Wheels are the most exposed parts of our vehicles and the wheel surface is quite porous. That’s why ceramic coating your wheels has many benefits. We know that there are many ceramic coatings on the market and it could be a hassle to figure out which one would be the best for the type of wheels you have. For those reasons, we created this Ceramic Coating for Wheels 2021 Buyer’s Guide containing all relevant product information to help you make a well-informed and right decision. Apart from the most important insights, we believe it’s more than useful to know a bit more about ceramic coatings. Here’s what you should know about these powerful protective products.
Buying Guide For The Best DIY Ceramic Coating for Wheels
What Are the Benefits of a Ceramic Coating?
Wheels are exposed to all sorts of damaging elements including road grime, mud, dust, debris, road salt in the winter season, and brake dust. Brake dust actually can cut into the wheel finish and create spots where further damage can occur. And the same goes for all other elements that the wheels come in contact with.
Ceramic coatings provide a layer of protection and as they are products that use advanced formulations and innovative technology, they have an entire set of amazing properties.
1. Exceptional Protection:
Ceramic coatings are liquid formulations that use nano-particles of SiO2 or silicon dioxide, silica, or quartz. Once applied, the liquid hardens into a tough overcoat or layer which protects the surface from damaging pollutants. The most durable ceramic coatings have the highest 9H hardness level marking which also indicates their anti-scratch properties.
2. Reduces the Potential of UV damage, Oxidation, or Rust:
The nano-technology allows the sealant to enter the smallest micro-crevices that are not visible to the eye. These can, however, become ideal weak entrance points for damaging UV sun rays, water, dirt, and other pollutants that can cause oxidative damage and rust formation if neglected over time. Also, the water-repellent or water beading or water sheeting properties of ceramic coating is also referred to as hydrophobic properties.
3. Longer Lasting and Cost-Effective:
High-quality ceramic coatings for wheels, paint, metal, plastic, and other surfaces have a lifespan between 1 and 5 years. This means that during this period, the wheel or other surface is protected to such an extent that cleaning them is far easier and faster. Typically, coated surfaces require only soap and water for cleaning which means that in addition to saving time, you’ll be saving money on cleaning products as well.
4. An Exceptional Finish:
Quartz or glass is what gives the protected surface an exceptional gloss and shine, and all mate surfaces a deep glow making them look tight! You’ll be an even more proud owner of your four wheeler.
5. Can be Used on Any Porous Surface:
Another great feature of ceramic coatings is that, depending on the manufacturer, they can be applied to any porous surface. We’re talking paint, metal, wheels, rims, plastic, glass, headlights – you name it. You just have to double-check with the manufacturer because taking a ceramic coating off is not an easy thing to do.
Are There Different Types of Ceramic Coatings?
Depending on their chemical composition, we have different types of ceramic coatings.
1. SiO2 Infused
These coatings have the highest content of SiO2 which means that they are the most durable coatings and paint sealants.
2. Polymer-Based
Polymer-based coatings are the ones that were created after organic waxes for polishing. They have a slightly higher thermal resistance than traditional waxes. It can be said that they are a synthetic upgraded form compared to traditional polishing materials.
3. Hybrid Solutions
Hybrid solutions are formulations that are somewhere in between ceramic coatings and polymer-based paint sealants. They typically come in liquid spray form and are very easy to apply. However, they offer surface protection for a much shorter time than ceramic coatings, ranging between 6 and 12 months maximum. They are quite often used for maintaining the ceramic coating in crisp condition.
Our guide covers only the hybrid solutions and SiO2 infused ceramic coatings for wheels as they provide optimal protection.
Breaking Down the Ceramic Coating Costs
The ceramic coatings that we’ve included in our Buyer’s Guide are a consumer and prosumer DIY ceramic coatings. This means that we’ve focused on the best value-price propositions offered by these detailing product manufacturers that fit different budget ranges. Price is in direct connection with the product quality, however, you can find fantastic products at very affordable prices.
Under $30:
Coatings in this price category range typically offer a shorter protection period. We’re talking up to 12 months of surface protection.
$30 to $60:
Ceramic products with that fit into this price range are slightly more durable and can offer protection between 1 and 2 years.
Above $60:
These products are top quality and should offer between at least 2 years up to 5 years of protection against all sorts of pollutants and contaminants. If a ceramic coating does not have such a performance, it can be considered an overpriced DIY product.
Top 10 DIY Ceramic Coating For Wheels Reviews
Explaining the Ranking System
If you’re wondering how we determined which ceramic coatings are best for application on wheels, here’s what we focused on:
1. The quality of the product
Number 1 is quality which is determined through the incorporated technology, formulation, durability, and service life.
2. Consumer feedback
Product reviews and customer feedback contain invaluable information almost about every step of the consumer journey – from payments and shipping to product results and customer satisfaction.
3. Price
Price often has a decisive impact on our purchase decisions so we aimed to determine which products provide the best value for the price you need to pay.
Please note that the prices in this Buyer’s Guide are the ones we found at the time of reviewing the products. For the latest prices, please check for individual product prices on the links included in the guide.
4. Online presence
The world and the economy have gone digital so the online presence and the way companies take care of and engage with their online communities of customers is an important part of the product review process.
