10 Best Ceramic Coatings for Cars in 2023

If you’re looking for a way to give your vehicle a little extra protection and a signature shine, nothing quite gets the job done like a ceramic coating. They’re one of the best car care products on the market today, but only if you get the right ceramic coating for your car.

Tons of brands offer premium results but leave you with a mess of a vehicle you need to take care of. It’s not a decision you want to get wrong, and that’s why we took the time to highlight ten of the best ceramic coatings for cars on the market today.

Not only that, but we also came up with a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will walk you through why you should get a ceramic coating in the first place before diving into everything else you need to know before you purchase a ceramic coating for your car. If you’re ready to take your vehicle to the next level, just keep reading.

10 Best Ceramic Coatings for Cars

We know the last thing you want is to spend a ton of time reading through a ton of information before you make it to the reviews. That’s why we put our reviews right here in the beginning! If you need a bit more information after checking out the reviews, our comprehensive buyer’s guide that’s right after them will walk you through everything you need to know.

1. Chemical Guys HydroSlick Intense Gloss Sio2 – Best Ceramic Coating Overall

If you’re looking for the best ceramic coating for cars, the clear answer is Chemical Guys HydroSlick Intense Gloss Sio2. It’s an outstanding mix of price and quality and compared to most other options out there, it’s extremely easy to use.

It’s a ceramic coating that’s just as easy to put on as any other wax product out there, but it’ll easily outperform wax. It gives instant hydrophobic protection and helps protect the paint from grime and other road gunk.

Not only does it provide superior protection, but it also creates a brilliant shine that will help set your car apart. However, while there’s a ton to love about this ceramic coating, one downside is that you’ll need to apply it more often than many other options.

Each coat can last a year, but since many other options can last up to five years this still has you applying it far more often. But at this price point and with the quality of results, it’s really not hard to see how Chemical Guy’s HydroSlick Intense Gloss Sio2 made it to the top of our list.

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2. Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions – Best Budget

If you’re shopping for a ceramic coating for your car but don’t want to spend a ton, then Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions is what you’re looking for. It’s an extremely affordable ceramic spray coating you can use on your vehicle and provides protection that lasts up to 12 months.

Moreover, Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions is easy to apply and provides tons of water-beading properties to help protect your vehicle and keep it looking great between washes. Turtle Wax Hybrid works on all the hard surface your vehicle has so you don’t need to worry about fenders, bumpers, or even windows – it works on it all!

You simply spray it on your vehicle and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth, making it extremely easy to apply to your vehicle. However, in addition to the shorter 12 months of protection, the overall protection and shine you’re getting don’t match what you get from the premium choices.

But at this price point you’re not going to get a better bang for your buck. It’s an excellent value for the money and gives your vehicle an extra layer of protection compared to skipping a ceramic coating altogether.

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3. Migliore Strata Coating – Premium Choice

If you don’t mind spending a little more and just want the best ceramic coating money can buy, the Migliore Strata Coating is the way to go. Sure it’s a more expensive option, but there’s no arguing with the quality of the results.

Not only does it provide an effective protective coating for the paint, but its hydrophobic properties help water bead up and slide right off. Furthermore, Migliore Strata Coating creates a distinct shine that makes the colors of your vehicle pop and stand out in a crowd.

Add in the extra UV protection this ceramic coating provides and it’s easy to see why it’s the best of the best. Each application can provide your vehicle with up to two years of protection so you don’t need to worry about constantly reapplying it either.

It’s easy to apply and comes from a reliable brand that makes it in the United States. With Migliore Strata Coating you know exactly what you’re getting with each batch and that the quality will match what you’re used to.

Everything about Migliore Strata Coating is what you want from a ceramic coating, you’re just going to need to spend a mint to get it.

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4. Adam’s UV Ceramic Paint Coating Kit – Best Kit

If you don’t already have everything you need to apply a ceramic coating to your vehicle, you’ll want to consider Adam’s UV Ceramic Paint Coating Kit. Not only are you getting a great ceramic paint coating, but you’re getting everything you need to apply it perfectly.

This includes multiple microfiber rags, a surface prep cleaner, and a ceramic booster for after you apply the ceramic coating. With all these products, there’s no reason you can’t get a full five years of protection with your UV coating.

