Best Ceramic Coating for Cars: Protect Your Car with a Glossy Finish

This ceramic spray is a top performer, and it is no surprise given that it is from one of the most trusted names in car care. The company took the time to formulate its own ceramic product, helping it to stand out from the others. Don't be fooled by the 3-in-1 wax name. This just tells you that it has an easy spray and wipe application process. You can use it on practically every surface of your vehicle, and it will protect against everything from UV rays to bird poop. The SiO2-infused chemistry means it will shed water off your car's surface like water off a duck’s back. This silica derivative works to repel water while not damaging your paint. My one complaint about this coating product is that it doesn't work with black cars. You'll need to put in some serious elbow grease to get those streaks out. I also wish the spray nozzle had better control so that you didn't have to be so careful about overspray.

Let's be real: This is not a true ceramic coating. However, this spray is a great option if you're on a budget and looking for ceramic benefits. It has synthetic wax polymers to give you hydrophobic protection. It also has additives to help it last for six months. However, how long it actually lasts will depend on your application and care. This particular budget ceramic coating stands out because you can apply it in direct sunlight. It also has a tropical scent that can be more pleasing than some of the chemical smells that these products typically have. Put on a few coats, and you can develop a high gloss shine. Unfortunately, you can't use it on chrome because it gets foggy, and you lose that shine that chrome is known for. The liquid also has a thin consistency, which can make it run during your application. You'll want to be careful about how you spray it to prevent wastage.

The Chemical Brothers have developed a cult-like following thanks to their bright colors, pleasant smells, and clever marketing. However, their quality products are what keep people coming back for more. This ceramic coating was custom created to be a hybrid that they call a "hyper wax." It has SiO2 to make it hydrophobic but also protects your car from UV rays while creating a high gloss shine. Apply it correctly and it should last for up to a year. What I like about this particular ceramic coating formula is that you can safely use it with other Chemical Brothers products to create more shine. You can also use it on your windshield or wheels, making it easier to detail your entire car. Unfortunately, if you are a beginner, the learning curve for application can get you. While the company claims it is a ceramic that anyone can apply, there are some caveats. Not following the directions can result in swirls and streaks.

The problem with many of these ceramic coatings is that you can't tell where you have applied the product. This leads to missed spots and uneven coverage, defeating the purpose of applying a ceramic coating. This ceramic coating kit solves that problem with patent-pending Ceramic Glow Technology that makes the coating glow when you shine a UV light on it. This multi-step process is the closest to a true ceramic coating on this list. It boasts a five-year protection time and a hard shell finish, creating an ultra-high gloss shine. You can safely use this ceramic system on clear coat, single-stage paint, lacquer paint, and vinyl wraps. Use the surface prep first, then the paint coating, and finish with the ceramic boost. A potential drawback of this kit is that the multiple steps make for a more labor-intensive application process, creating more opportunities for mistakes. The amount of product you get is also significantly less than other products on this list, leaving little room for over-usage error.

The silicone formulation of this ceramic coating gives it hydrophobic ability and optical clarity for a more aggressive shine. But, it isn't just a shine; it is more of a liquid gloss that gives your car a reflective quality. It uses a blend of SiO2 (silicon dioxide) and TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) to ensure water does not stand a chance. Application is simple with a spray and wipe process. Use it on vehicles of any color because you never have to worry about white marks or streaks. What's nice is that you can use it by itself or over an existing sealant or ceramic coating. Unfortunately, this ceramic coating wears off the quickest out of all the products on this list. If you aren't careful and use too harsh of soap to wash your car, you will be disappointed with the short lifespan of the coating. Use a gentle soap to prevent this. You should also plan on applying multiple layers to help it last longer.

Unlike the spray bottles on this list, this squeeze bottle gives you much more application control. This lets you make the most of the 16-ounce bottle. To protect your car, it has Hybrid SiO2 technology, which is a hydrophobic quality ingredient. A unique feature of this liquid is that you can apply it either by hand or by dual action polisher, making it faster to apply. In addition, the liquid is thicker, reducing runs and making it easier to work with. Just apply, let sit for a few minutes, and buff. Unlike other products, this one won't haze when it is ready for buffing. You can safely use it on your paint, chrome, and plastic. It's also safe to use by itself or over your other wax and sealant. The drawback of this product is that it won't add the same level of shine or gloss that you get with other products on this list. This may be OK for you, but if it isn't, you will need to use it with another product on top to add shine or gloss.