Car fanatics get excited with the prospect of having that showroom finish on their cars. Although, with numerous products available these days, which one is the correct forone’s vehicle? The market is filled with affordable sprays and premium graphene-infused formulas. Even in the world of ceramic coatings, it seems like there’s no escape. But don’t worry, that is why we are here for. The focal point of this article is to compare eight popular ceramic coatings based on the detailed YouTube showdown and find the one that suits your ride best. This is unarguably the perfect piece for those who are looking to give their car an optimal shield. Therefore, let’s roll.
Why are ceramic coatings crucial in enhancing the vehicle’s performance?
Now for those who are avid automobile enthusiasts, let us tell you why it is imperative to choose ceramic over the traditional coating options. The former solution bonds liquid polymers with the vehicle paint that acts as durable protection against UV rays, dirt, and minuscule scratches. Using the product shields the vehicle with a hydrophobic layer, hence there is no need to worry about keeping your grill cleaner for an extended duration. Not to forget, the company stands by their assurance of providing a glossy finish which gives the vehicle an unparalleled aesthetic. Either you are a detailer working over the weekends or a regular driver, a quality ceramic coating will always save time and maintain the appeal of the vehicle. Now, let’s explore some of the top performers in this field and highlight what gives them an edge over their competitors.
1. Prep work: The foundation of a flawless finish
Have you ever tried painting a wall without priming it first? When it comes to ceramic coatings, it is quite literally everything, as for walls, they are far simpler to paint than a car. Start off with a thorough wash using a strip wash to remove old wax, dirt and oil from the car. Afterward, clay bar the vehicle while lubricating it to remove any ground brake dust. Iron particles can be stubborn; however, iron removers deal with them effectively. One last wash will give you a pristine blank canvas as your end result. Although this step is not eye-catching, it is laying the groundwork for a masterpiece that will make your coating bond and last endure time.
2. Shine Armor: The Budget-Friendly All-in-One
Shine Armor has created a product which retails for $8, Fortify Quick Coat which claims to deliver waterless wash, coat, and shine in one spray. As a USA-made product, its ease of use is a plus; simply spray it, wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth, and buff to a silky luster. In testing, the device did improve paint slickness from 4.5 lbs of force to 2.4 lbs, which increases the smoothness of touch to the vehicle. It also held up decently on polycarbonate headlight covers under warm water. However, its protection faded under harsh chemicals like strip wash. For budget car enthusiasts who want quick results, Shine Armor proved to be a good starter. Have you tried a spray-on coating yet?
3. Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions: Affordable and Impressive
Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating does not seem like it packs much of a punch, yet retails for $15. This claim holds true due to Turtle Wax being a USA-based brand as well as it being externally tested to prove great value and durability. This product is extremely effective against water repellency, and did exceed expectation. It claimed first place in the slickness test at 1.5 lbs of force, surpassing more expensive competitors, one-upping its competitors that boast superior price. Its hydrophobic properties were stellar achieving tight water beading even after a strip wash.
Despite its relative effortless application (two sprays per panel, wipe, and buff) and six-month self-sustainability, it remained unable to defend itself against tough cleaners such as degreasing cleaners. This is a favorite for DIYers. If you want performance at an economical price, this is your likely best option.
4. Cerakote: Slick and Hydrophobic
Cerakote’s ceramic coating boasts “unsurpassed slickness,” and at a price of $17, delivers with a slickness score of 2 lbs. It tied for second place with Hybrid Solutions as the best performer in the water-beading tests. The directions were simple: spray, wipe, buff to high gloss in the shade, and cure for two hours. I achieved better gloss and slickness over time afterwards. While it did well in the stripped wash test, it struggled with degreasers. For the car enthusiast prioritizing ease of care while slickness, Cerakote is a sure bet. What do you use for that show-car look?
5. Chemical Guys: Glossy but Slightly Fussy
Sold for $25, Chemical Guys’ HydroSlick Ceramic Coating HyperWax is touted for its overzealous water-beading and UV shielding capabilities. In the slickness metric it fell short second place, achieving 1.6 lbs, strong but still trailing HydroSlick in water repellency. Applying the product was easy but did require more effort to buff than spray-on competitors. They are a strong contender for people who want a deep shine but don’t mind a little extra work. If it’s a maintained vehicle, Chemical Guys will ensure that the vehicle maintains, will keep it shining.
6. Nano Bond: Very Durable but Labor Intensive
Prismatic offers a ‘wipe-and-wait’ coating from China for $38 known as Nano Bond, which purportedly offers up to 36 months of protection. It also includes gloves, a sponge, and a microfiber towel for a polished finish. In terms of performance, it excelled in durability, enduring strip wash and iron remover, and clearing water sheets within just four seconds on polycarbonate. However, its slickness (3.3 lbs) was lower than that of spray-on products, and the application requires four to five times more time than other methods. Nano Bond is a strong contender for car devotees who appreciate the value of sustained appearance and do not mind working for it.
7. Topcoat F11 Pro: Costly with Unsatisfactory Results
Topcoat F11 Pro positions itself as a premium water-based ceramic coating with a one-year lifespan and costs $60. The application is relatively easy—spray and wipe with microfiber towels—but the results were varied. While its slickness matched that of Cerakote at 2 lbs, it faced challenges with water sheeting post strip wash. For car enthusiasts, the price and lack of enduring durability relative to competitors like Nano Bond or Hybrid Solutions is unappealing. There are instances in which spending more does not translate to better protection. What has your experience been with the premium options?
8. Advanced Graphene: Not Tier 1, But Long Lasting
Claiming the coat can last for up to a decade, the Advanced Graphene is priced at $90. It is easier to use as it is buffed after being applied with a sponge in a cross-hatch design. Although it surpassed F11 in water-beading, it did not meet lower-tier competitors such as Nano Bond. Coming out with 2.4 lb slickness does not make it impressive, but the value for car enthusiasts looking for long-lasting protection at a reasonable price does increase. This coating from USA will be more appealing for those in rigorous climates.
9. Adam’s Polishes: The Premium Powerhouse
Despite an exceptionally high price tag of $150, Adam’s Polishes Graphene Ceramic Coating Advanced emerged as the winner in every category during testing. With 9+ years of protection and 10H hardness, it aced every single one of our tests including: slickness (1.7 lbs.), hydrophobicity, and durability against strip wash, iron remover, degreaser, and hot water. Application involves careful surface preparation and the use of a suede applicator, but these results speak for themselves. Adam’s is considered the gold standard for car enthusiasts who are ready to invest considerable time and money if they want premium protection. Looking to go all-in for your ride?