You’ll need to apply the ceramic booster semi-frequently, but it’s a pretty straightforward and simple process. Overall, everything about this kit makes it easy to apply, especially since it comes with everything you need.

The ceramic coating itself comes with patented UV tracing technology to ensure you never miss a spot too. Simply shine a black light on the vehicle (not included) and you’ll be able to see which spots you’ve already covered and which areas need a bit more attention.

Adam’s makes all their products in the United States too, so you know you’re getting the highest-quality options available. Overall, the kit is on the more expensive side of things but considering everything you’re getting, it’s still a great deal.

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5. Nasiol ZR53 Nano Ceramic Coating – Best for Car Shows

If you’re preparing your vehicle for a car show, you already know that only the best of the best will do. And when you’re looking for a ceramic coating that provides the best possible gloss and protection, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than Naisol ZR53 Nano Ceramic Coating.

This ceramic coating delivers professional-quality results day after day and year after year, and it comes with the applicators you should use when putting it on your vehicle. This ceramic coating delivers a signature crystal gloss that car show judges love, and it’s a hard coating that provides a ton of protection to the vehicle underneath.

Moreover, each ceramic coating can last for up to three years, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing any more of this coating any time soon. However, Nasiol ZR53 Nano Ceramic Coating only lasts that long if you boost it every 12 months with Naisol MetalCoat F2.

And while Naisol ZR53 Nano Ceramic Coating provides tons of benefits for appearance and protection, there’s no denying you’re paying for all this protection. It’s a far more expensive option, but it could be the difference between a first-place or a runner-up trophy.

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6. Sonax 236941 Ceramic Coating

If you’re looking for a more complete kit than a single product but don’t want to spend a ton of cash for a complete kit, the Sonax 236941 Ceramic Coating kit is the way to go. It’s slightly more expensive than just a single product, but it will also give you superior results.

This kit comes with two applicators and a base and gloss coat product, giving you tons of protection and a signature shine after you finish. They’re two different products to apply, but both of them are easy to use and give you an excellent finish.

Furthermore, if you apply the Sonax Polymer Net Shield every six months the ceramic coating should last for three years. That means you won’t be back here repurchasing the coating anytime soon! While many of the products on our list come from the United States, this product comes from Germany, which is well-known for its automotive prowess.

Still, while it’s available for a great price for a kit, it’s more expensive than individual products and it doesn’t deliver the professional-quality results you can expect from the more expensive kits. Instead, this kit is better suited for daily drivers.

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7. Nexgen Ceramic Spray Silicon Dioxide

The Nexgen Ceramic Spray Silicon Dioxide is another ceramic coating option you have if all you need is the ceramic coating product. It does a great job on all types of hard surfaces and makes a great choice for cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and even ATVs!

It’s easy to use and applies extremely fast, so you don’t have to spend a ton of time putting it on your vehicle. That’s a good thing because it doesn’t last quite as long as some of the more expensive options on our list.

Overall, it doesn’t give professional-quality results, but it’s pretty close. And since you’re not spending professional-level prices for the product, it’s a tradeoff we don’t mind taking.

If you’re looking for a ceramic coating spray for a daily driver or for mid to low-tier car shows, Nexgen Ceramic Spray Silicon Dioxide is an outstanding value that does everything you need without draining your bank account.

Finally, since it comes in multiple size options if you’re looking for a product you can use as a part of a ceramic coating business, you can save yourself a ton of money by ordering in bulk.

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8. Adam’s UV Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating

This Adam’s UV Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating is the same product we highlighted in the Adam’s kit above, but it’s just the ceramic spray coating. So, if you like the UV technology that comes in the spray but already have all the applicators and microfiber cloths you need, this is likely the way to go.

It costs significantly less money than the full kit, although we do recommend getting the Adam’s Ceramic Boost product to go with it. With the Ceramic Boost Adam’s UV Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating can last for up to five years, but without you’ll need to reapply it every year or two.

Overall, it’s easy to apply and if you use a blacklight, you don’t have to worry about missing any spot on your vehicle. Like all Adam’s products, they make UV Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating in the United States, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of what you’re getting.

Just know that you’re only getting the spray coating with this option. If you need more, you’ll need to pick from another option on our list or purchase it separately.

