Best Ceramic Coatings

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

• Our pick for best ceramic coating in 2024 is the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating. It is affordable, has a simple application process, and offers some of the best protection.
• The CarPro CQuartz is for the car detailing perfectionist who wants a comprehensive kit for multiple vehicles. Additionally, the CQuartz from CarPro offered the best paint protection of any ceramic coating we tested.
• Although the cure time is long, the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating is an excellent budget pick and easy enough to use that it’s great for DIY purposes.

A high-quality ceramic car coating can change the look of your car by deepening your car’s paint color, adding a glass-like finish, and protecting your vehicle from the elements. But what’s the best ceramic coating for cars?

In this buyers guide, we review the best ceramic coatings for cars based on detailing experience, cost, performance, longevity, and consumer ratings. We’ll also explore how ceramic car coatings work, the pros and cons of using one, and what to look for in high-quality ceramic coating products.

We chose our list of the best ceramic coatings for cars based on ease of use, high customer satisfaction ratings, industry-tested performance, and overall value. We’ve given each product a superlative to help direct you to the product best suited for your car detailing projects.

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What Is The Best Ceramic Coating?

The best ceramic coating in 2024 is the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating according to our experts’ in-person testing experience. However, we believe the CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0, the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating, and Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat are all worthy of consideration as well.

Top-Rated Ceramic Coatings

Each ceramic coating in this review was thoroughly tested and evaluated based on several categories, including ease of use, appearance, and longevity. You can find more specifics regarding our rating system here.

The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars. Each ceramic coating’s ratings, including their overall ratings and awards from our team, are highlighted below:

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.

For those interested in learning more, we’ve provided a detailed review of each of the best ceramic coatings in the sections below:

1. Chemical Guys HydroSlick: Best Ceramic Coating For Cars

• Cost: $40
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 6,100 reviews
• Unit size: 16.0 ounces (oz.)

Chemical Guys HydroSlick Review

The Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating has a simple and quick application process. After washing your vehicle, apply the gel, let it cure for as few as 30 seconds, and dry the treated surfaces with a high-quality microfiber towel. The ceramic coating is designed with SiO2 hydrophobic compounds to ensure water beads and sheets after application.While the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating doesn’t quite deliver the same level of shine and scratch-resistance as a traditional ceramic coating, it’s a great option for beginner detailers.

Here’s how the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating performed in each category:

HydroSlick Chemical Guys: Our Experience

Chemical Guys HydroSlick formula is an easy-to-apply gel. The instructions are simple: wipe on, wipe off, and all you’ll need are some microfiber cloths. As with any ceramic coating, you’ll want to clean your car’s paint beforehand.

The results aren’t quite as durable as a multi-stage kit such as CQuartz but seem to last longer than what you’ll get from spray-on coatings. The gel is thick and feels like you’re applying a layer of protection. This is less obvious when using spray-on products, especially with a white vehicle.

2. CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0: Best Ceramic Coating Paint Protection

• Cost: $95
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 1,600 reviews
• Unit size: 50.0 milliliters (ml)
• In the box: 50.0-ml bottle of CQuartz UK 3.0, 100.0-ml bottle of CarPro Reload Silica Spray, 16.0-inch microfiber suede towel, CarPro foam applicator block, and four microfiber suede applicators.

CarPro CQuartz Review

We recommend the CarPro CQuartz ceramic coating kit for any detailer keen on a professional look without the high price tag. After curing, the coating is chemical- and salt-resistant, as well as ultra-water-repelling. It’s also formulated with an above-average SiO2 quartz content, making the coating glossy and long-wearing.However, this ceramic car coating is not for beginners. Like many higher-quality ceramic coatings, you’ll need to prep your vehicle thoroughly before the actual application process. This includes:

• Washing with a wax-free, pH-balanced soap
• Removing any embedded iron from the paint
• Rubbing all surfaces with a clay bar
• Polishing to remove any streaks, water marks, or other imperfections
• Wiping down all surfaces with denatured alcohol

Here’s how the CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0 performed in each category:

CarPro CQuartz: Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of the CarPro CQuartz coating:

CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0 Kit: Our Experience

While applying the CarPro CQuartz protective coating is more involved than other products, the process isn’t overly difficult. We found the instructions easy to follow, and the kit includes everything you’ll need for application.

We only applied CQuartz to a small portion of the test vehicle, however. Covering the entire paint job of one car with the tiny applicator would probably take an entire day, considering the preparation steps you’ll also need to take.

