A ceramic coating will make your car look amazing and help to keep it cleaner for longer – here’s our pick of the best ceramic coating.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your car looking its best for as long as possible, a ceramic coating is the way forward. Most ceramic coatings are applied by professional detailers, but there are plenty of consumer-friendly products out there. While they might seem a little daunting, there’s no reason you can’t apply a coating yourself and get great results. With a little preparation and the right product, you can ceramic-coat your car with minimal effort. We’ll help you pick the perfect one with our guide to the best ceramic coating. And if you’re looking for more general car-cleaning advice, check out our overarching guide on car detailing.
How I chose these products
Testing each of these isn’t something I’ve been able to do yet, but rest assured, these aren’t just blind recommendations. I’ve intently kept on top of developments in the car detailing scene for many years, so I’m well-placed to suggest brands and point out the important elements of each product, and explain why they’re important.
Best Ceramic Coating In 2024
Gtechniq C1 Crystal Lacquer
Size: 30ml, 50ml, 250ml
RRP: $88/£54.99, buy now.
For many people, Gtechniq is synonymous with ceramic coatings. The British company has a huge range to choose from, but our pick is its C1 Crystal Lacquer. The reason we’ve gone for this coating is that it’s been designed to be easy to use. Applying ceramic coating can be a little daunting, and there’s a lot of prep work involved.
Any product designed for newcomers to ceramic is always going to be a great choice. C1 Crystal Lacquer is the perfect choice for first-timers while also delivering impressive performance. The crystalline film it forms helps protect your paintwork from minor scratches that can happen due to improper washing. While it doesn’t add much gloss, this makes it great for matt finishes. And it offers good gloss retention, so your car will look great. Finally, it will last for up to five years, making it a fantastic choice of ceramic coating.
Gyeon Q2 Pure EVO
Size: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml
RRP: $54.99/ £75, buy now.
Another company well-known for its ceramic coating, Gyeon has a huge range to choose from, and we reckon Q2 Pure EVO is the pick of the bunch. It strikes the perfect balance between ease of application and durability. Q2 Pure EVO delivers incredible gloss, while the thick formulation means you only need a single layer. This makes application easier and quicker. The ergonomic applicator makes the process even faster, while the extended wipe time makes it easier to work with. Q2 Pure EVO can be applied outdoors, making it perfect for anyone without access to a garage. You can expect up to 36 months of durability, and this is another superb ceramic coating.
CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0
Size: 30ml, 50ml
RRP: $74.99/ £56.99, buy now.
CarPro’s CQuartz UK 3.0 coating has a lot of impressive features that make it easy to recommend. First of all, application is simple, and no matter how cold, hot or humid it is, CQuartz is easy to work with. Anything that makes life easier when applying a ceramic coating is always very welcome. It has minor swirl-filling abilities, which means that minor paint imperfections will be masked after application. A lot of coatings require you to carry out paint correction before application, so this is another bonus. Naturally, gloss levels are very impressive, and CQuartz has self-cleaning properties to make washing your car quicker and easier. It can last up to two years and will protect your paint from minor scratches, bird droppings and acid rain. This is a ceramic coating that’s definitely deserving of your attention.
Shelby Ceramic Coating
Size: 50ml, 100ml
RRP: £29.99 (not available in the US), buy now.
You might know Shelby for its cars, but the company also makes detailing products, and its Ceramic Coating is excellent. Once again, this coating has been designed to be easy to use. While Shelby does offer a list of ideal application conditions, they are pretty lenient. This means the application is easy and forgiving, which we like to see. One layer is all you need, though you can add additional layers to enhance the gloss further still. The Shelby coating will conceal minor scratches and swirls, and it’s rain repellent in just 20 minutes after application. That’s a big bonus for outdoor application. It’s very reasonably priced, too, and should last for a couple of years. It’s easy to see why this excellent coating made it onto our list.
Sonax Profiline CC36
Sizes: 60ml, 75ml, 100ml.
RRP: £89.95 (not available in the US), buy now.
While it might look intimidating, this German offering is actually not hard to work with, just a little complicated. The Sonax Profiline CC36 ceramic coating kit comes with no fewer than three bottles, two applicators, a microfiber cloth and a pair of gloves. Trust the Germans to make a complete kit that has everything you need. It comes with a surface degreaser, BaseCoat and GlossCoat, and while the application process is more involved, the results are fantastic. It ticks all the ceramic boxes, with stunning gloss, resistance to minor scratches, and easier cleaning. Beading is also fantastic, and it fends off road salt and tar, as well as offering UV and chemical resistance. Properly maintained and given an annual service clean, CC36 will last up to 36 months. A superb ceramic offering from Sonax.