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9. Drexler Ceramic Car Coating

Another ceramic coating kit you’ll want to consider is this Drexler Ceramic Car Coating kit. It comes with a base coat, a top coat, an applicator, and a microfiber cloth, and it’s far less expensive than many of the other full kit options out there.

It’s a complete kit that comes with everything you need, and if you take the time to apply it correctly it gives you up to five years of protection – although you will need to apply a second layer to get the protection to last that long.

Overall, it’s an easy option to apply, although you will need to take the time to apply both the base coat and top coat during the application process. The kit gives your vehicle an outstanding shine while providing hydrophobic properties and protecting the paint underneath.

It’s a little more expensive than most standalone products but compared to most other kits it’s available for a great price. Just know what you’re getting and what you need, if you need a complete kit, this might be the perfect option!

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10. Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wax

Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wax is the last product on our list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth checking out. It’s an extremely affordable ceramic coating product and probably the easiest of all the products on our list to apply.

You simply spray it onto your vehicle, rinse it off, dry your vehicle, and you’re done! There is no scrubbing, sanding, or applicators with Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wax, just the spray, some water, and a microfiber cloth to dry everything off.

Another perk with this product is that while it’s affordable, you’re also getting a lot of product. Most ceramic coatings come with eight ounces while this spray comes with 32 ounces, so you won’t run out anytime soon.

Overall, it provides tons of water beading capabilities and it does provides some extra protection and shine, but it’s not to the same level as some of the more expensive options. It also doesn’t last quite as long, so you’ll need to reapply more frequently to keep the level of protection and shine you want.

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Ceramic Coating Buyer’s Guide

With so many outstanding ceramic coating options out there it can be tough to narrow it down to just one. Not only that but with them offering so many benefits and perks, how much of it is legitimate and are ceramic coatings even worth it in the first place?

It’s a lot to break down, which is why we came up with this buyer’s guide that’ll walk you through everything you need to know about why you should get a ceramic coating in the first place and what to look for when you’re shopping for one.

Advantages of Ceramic Coatings

There’s a reason so many people consider putting ceramic coatings on their vehicles. While it’s not a standard automotive finish, it comes with quite a few advantages. We’ve highlighted some of the most notable advantages for you here.

UV Protection

One area where ceramic coatings thrive is in providing UV protection for your vehicle. UV rays cause the paint on your vehicle to fade, but with ceramic coatings, those harmful UV rays don’t make it to the paint. This prevents fading and keeps the paint looking like new year after year.

Easy to Maintain

If you feel like you’re washing your vehicle every few days, a ceramic coating can help with that. You’ll still need to wash your vehicle, but the coating makes it so dirt and debris bead up and falls off your vehicle easier.

This means fewer water spots and gunk on your car, which leads to fewer car washes!

Glossy Appearance

There’s no denying the appearance that a ceramic coating gives your vehicle. It’s a high-gloss finish, which means your car is going to shine after you put it on. Many waxes give your vehicle the same appearance, but the difference is how long the look will last.

A wax will give your vehicle a glossy look for a month or two, while a ceramic coating will give that same appearance for years.

Long Lasting

While you might need to rewax your vehicle every few months, ceramic coatings can last years. For most ceramic coatings you should apply a booster about once a year, but the boosters cost significantly less and a once-a-year application is still less work than wax.

Advanced Protection

While many people will overhype the protection that ceramic coatings provide, there’s no denying that they do provide some additional protection. It’s a harder coating that can help prevent very minor scratches and chips.

Just don’t expect the advanced protection to completely eliminate everyday scratches and chips that happen while you’re driving.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Coatings

While most detailing experts will agree that the benefits of ceramic coatings easily outweigh the disadvantages, that doesn’t mean there are no disadvantages. We’ve highlighted a few of the disadvantages you’ll need to keep in mind if you’re thinking about putting a ceramic coating on your vehicle.

The Cost

If you compare the cost of ceramic coatings to other waxes and polishes, you’ll notice that they almost always cost significantly more. While they provide superior looks and protection, these are features you’re paying for with a higher price tag.

Because of this, you need to decide if the advantages a ceramic coating gives you is worth the extra money you’ll need to spend to get it.

