![]() When running a fingernail gently across the coatings, it's clear this is the thinnest of the bunch. After its 24-hour cure, the area of the hood with the Cerakote was ever so slightly different in texture compared with the control area of the hood-but there was a difference. It dried within a minute and wiped off more like a standard protective spray than the other ceramic coatings we tested. We used a microfiber pad to apply the Cerakote. It comes with a spray bottle and microfiber cloth and is easily the most watery of the bunch-a hint that it likely doesn't have nearly as much SiO2 as the other coatings we tested. It also came out less dense than the Chemical Guys' Carbon Force but still dramatically thicker than the two hybrid sprays that follow.Ī Gannon Burgett - Car and Driver Rapid Ceramic Paint SealantĬerakote's Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant is about as cheap and simple as you can get in the world of ceramic coatings. After it cured, we felt the surface of the coating and noticed it, too, had a slightly grippy feel compared to our coating-free control area. After initial evaporation, it wiped off dry. The ceramic coating itself went on smoothly with the included applicators and dried within three to four minutes. (We definitely recommend buying the kit it has everything you need.) In addition to a pair of gloves, a large microfiber towel, and two applicators, the Standard Kit also comes with a surface-prep liquid to apply and wipe off before application, as well as a Graphene Boost spray for keeping the ceramic coating looking its best after it's cured. It was notably thick, with an almost tacky texture, but it smoothed out over the coming days.Ī Gannon Burgett - Car and Driver Graphene Ceramic Coating AdvancedĪdam's Polishes' Graphene Ceramic Coating Advanced, much like Carbon Force, is a concentrated mixture with a syrup-like consistency. After roughly 24 hours to cure, the Carbon Force had the thickest coating compared to its competitors. The coating went on smooth and even, evaporated within three to four minutes, and wiped off clean with a microfiber towel, leaving behind an even coat with no visible hazing. Of all the ceramic coatings we tested, it was the most viscous, having an almost gel-like consistency. See all the best deals on ceramic coatings for cars at amazon Carbon ForceĬhemical Guys' Carbon Force came in a compact package with the ceramic-coating liquid, three application pads, and instructions on the back of the box. A diluted ceramic coating isn't necessarily inferior to more concentrated solutions, but it does, at least in theory, mean the coating won't last as long over time-an important detail that is at the heart of this very test. These are also called ceramic coatings by their manufacturers. There are other products on the market that have roughly the same chemicals but are far more diluted. Professional-grade ceramic coatings-the kind dealers apply before they deliver a car, or detail shops will apply for hundreds of dollars-are typically very concentrated (usually >80 percent SiO2) and come in very small bottles. While this seems straightforward enough, car-cleaning chemical manufacturers have (both literally and metaphorically) diluted the effect of the term "ceramic." No two ceramic coating products are identical, and the key differentiator among all of them is the amount of SiO2 used. After you apply and properly cure the ceramic coating, the result is a tough protective layer that should keep everything from bird crap to brake dust at bay. Once applied, it creates a bond with the vehicle's factory paint, forming a layer of protection on top of your car's clear-coat to add an additional level of defense against the elements.Ĭeramic coatings are primarily formulated of silicon dioxide (SiO2) but can also include other additives, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), to increase their protective qualities and longevity. So, you've heard the term "ceramic," but what exactly is it, in the context of automotive applications? A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a car's exterior. ( Spoiler alert: It's not that scary, as long as you know what you're getting yourself into.) What Is a Ceramic Coating? Ready to dive in? Here's what you need to know before jumping into the daunting world of DIY ceramic coatings. ![]() It's worth reiterating that alongside each product below is simply a summary of our initial experience with it-not a complete review of its abilities. We're also going to take a deep dive, in hopes of clearing up some confusion over what ceramic coatings are, what they aren't, and if you need one. ![]() We'll start by evaluating our experience applying these products. ![]()
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