Ceramic coating is a specialist detailing product designed to provide superior car paint protection. Unlike a car wax that may last only a few weeks, the ceramic coating provides a permanent or semi permanent bond that lasts many years.
The best ceramic coating for cars is the Migliore Strata Coating, which provides a 12 month protective layer and an extremely glossy finish.
In short, a ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that’s applied to your paintwork and forms a chemical bond. Unless an abrasive polish or compound is used on the paintwork, the coating will continue to protect the cars paintwork.
Table of Contents
Car Ceramic Coating Comparison
| Ceramic Coating | Duration | Hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Migliore Strata Coating | 12 Months | 9H |
| Gtechniq Crystal Serum | 60 Months | 9H |
| Micro Detailer Intensity | 84 Months | 9H |
| Adams Polishes Kit | 24 to 36 Months | 9H |
| CarPro Cquartz | 12 Months | 9H |
| Color N Drive Kit | 60 Months | 9H |
| Nasiol ZR53 Ultimate | 36 Months | 9H |
| Hocossy Liquid Crystal | 3 to 6 Months | 9H |
| Sonax 236941 | 12 Months | 9H |
| Aneil Paint Care Kit | 36 Months | 9H |
It’s common for people to mistake a car paint sealant with a ceramic coating. They both provide advanced paint protection but sealants last between 6 to 12 months whereas a coating can last well over 12 months when applied correctly.
The only drawback of using a coating is the premium price tag and more involved application. However, although expensive, the longevity of the coating pays for itself overtime.
Below is a list of the best ceramic coating for cars that provide a protective layer on the paintwork and lasts for many years.
The Best Ceramic Coating For Cars
1. Migliore Strata Ceramic Coating
Migliore Strata Coating is a popular ceramic coating for cars that provides a glossy finish that lasts over 12 months. It’s highly durable and according to the brand, they claims it provides car paint protection against rain, sun, salt, bird droppings and debris.
Although it comes with a premium price tag, it does come in a larger bottle (50 ml) and is manufactured in the USA.
Other features of the Migliore Strata Coating include:
- 12 months of protection
- Made in the USA
- High UV resistance
- Easy application
- Can be used on multiple surfaces
- Deep gloss shine
- 50 ml bottle
There is no denying that this ceramic coating isn’t cheap but the results speak for themselves. It’s the best ceramic coating for cars that’s long lasting and has the added benefit of being usable on other surfaces such as plastic trim, wheels and exhausts.
Check it Out2. Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ceramic Coating
Gtechniq are well-known for producing high quality detailing products and Crystal Serum Light formula is a great example. According to the brand, their ceramic coating provides “previously un-achievable levels” of gloss, durability and chemical resistance.
Gtechniq also state that it’s the most durable ceramic coating available and considered the thickest in the industry.
Other features of the Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light include:
- Available in 30 ml or 50 ml bottles
- Provides up to 5 years of protection
- Reduces surface hazing and improves gloss
- 9H hardness
- Resistant to chemical between pH2 and pH12
The Crystal Serum Light formula by Gtechniq is so thick that it can only be removed using 1,500 grit sand paper. This gives you an idea of the durability of this ceramic coating for cars and it won’t be beaten by any other formula.
The only drawback is that it comes with a premium price tag but it’s a worthwhile investment that won’t disappoint.
Check it Out3. Micro Detailer Intensity Ceramic Car Coating
For those looking for the longest lasting protection and don’t mind paying a premium, the Micro Detailer Intensity coating is the best option. It creates a superior protective layer that lasts an incredible 7 years under optimal conditions.
It provides a permanent finish that once fully cured can only be removed by sanding or using an aggressive compound.
Other features of the Micro Detailer Intensity include:
- Maintains protection and high gloss performance
- Long lasting with 7 years of protection
- 120 degree contact angle for self cleaning
- Designed to be layered for additional thickness
- Includes an applicator and 5 microfiber cloths
- 9H hardness rating
- Available in a 30 ml or 50 ml bottle
Due to the price, this ceramic coating won’t be suitable for everyone. However, for those with cars that they plan on keeping for several years, it’s the longest lasting ceramic coating and worth paying the premium price tag.
Check it Out4. Adam’s Ceramic Paint Coating Kit
There are two options available by the brand that include a 50 ml bottle or the complete kit, which includes a coating prep, booster solution, microfiber cloth and an applicator.
Other features of the Adam’s Paint Coating Kit include:
- 9H hardness rating
- Durable coating that is 2 to 3 micron thick
- Long lasting and withstands 180 to 190 washes
- 2 to 3 years of protection
- Easy application process
- Ultra high gloss finish
- Made in the USA
Overall, if you are looking a complete kit that provides one of the most durable layers of protection, then the Adam’s kit is the best option. After application, you can expect between 2 to 3 years of car paint protection and a high gloss finish.