Challenging to Install

There’s a reason so many people choose to have a professional install their ceramic coatings. The problem isn’t necessarily that ceramic coatings are hard to install, it’s that they require meticulous attention to detail to install correctly.

First, you need to thoroughly prep the surface so you don’t trap any contaminants that you’ll have to deal with for years. Anything that’s on the vehicle when you apply the ceramic coating is going to stay on the vehicle, and since it’s under the coating, you won’t be able to get it off without removing the coating.

Second, you need to apply it everywhere without missing any spots. Otherwise, you’ll think you’re getting even protection throughout your vehicle which can lead to uneven wear and tear and uneven colors from UV damage.

Finally, most UV coatings take a fair amount of time to install. There are a few options that use a spray-and-rinse method, but for the most part, you’ll need to spray and wipe down each area of your vehicle. It’s not hard, it’s just time-consuming!

Overhyped Benefits

While you certainly get some scratch and chip protection with a ceramic coating, many people will overhype the level of protection ceramic coatings provide. It’s still possible to end up with scratches on your vehicle, and ceramic coatings don’t do much against rock chips.

Furthermore, while ceramic coatings provide hydrophobic qualities that will help water bead up and roll off your vehicle, you’ll still get water spots. Ceramic coatings are beneficial, but they’re not a miracle solution by any means.

What To Look For in a Ceramic Coating

When you’re shopping for a ceramic coating for your vehicle there are a few things you need to keep an eye out for. First, look at how long the ceramic coating you’re considering should last. This gives you an idea of how often you’ll need to reapply it.

Next, look at what you need to do to get the ceramic coating to last that long. Most ceramic coatings will require some sort of booster to last any longer than a year, and some need boosters every six months.

Check to see if the product comes with any boosters and if it doesn’t go ahead and figure out how much they’ll cost. This will give you a better idea of whether you’re getting a good deal or just passing off the higher expenses to a later date.

Finally, consider the quality of the brand you’re getting. Some brands, like Chemical Guys, Migliore, and Adam’s have a well-earned and well-established reputation for producing high-quality automotive products.

These companies are far less likely to put their reputation on the line by pushing out a subpar product. Moreover, these companies typically produce their products in countries with higher quality-control standards so they know exactly what they’re pushing out.

It’s a lot to look into, but it’ll go a long way in ensuring you’re getting a great product that’s giving your vehicle all the protection it needs.

If you’ve never heard of a ceramic coating before today, or if you’re learning a bit more about it right now, it’s only natural to have a few questions. We understand and it’s why we decided to address some of the most frequently asked questions for you here.

How Long Do Ceramic Coatings Last?

The ceramic coating you put on your car should last between two and five years depending on the exact product you choose and the driving conditions for your vehicle. Just keep in mind that to reach these two to five-year markers you’ll likely need to apply some sort of boosting product.

Can You Wax Over a Ceramic Coating?

While you can put wax over a ceramic coating, it doesn’t make much sense to do so. That’s because ceramic coatings have superior aesthetic and performance factors over wax. In short, you’re covering up a superior product!

Do Ceramic Coatings Provide Protection From Rock Chips?

Ceramic coatings can provide some protection from scratches and other minor damage, but it’s not strong enough to completely prevent damage from rock chips while you’re driving. The force and speed of the rocks flying into your vehicle are simply too much for the ceramic coating.

Is It OK To Polish Over a Ceramic Coating?

No. While polishes are a great way to treat most vehicles, they can strip off a ceramic coating. Polishes can leave a patchy ceramic coating throughout, so it’s best to avoid them entirely if you’re putting a ceramic coating on your vehicle.

Can You Wash a Car After Applying a Ceramic Coating?

Yes! While you should always avoid automatic car washes (whether you have a ceramic coating or not), there’s nothing wrong with washing your car after applying a ceramic coating. Give the ceramic coating time to dry, then there’s nothing wrong with washing or even pressure washing it!

If you’re ready to put a ceramic coating on your car, it all starts with getting the right ceramic coating product. Any of the ten options on our list will give your vehicle a great finish you can rely on for years to come.

Go with one of our standalone products if you already have everything you need to apply it or go with a kit if you don’t have all those necessary supplies. Either way, get something on order sooner rather than later so you can get an extra layer of protection and help it stand out from the crowd.

Categories: Cleaning & Detailing, Reviews