Once applied, CQuartz offers appearance and protection like few other at-home kits. Customer reviews indicate this coating can last beyond a year.

3. Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray Coating: Best DIY Ceramic Coating

• Cost: $15
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 20,000 reviews
• Unit size: 16.0 oz.

Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray Coating Review

The Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating is affordable, offers exceptional performance, and is easy to apply.

This ceramic coating features SiO2 polymers – silica nanoparticles – which give your car a glass-like look and shine. These polymers also aid in water repelling and sheeting after the ceramic coating cures. In consumer tests, this product not only looks great but also proves it can withstand harsh elements and strong chemical solvents.This ceramic coating’s application process is simple, requiring only two sprays, a wipedown with a microfiber towel, and a 24-hour cure time. Here’s how the Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray Coating performed in each category:

Turtle Wax: Pros And Cons

Below are pros and cons of the Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray:

Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating: Our Experience

Turtle Wax is far and away the easiest to use of the ceramic coatings we tested. The solution comes in a spray bottle so that all the user needs to do is spray and wipe. Application takes less than a minute for a small section of car. The time difference between this and other coatings is even more pronounced when coating an entire vehicle.

We found the shine to be nice but not any more noticeable than other ceramic coatings. As of now (one month after application), the coating holds up.

4. Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat: Best Ceramic Spray

• Cost: $12
• Amazon review score: 4.3 out of 5.0 based on over 79,000 reviews
• Unit size: 8.0 fluid ounces (fl oz.)

Shine Armor Review

The Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat is one of the most popular DIY ceramic coatings. The three-in-one formula acts as a waterless wash, coat, and shine for your vehicle. Not only can you apply the Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat to cars and trucks but also boats, motorbikes, recreational vehicles (RVs), and four-wheelers. Like the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating, this spray’s formula is between a wax and a coating, making it easy to apply but not as long-lasting.According to Shine Armor, the spray takes only 15 minutes to apply. Make sure your vehicle is properly washed (preferably with a pH-balanced shampoo) before applying the ceramic coating. You can use it on your clearcoat, wheels, windshield, and mirrors.

Here’s how the Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat performed in each category:

Shine Armor: Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of the Shine Armor Fortify ceramic coating: 

Shine Armor Ceramic Coating: Our Experience

In many ways, our experience with Shine Armor was excellent. It is easy to use but comes in a lower-quality spray bottle than Turtle Wax ceramic coating. The shine is noticeable but not the best of the products we tested.

On our test vehicle, Shine Armor lasted at least a month, but based on customer reviews, we don’t expect Shine Armor to have as much longevity.

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Ceramic Coating Guide

A nano-ceramic coating can protect your car’s exterior from marring and other hazards. These coatings typically last much longer than a typical wax coating. While you can have a professional apply ceramic coating, these are also reasonably simple to apply yourself.

What Is A Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic car coating is a chemical, liquid polymer that bonds with a vehicle’s clearcoat and protects a vehicle’s paint from environmental damage such as: 

• Acid rain
• Grime, dirt, and debris 
• Industrial fallout
• UV rays 
• Water spots
• Bird droppings

Silicon dioxide is the key ingredient in ceramic coatings. It gives them hydrophobic properties, meaning they repel water and take any moisture bead or sheet easily away from a car’s surface. This is why car enthusiasts often note the product’s cleaning properties – water and dirt can’t easily stick to your vehicle.

However, ceramic car coatings aren’t just functional. After application and curing, these products harden to give your car that “candy apple” shine. The best ceramic coatings for cars add a high-gloss finish to your paint job while also increasing the color’s depth.

Cost Of Professional Ceramic Coating

Drivers can have the ceramic coating done professionally or use do-it-yourself (DIY) products. Although pro-grade ceramic coatings have longer staying power – upward of three years – they can be expensive. A professional detail may cost between $1,000 and $2,000. High-quality, DIY ceramic coatings are an excellent way to get a professional-grade look without the professional price tag.

Is Ceramic Coating Worth It?

Reasons you may want to add ceramic car coating to your detailing arsenal include:

Longer-lasting than car wax: While waxing gives your car a beautiful glow, it only lasts three to six months. Some of the best ceramic coatings for cars last more than a year. Applying a ceramic car coating may be more labor-intensive, but you don’t need to reapply it as frequently as traditional carnauba wax.

