection
- No remaining wax residue
Cons
- Does not add shine or gloss
- Application learning curve
Our Verdict
My top pick for the best ceramic car coating is the Griot's Garage 10978 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax because it is easy to apply and offers a wide range of protection while adding an attractive shine to your car. For a budget-friendly alternative, the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating makes it simple to add an extra layer of protection to your car.
Things to Consider Before Buying Ceramic Coating for Cars
Vehicle Condition
A ceramic coating will only enhance and protect your vehicle's current look. This means it is not a solution for restoring or repairing the look of your car. A ceramic coat can sometimes enhance the blemishes and marks, making them more noticeable. If you have a new car, a ceramic coating is a smart choice because it will help your paint retain its like-new finish for longer. However, if you have an older car, you'll want to do some work to fix the paint before applying your ceramic coat.
Application Method
Professional quality ceramic coatings should be applied by a professional. If you do not have experience with these types of products and chemicals, you risk a lot by attempting to DIY them. This often results in paying thousands to a professional to sand down the messed-up coating and redo it. Instead, opting for a consumer-grade product is a much safer way to go. While you sacrifice longevity and durability, they are much more user-friendly. Consumer products typically have a spray and wipe process that is similar to wax. However, there are some more labor-intensive systems. Only consider these if you are willing to take the time to follow the steps. If not, you won't get the results you're hoping for.
Protective Qualities
The most common quality a ceramic coat product has is hydrophobic or an ability to repel water. This is good for protecting your car from acid rain and hard water. However, it shouldn't be the coating's only benefit. Tree sap and bird droppings will eat away at your clear coat, so look for a coating that makes it easy to rinse these off. In addition, UV rays will fade your new paint, especially if you live in a climate with a lot of sun or park your vehicle outside. A ceramic coating with UV-resistant qualities can help slow this process down.
Ceramic Coating for Cars Pricing
The most affordable and forgiving option is ceramic detailing products. A simple spray and wipe formula will be less than $20. A more formulated specialty coating will be slightly more expensive in the $30 to $60 range. Then there are ceramic detailing kits that are about $100 and come with multiple detailing products and accessories. The ceramic coating you buy will depend on your budget and the results you are looking for.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: How long do ceramic coatings last?
A: A professional ceramic coating application can last two to five years, depending on the method and formula of ceramic coating used. Consumer-grade ceramic products typically last between six months and a year, depending on driving conditions and care taken during washing.
Q: Can you wash a ceramic-coated car?
A: You should not wash your car when you first have a ceramic coating applied. Wait at least a week for the coating to fully cure. Then you can then hand wash your vehicle out of direct sunlight with a gentle soap. Dry your vehicle post-wash to remove any remaining water droplets.
Q: Is ceramic spray better than wax?
A: A ceramic coating is better at protecting your car from bird droppings, tree sap, pollen, road grime, or UV rays. Wax is a natural material that's susceptible to wearing away. A ceramic coating is a synthetic material that creates a chemical bond with your car's paint, making it stronger and more durable.
Q: Will ceramic coating fill in scratches?
A: Technically, yes. A ceramic coating will fill in swirl marks and scratches because it is a liquid that will seep into these voids in your paint. However, a ceramic coating will not repair the scratches in your paint. So, unless the damage is micro-small, it'll still be noticeable post ceramic coating application. Sometimes defects in your paint become even more pronounced after a ceramic coating.
Q: How do you tell if a car has been ceramic coated?
A: If you just bought a brand new car, it probably isn't ceramic coated unless you specifically paid for this service during purchase. If you bought a used car, spray the car with water and then drive it. The water will gather and stream off the vehicle if it has a ceramic coating.
Q: What happens when ceramic coating wears off?
A: You won't see your ceramic coating peeling or chipping off. Similar to wax, it simply wears thinner and thinner until it completely wears away. The coating's ability to repel water and shed dirt decreases as the coating wears. Eventually, you'll have to get the coating redone.
