Ceramic coatings are much harder than waxes and poly, meaning they can resist light scratches. However, this doesn’t make them immune to swirls and other imperfections.
Unfortunately, no ceramic car coating is truly scratch proof. Throw a rock at it hard enough and you will still get a nick.
1. Gtechniq CSU
Gtechniq’s Crystal Serum Ultra (CSU) is a professional-grade ceramic coating that can last for several years. It also protects against scratches, swirl marks, and UV damage. It can be applied by an authorised GTECHNIQ detailer or by you.
Whether or not you’re comfortable working with a DIY ceramic coating, it’s important to choose one that has good prep work and application instructions. The best ceramic coatings are made from high-quality 9H formulas that go on smoothly without looking watery or too gloopy. They also have a longer curing time than traditional waxes, which makes them more durable.
Many ceramic coatings are touted as being “wax-like,” but they’re far more protective than the average car wax. They’ll repel road grime, avian fecal matter, and other contaminants for far longer than uncoated cars. They’ll also make it easier to clean the vehicle without scratching it. That’s why so many people consider them worth the up-front cost. Plus, many come with guarantees and warranties to give you peace of mind.
2. Weiruixin CSU
If you’re looking for an entry-level ceramic coating that doesn’t cost a fortune but will still protect your car, this one is a great choice. It offers a good level of protection against sunlight, rocks, parking lot bumps and other environmental debris. It also provides excellent water beading and UV protection.
While it’s not as thick as Gtechniq’s ceramic coating, this German offering ticks all the right boxes in terms of stunning gloss, resistance to scratches and swirls, easier cleaning, improved durability and more. It’s worth noting, however, that the best over-the-counter products tend to be the hardest to apply and if you mess one up it can be very hard to get off. This can be a significant barrier for DIYers and is why many people opt for professional application. You should also look at brands that offer guarantees and warranties on their work, as this will provide peace of mind. These will often cover paint correction and other services as well.
3. Chemical Brothers Hyper Wax
Unlike Chemical Guys Hydroslick, Hyper Wax contains no wax and is a true ceramic coating. It combines the ease of use of a wax with the longevity, beading, slickness, and amazing shine that only a true ceramic can provide. It uses the latest in SiO2 gel suspension technology to totally re-engineer the makeup of a ceramic coat and reinvent it as an extremely user-friendly and durable coating that anyone can use.
It seals the car paint with ceramic SiO2 nanotechnology, creating a perfect layer where water behavior becomes exceedingly active. The resulting intense ceramic water beading makes the surface super smooth and reflects light back at you with an amazing shine like nothing else can. The durable shield also protects against water spots, the elements, and UV rays for up to one year.
While Chemical Guys Hydroslick requires a thorough car wash, machine polishing, and clay bar work to prep the car before applying it, Torque Detail Ceramic Spray is an easy-to-use spray-on product that will give you a showroom shine in minutes. This spray-on formula is a huge improvement over traditional glazes and waxes that require multiple steps to apply.
4. 3 in 1 Wax
This spray ceramic coating from Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions is one of the best-reviewed, inexpensive options on the market. It’s quick and easy to apply, and it offers a solid amount of protection for your paint. It’ll repel water, tar, bird droppings, road salt, chemicals and environmental contaminants.
Like most ceramic coatings, it’s important to prep your car’s surface before applying it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with scratches or blemishes that will make the surface harder to protect.
This kit comes with a bottle of preparation liquid, an applicator pad and a microfibre buffing cloth. It’s a little more complicated than the other products on this list, but it offers exceptional gloss and protection against UV rays and road salt. It’s also hydrophobic, so it repels water, dirt and mud from the surface of your car. This keeps it looking great for longer and makes the job of cleaning and maintaining your vehicle much easier.best ceramic coating for cars