Protection from the elements: Ceramic coatings protect your vehicle from UV rays, debris, rain, stains, oils, dirt, contaminants, and industrial fallout. Depending on where you live, your paint job can take a beating. A ceramic car coating ensures your paint coating is guarded in the long term.

Cut down on cleaning time: After a ceramic car coating cures and hardens, your car’s surface will become slick, making it tough for water, dirt, and debris to stick. The fewer particles on your car, the less time it takes to clean.

Cost-effective way to enhance your car: On average, ceramic car coating products range from $15 to $25. Pro-grade kits cost more, but most are less than $100.

Can You Wax Over Ceramic Coating?

Vehicle owners looking for the best car care may try multiple methods to preserve the vehicle’s finish. While you can use wax after a ceramic paint coating has cured, it can be redundant. Both perform similar functions.

Buffing can help with paint correction and remove swirl marks, but adding wax for sheen and shine is a job already done by the ceramic coating.

“There is never a time, in my opinion, where you would use both a coating and a wax,” says Clark Webster, an auto detailing expert with over a decade of experience. “The wax would need to go on top of the coating, but the hydrophobic properties of the coating would render the wax useless. There are ‘top coats’ designed specifically for coatings, that help rejuvenate the base coating as well as add additional protection. This almost eliminates the need for traditional waxes.”

Ceramic Coating Vs. Car Wax

Ceramic coatings and car wax perform essentially the same function: to protect your paint and add a pleasing shine. But which is better? Detailing professional Clark Webster told us:

“Ceramic coatings are far more durable than waxes, so from a performance/durability/longevity standpoint, you’ll get more protection and less environmental breakdown from a coating than you would a wax. In general, a wax will last between three to four months. A coating can last anywhere from six months to five years.”

Of course, car wax is much less expensive than a ceramic coating. To pay a professional to coat your vehicle can cost as much as a new paint job. A ceramic coating that you apply yourself is much less expensive, but the application is difficult and it is easy to make mistakes.

That said, applying a ceramic coating is doable for the at-home enthusiast, but you may want to take a class in the process beforehand. Check with your local detailing shops to see if any offer training in ceramic coating application.

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Best Ceramic Car Coatings: Bottom Line

Ceramic coatings are a step above the protection offered by a basic car wax, but come at a premium and sometimes require a skilled hand. Below are a few options ranging from budget-friendly to perfectionist.

1. Best Ceramic Coating for Cars: Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating
2. Best Ceramic Coating Paint Protection: CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0
3. Best DIY Ceramic Coating: Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating
4. Best Ceramic Spray: Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat

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Ceramic Coating: FAQ

Below are some common frequently asked questions about ceramic coatings:

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Ceramic Coating Reviews: How We Tested

To test ceramic coatings, we applied each to a different section on the trunk, hood, and side panels of a white Ford Fusion according to any included instructions. Our testing team took notes on ease of use and appearance. Ceramic coatings were monitored over the following months to determine which ceramic coatings last the longest.

Ease of Use

Our ease of use score is based on how simple it is to apply the ceramic coating. Some ceramic coatings require several steps while a few are applied as simple sprays. Generally, we found that spray-on ceramic coatings do not last as long as those that must be carefully applied.

We gave the highest ease of use rating to ceramic coatings that could be properly applied the quickest.

Appearance

Our appearance score is based on how the ceramic coating looks once it is applied. To receive high marks in this category, a ceramic coating should have no swirling, leaving only a glossy shine if it is noticeable at all.

Longevity

Our longevity score is based on how long a ceramic coating lasts before it wears away. We based this score not only on our own experience but also on customer reviews. Considering both allows us to better know how well a ceramic coating holds up in different environments.

How We Score Products

Every ceramic coating we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:

• 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a ceramic coating is among the best in a category. It can be applied in minutes, offers a perfect gloss with no swirling, or lasts for more than a year.
• 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a ceramic coating performs better than average in a category. It can be applied with ease, leaves behind no swirling with minimal buffing, and lasts for close to a year.
• 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a ceramic, based on our testing experience. It may take an hour to apply, offers a streak-free appearance with moderate buffing, or lasts for several months.
• 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates a ceramic coating that performs poorer than average. It is difficult to apply, leaves behind streaks and swirls, or lasts for less than a month.
• 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the ceramic performs well below expectations in a category. It should not be applied except by a professional, does not buff, or fails to provide any paint protection.

Why Trust Motor1.com

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.

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