Ceramic coating is a protective measure used in car detailing. In some ways, it’s effectively replaced trusty old carnauba wax and polymer sealants as the go-to post-cleaning protectant. At a pro ...

Ceramic coatings promise a deep gloss and years of protection, but applied or maintained the wrong way they can etch, haze or even strip your clear coat. Instead of a slick, self-cleaning finish, a ...

This article was updated with new information in December 2024. If you've searched for any car-care products in recent years, chances are you've seen the words "ceramic coating." But what exactly do ...

Conventional wisdom holds that you should always wax your car after washing it to protect its clear-coat layer of paint. But just because it’s conventional wisdom doesn’t mean you should use ...

Although cars are primarily machines meant to transport us from place to another, we do take pride in these vehicles. Cars are not inexpensive items, and when we go out in the world, we like to show ...

Technology has brought a number of durable finishes to the hobby. In "Exterior Finish Education" (HPP, June '08), a professional shared his opinion of the products and trends commonly used in modern ...

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer often described as a “shield” or “armor” for your car’s paint; in that way, it’s much like traditional wax. But a ceramic coating is supposed to be better at ...

This article was updated with new information in September 2025. If you've searched for any car-care products in recent years, chances are you've seen the words "ceramic coating." But what exactly do ...

For many of us, protecting the appearance of our cars is just part of the ownership experience. Maybe you’re an enthusiast who obsesses over every detail, a lessee intent on avoiding excess ...