Check it Out5. CarPro Cquartz Ceramic Coating
Cquarts are a popular brand when it comes to ceramic coatings and for good reason. It uses the latest nanotechnology and an advanced formula that makes it a favorite for many professional detailers.
Included with the kit is a high quality applicator pad and 5 suede microfiber cloths for multiple applications.
Other features of the Cquarts Ceramic Coating For Cars include:
- 70% Quarts with 99.9% purity
- Fast action formula for easy application
- High gloss finish to the paintwork
- Self cleaning properties
- Withstands extreme high or low temperatures
- Available in a 30 ml or 50 ml bottle
The Cquarts formula by the CarPro brand is a high quality ceramic coating for cars that provides excellent protection and a high gloss shine. The kit comes with everything you need to get started and can be applied with ease.
Check it Out6. Color N Drive 9H Ceramic Coating Kit
For those looking for a more cost effective solution to ceramic coating, the Color N Drive complete kit is perfect. It includes everything you need to provide superior protection and a deep gloss effect to the paintwork.
Included within the kit are 2 applicators, 2 microfiber cloths, gloves, 50 ml of nano-bionic coating and 150 ml of pre-treatment.
Other features of the Color N Drive Coating Kit include:
- Claims to last up to 5 years or 100 to 150 washes
- 9H hardness rating
- Self cleaning formula
- Designed for easy application
- Resists UV, frost, acid rain and much more
Overall, it’s the best ceramic coating for the money that provides excellent car paint protection with a 9H hardness rating. Value for money without reducing the quality of the coating is hard to achieve but the Color N Drive have done exactly that with this complete kit.
Check it Out7. Nasiol ZR53 Ultimate Car Ceramic Coat
The Nasiol ZR53 is a long lasting and affordable formula that’s designed for the paintwork, plastic trim and bumpers. Once the coating has been applied, it forms a hard nano-scale coating that protects and provides an ultra-high gloss finish.
Included with the ceramic coating are microfiber cloths, applicator pads, protective gloves and step-by step detailed instructions.
Other features of the Nasiol ZR53 Ultimate include:
- Up to 3 years of protection
- 9H hardness
- Durable to PH13 detergents
- Highly hydrophobic finish
- Easy one step application
- Requires 48 hours to fully cure
The Nasiol ZR53 is an excellent all-round ceramic coating for cars that won’t disappoint. Application is straightforward and the multi-layer technology provides excellent protection that can last up to 36 months.
Check it Out8. Hocossy High Gloss Liquid Crystal Coating
Other features of the Hocossy 9H Liquid Crystal include:
- 9H hardness
- PH tolerance of 2 to 12
- Easy to use formula that goes a long way
- Scratch and wear resistant
- Lasts between 3 to 6 months
- Requires 12 hours to cure
- Includes applicator sponge
The main drawback of this ceramic car coating is that it only lasts up to 6 months. However, this is reflected with the low price tag, which makes it a great choice for those on a budget.
Check it Out9. Sonax CC36 Ceramic Coating
Sonax are a reputable brand that produce a range of detailing products. Their ceramic coating formula in particular is designed for both professional and beginner use and includes all the tools required to apply the formula with ease.
When using this coating, you can expect up to 1 year of protection but it can be increased to 3 years. This is made possible by using the brands polymer net shield formula.
Other features of the Sonax CC36 Kit include:
- 1 year of protection with a deep gloss finish
- Protection from UV, chemicals and road dirt
- Acts as a water and dirt repellent for easy cleaning
- Optimizes the gloss and color depth
- 1 hour curing time
Unlike other products, the Sonax kit requires two applications. This involves using the base coat and then finishing with the gloss coat for the best finish. To ensure this goes as smoothly as possible, the brand include sponges, microfiber cloths and gloves.
Check it Out10. Aneil Ceramic Car Coating Kit
The Aneil 9H ceramic coating is a popular formula due to it being one of the cheapest available. However, it still able to compete with the premium options with a 9H hardness rating and a 3 year durability.
Included with the ceramic car coating kit is an applicator, 30 ml bottle of the formula and a microfiber cloth.
Other features of the Aneil 9H MR Fix include:
- Durability of 3 to 5 years
- pH tolerance between pH 2 and 12
- Heat resistant to 760 degrees
- High gloss finish
- Self cleaning technology
- 12 hours curing time
Overall, it’s a cheap ceramic coating for cars that provides impressive results. It may not provides as high quality finish as the premium options but you will certainly save a lot more with this kit due to its budget friendly price tag.
