The moment you drive your car out of the garage, it falls victim to the elements. Those elements can include harsh sunlight, rain, snow, ice, tree sap, and “gifts” from birds. Anyone of those elements can cause damage to your car’s paint.
When those elements add up, you could compromise your vehicle’s value. A ceramic coating application can help protect your car and boost its value.
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What Is Ceramic Coating
The official classification for a car ceramic coating is a long-term nanoscopic exterior paint treatment. Think of it as a transparent hard layer covering your car exterior and providing a “shell” of protection for your car’s paint.
The majority of ceramic coatings use silicon dioxide in their formulas. That compound is found in quartz and sand. In addition, additional hardening agents go into the ceramic coating formula.
That formula creates a water-repellent layer that protects the car’s exterior.
What is the best ceramic coating for cars in 2022? Of course, that depends on the make and model of the vehicle and who is applying the ceramic coating.
Spoiler alert: it might just be Megiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wax.
Benefits of Applying Ceramic Coating
Applying a ceramic coating to the car can yield many benefits. Think of it as a kind of defense shield for the automobile. That shield can prevent damage from some of the following elements:
- Water stains
- Dirt
- Bird droppings
- Sap
- Grime
- Road salt
- Light scratches
With a ceramic coating, all of those problems will rinse right off.
Best Ceramic Coating for Beginners
There are two options for the application of ceramic coating. It can be done by a professional automotive detailer or as a DIY task. If you opt for the DIY approach, you can save a lot of money. It will help if you use a product designed for beginners. Here are a few of the best ceramic coating for beginners to consider:
Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wax
Meguiar’s is a popular brand for car care products. Their hybrid ceramic wax is an excellent pick for a DIY beginner. The ceramic coating comes in a spray bottle. So you just need to wash off your car and spray the exterior. Then rinse the car again to help spread down the wax evenly. Mission accomplished.
Chemical Guys HydroSlick HydroCharge
Chemical Guys HydroSlick HyperWax is a new entry in the auto detailing market, but it has already earned high praise from its users. This ceramic coating is safe for all makes and models. The best approach for application is a microfiber towel. Just spray the wax and gently rub it across the car. The result will be a great shine and a long-lasting ceramic coating.
Ethos Ceramic Wax PRO
Ethos Ceramic Wax PRO is a three-in-one product that melds together a wax, a sealant, and a polish in an easy-to-use application. An applicator comes with the bottle. In addition to cars, Ethos Ceramic Wax PRO is a good choice for trucks, boats, and motorcycles. As an added incentive, this particular ceramic coating utilizes the same list of ingredients that NASA uses for the space shuttle!
Best Professional Ceramic Coating For Cars
Professional auto detailers use the best products for their clients. Thankfully, those products are not exclusive to professional detailers. Any car owner can purchase these ceramic coating products:
Chemical Guys HydroSlick Hyperwax
HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating from Chemical Guys offers up a simple application process. On a clean car, apply the hyperwax gel and let it cure for a minute. When the minute is up, spread the coating evenly with a microfiber cloth. The result will be a showroom finish that can make your car look brand new again.
CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0
CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0 provides a coating that repels water and road salt. Its unique formula creates a glossy coat that lasts a long time. However, because of its professional grade, it is crucial that you prepare your car thoroughly before application.
That preparation involves removing any streaks or watermarks that might be present. Many reviewers comment that this particular product takes a long time to apply, but the results are worth the effort.
Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating
Turtle Wax is a trusted brand for car care products. Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating. This particular ceramic coating comes in a spray bottle for easy application. That is helpful because recommendations are for two application coats to receive the maximum benefit.
You should also have the ceramic coating to completely cure within about 24 hours for the coating to cure completely.
What Is the Best DIY Ceramic Coating for Cars?
Applying a ceramic coating to your car can be the perfect weekend DIY task. Your choice of ceramic coating will determine how long that task will take. Here are some of the best options for DIY ceramic coating:
Adam’s UV Ceramic Paint Coating Kit
Adam’s UV Ceramic Paint Coating Kit has a high rating for mineral hardness. That is always a good quality to look for in a chemical coating. In addition, the kit comes complete with a surface prep formula, ensuring you will maximize the benefits of the coating. It also has a ceramic boost spray for maintenance touchups.
Nasiol ZR53 Nano Ceramic Coating
Nasiol ZR53 will only need one coat that hardens in as little as 20 seconds after application. That one coat can last up to three years, provided you consistently wash your car. The formula for this chemical coating creates two-layer protection that provides superior repellent qualities.
The Last Coat Ceramic Coating
The Last Coat Ceramic Coating comes in a spray bottle that makes it easy to apply. It provides a glossy finish unlike any other. It is best buffed out with a microfiber towel. Unlike other types of chemical coating, this product requires seven days to cure fully. However, you can drive after the first 24 hours. Just don’t go any place dirty!
Best Ceramic Coating For Black Cars
Black-painted cars are extremely popular. But, unfortunately, black car paint tends to put stains and imperfections on blast. That is where an excellent ceramic coating can be a benefit. Here is one of the best ceramic coating for black cars:
XPEL Fusion Plus Ceramic Coating
XPEL Fusion Plus Ceramic Coating can be a big help. This hard shell ceramic coating protects the paint from all kinds of stains, including the occasional rock chip flying up from the road. It also does a great job with water repelling, which is a benefit if you live in a rainy area of the country. Additionally, XPEL coatings have premium UV ray protection. This factor benefits black cars because UV damage is arguablly the most visible when it is on a black car.
Best Ceramic Coating For White Cars
White cars are the second most popular choice for a car paint color. However, anyone who owns a white car knows it doesn’t hide dirt and dust well. Applying a ceramic coating can help keep those white cars looking like new. This is the ceramic coating to consider for that goal:
Griot’s Garage 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax
Griot’s Garage 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax is a highly-rated ceramic coating available in a spray bottle. The silica-based formula repels water without damaging the car’s paint job. That is very important for cars with white paint. Griot’s Garage 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax is also safe for your tires, plastic, and chrome.
Longest Lasting Ceramic Coating
Unlike your car’s paint coat, ceramic coatings will not last forever. You will need to reapply your choice of ceramic coating as recommended.
If you want a ceramic coating that lasts a very long time, then this is the choice:
Pyramid Car Care Ceramic Coating Pro
Even though it might only take a few hours to thoroughly apply Pyramid Car Care Ceramic Coating Pro to your car, it is one of the longest-lasting ceramic coatings. While most ceramic car coats last one to two years, this brand lasts up to five years. For that longevity, you must follow the preparation and application instructions carefully.
Is Ceramic Coating Good for Your Vehicle?
Ceramic coating only benefits your vehicle. The only caveat here is that you must apply it correctly. If applied incorrectly, ceramic coating will not damage your car paint, however, it may show streaks or create wonky glares in the sun.
Ceramic coating provides a layer of protection for a car’s exterior. The protection can repel water to prevent stains. It can also make cleaning the car go a lot smoother. With a fully cured ceramic coating in place, dirt, grime, dust, and road salt will easily wash off.
Ceramic coating is also suitable for UV protection. Think of it as a long-lasting sunscreen for your car. With that coating in place, it can prevent the sun from causing your car’s paint to fade.
The right ceramic coating can also protect from light scratches.
The operative word here is “light.” A ceramic coating won’t stop major car damage from occurring. It is also not a permanent protection. Your choice of ceramic coating can last anywhere from one to five years.
Considering the relatively lost cost of the DIY ceramic coating kits and the protection they can provide, it is a smart investment to maintain your car’s look and value.