Check it OutCeramic Coating Buying Guide
When it comes to protecting your cars paintwork, it doesn’t get much better than a ceramic coating. Once applied, the coating protects the cars paint for over 12 months in most cases. This is far more long lasting than any wax or sealant alternative but you do have to pay the premium price tag. However, if you add up the amount of wax you have used over the 12 months, it will more than likely equal the price of the coating.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below buying guide regarding ceramic coatings.
Paintwork Preparation
For the ceramic coating to be successful, preparation is key and you must take all the correct steps. We highly recommend getting the best clay bar you can get your hands on to remove any debris or wax hidden in the paintwork.
Once that’s complete, you will want to remove any defects with a polish and car buffer prior to applying the coating. If the defects haven’t been removed, these will be visible underneath the ceramic coating.
Many brands provide complete kits with additional products that help make the preparation even easier. For example, the Adam’s ceramic coating kit contains preparation spray and even a booster for application several months after application.
Hardness Rating
You may notice that many ceramic coating for cars are labeled with a hardness rating of 9H. This rating determines the scratch resistance of the coating, which is known as the pencil hardness test. Therefore the higher the rating, the more resistant the ceramic coating is to scratches.
Long Lasting Durability
Ceramic coating is the best detailing product to protect your cars paint for long periods of time. If applied correctly, some of the high-end coatings can last the full lifetime of the car. However, for those looking for a reasonably priced coating, you may expect anything from 12 months to 120 months. The more expensive products usually result in a longer lasting protective layer.
With some coatings, you can even apply multiple layers of the product to add to the durability. There are also some brands that offer ceramic boosters that improve the longevity of the protective layer, which is worth considering.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the length of protection may reduce depending upon the number of washes your car goes through. For those that use a strong car wash soap, you may only be able to wash the car up to 100 times before the coating needs reapplying.
The coating can also be completely removed by using an aggressive cutting compound. This will cut through the protective layer and make it possible to use another layer of ceramic coating.
How to Apply a Ceramic Coating
Application of a ceramic coating for cars does vary between different manufacturers. The most important part of the application is the preparation and the more you do, the easier the coating is to apply. You will want to thoroughly wash the car, clay the paintwork and use a cutting compound if there are any defects.
Once all of the preparation is complete and the car is inside a garage, you are then ready to apply the coating. Below is a brief ceramic coating application guide.
- Put on gloves to avoid contact
- Wrap the applicator within the provided cloth
- Pour a few droplets of the solution onto the cloth
- Immediately screw the cap on the bottle
- Wipe the product into the paintwork using even pressure
- Wipe back and forth to ensure the coating is level
- Leave the coating to cure for at least 24 hours
The 7 steps above are a brief guide and it’s important that you read the instructions on your bottle. However, most ceramic coating will follow a similar process but you may also want to apply multiple layers of the product too.
Why is it Expensive?
If you are knew to using this type of detailing product, you may be wondering why it’s so expensive. Most ceramic coatings come in 50 ml bottles and are only suitable for one large vehicle or two smaller vehicles at a push.
The nano ceramic technology used in the coating and the science behind it is the main reason. You will often find coatings with a longer lifespan cost far more and this is due to the purity of the formula itself.
How to Maintain a Coated Car
Just because the ceramic coating can last years, it doesn’t mean you can forget about it. It does require regular washing but you also want to avoid products with strong chemicals as this may thin out the coating.
As mentioned earlier in this article, investing into a ceramic booster is an excellent addition. This is because they fill in areas where the coating has become worn thus restoring the gloss finish and protection.
Due to the self cleaning properties of many of the coatings, you may find yourself not needing to use a strong car wash soap at all. You may even be able to use just a snow foam cannon to safely remove any debris.
Multiple Surfaces
Some ceramic coatings can also be used for other parts of the car such as the exhaust, trim, wheels and much more. This can be highly beneficial as these areas of your car may become covered in dirt and require the additional protection.
However, ceramic coating is primarily used upon the paintwork and its recommended to buy specific coatings for other areas of the car. For example, a ceramic coating for wheels that’s been designed to resist brake dust works far better than a coating designed for just the car’s paint.
Conclusion
Investing into a quality ceramic coating protects your car’s paintwork and also makes washing it much easier. Some people may only use a car pressure washer to remove loose debris and their vehicle will be clean enough due to the self cleaning properties of the coating.
All of our recommendations within this article are suitable for every budget and are easy to apply. The initial cost of the coating is high but the results speak for themselves and we highly recommend trying some of the coatings out.