Armor Shield IX DIY Kit by AvalonKing
The ultimate winner that checked all our review boxes is the Armor Shield IX DIY kit by AvalonKing. Although they are a relatively new brand that started its journey in 2018, the AvalonKing team developed a super quality ceramic coating that is by far the easiest to apply. It has amazing hydrophobic properties, a 9H hardness level tag which means that it makes the surface protected against scratches and other mechanical markings. This is particularly important for wheel surfaces as they are highly exposed to brake dust which is highly corrosive on the wheels. Also, Armor Shield IX can be applied to all types of surfaces including paint, metal, glass, headlights, plastic, rims, and of course, wheels. It protects any surface against UV rays, oxidation, rust, dirt, mud, bird droppings, chemicals, and other pollutants that can cause serious damage to your vehicle in the long-run. The company has created an all-round kit that contains a bottle of 30 ml of Armor Shield IX, 1 applicator block, 3 applicator suede cloths, 1 microfiber towel for buffing, and 1 pair of nitrile gloves.
Why It's Our Top Pick
PRODUCT QUALITY: The best formula on the market with 84% SiO2 and 9H hardness level and durability between 2 and 5 years.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK: Armor Shield IX has over 2.2k customer reviews on the website where you can find great sets of before and after images showing the results after applying the coating.
PRICE: The value of this consumer and prosumer grade ceramic coating kit is $69.99 which is an amazing price for the value it provides.
ONLINE PRESENCE: The company has a well-established online presence and website with great automotive- and detailing-related content. Also, they have a growing community of 4.8k Facebook followers and over 14k followers on Instagram.
Here Are The Facts
- Great offers - buy 1 get 2nd 50% off, buy 2 get 1 free.
- Free shipping US and Canada; free shipping worldwide for 2+ kit purchases.
- The highest scratch resistance and longevity rating - 9H hardness level.
- Protection for car paint, wheels, fiberglass, vinyl wraps, PPF, and glass of your car, motorcycle, truck, boat, aircraft, bicycle - you name it!
C.Quartz Dlux Plastic & Wheels Protection by CarPro
C.Quartz plastic & wheels protection by the famous automotive care and detailing brand CarPro is our No. 2 choice when it comes to ceramic coating for wheels. It’s engineered to protect paint, plastic, rubber, and metal surfaces and can for almost any type of wheels including plastic, clear coated, chrome, and aluminum. It can withstand high temperatures making it ideal for highly exposed car parts such as wheels.
Why It's Our Second Pick
PRODUCT QUALITY: This is a semi-permanent coating made of high-grade organic silane containing 50% of SiO2. The product is expected to last between 1 and 2 years once applied. It possesses great hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK: The product is highly rated on Amazon with 4.7 out of 5 stars and a current total of 194 reviews.
PRICE: The price of the 30 ml Dlux kit costs $42.99 which is a good price considering the manufacturer’s claims that only 10 ml is enough for 4 wheels and all plastic trim.
ONLINE PRESENCE: CarPro has a well-established website which is in line with their reputation of being a famous brand in the care and detailing industry. When it comes to their social media, they have 86.2k Facebook and 115k Instagram followers. Impressive numbers.
Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating
Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating is a hybrid solution made by the famous company Turtle Wax. This ceramic spray coating can be used on any porous surface including wheels, paintwork, glass, and headlights. It has a high-quality formula which offers great protection against the elements and it’s also used for maintaining the protective features of ceramic coatings. Apart from protecting the wheels from all sorts of road contaminants, Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating gives surfaces a nice shiny finish and restores their appearance.
Why It's Our Third Pick
PRODUCT QUALITY: Great liquid spray solution with infused SiO2 and great hydrophobic properties and chemical resistance. The protective coating lasts up to 12 months.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK: A very popular product among car enthusiasts and professionals alike. It has over 5.2k reviews on Amazon and an average of 4.7 out 5 stars!
PRICE: A very budget-friendly option which starts at $14.97 for a bottle of 16 fluid oz.
ONLINE PRESENCE: As it can be expected from such a popular brand, Turtle Wax have invested in their online presence and have won over 810.6k Facebook and 47.1k followers on Instagram! Another staggering number is the number of views on their YouTube channel which equals over 30 million views.
GTECHNIQ C5 Wheel Armour
C5 Wheel Armour by GTECHNIQ is created to repel brake dust and make wheels and rims maintenance easy. It can be applied to standard or alloy wheels and it can also be used on brake calipers as it is resistant to very high temperatures. In addition to this feature, it also has hydrophobic properties which prevent stains formation on wheels and high resistance to other contaminants.
Why It's Our Fourth Pick
PRODUCT QUALITY: C5 Wheel Armour is another high-performance product by GTECHNIQ providing protection between 1 and 2 years.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK: 4.7 out of 5 154 reviews
PRICE: A 30 ml bottle costs $47.74. If you wish to cover only the wheel outside faces for rims up to 18-inch, a 15 ml for $29.55 will do the job.
ONLINE PRESENCE: A great website with high-quality content for all automotive enthusiasts and a large GTECHNIQ online following of 31.5k Facebook and 48.5k Instagram followers.
Adam’s Wheel Coating
Adam's Wheel Coating by the well-known company Adam’s Polishes is a superhydrophobic ceramic wheel coating with amazing water beading properties. It also provides protection against chemicals, UV, dirt, and other pollutants, and swirl marks and scratches. Thanks to its patent-pending Ceramic Glow Technology, you can see whether you’ve applied the coating well and evenly under UV light.
Why It's Our Fifth Pick
PRODUCT QUALITY: An advanced 9H ceramic coating for wheels with high durability providing around 6 years of protection.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK: The product has a high 4.6 out of 5 stars based on a total of 84 reviews.
PRICE: A 50 ml of Adam's Wheel Coating $63.75. Kits are also available but more expensive.
ONLINE PRESENCE: A brand that started its story in 2000 has so far won the sympathies of over 155k followers on Facebook and more than 397k Instagram users. They also have a website with high-quality content including their blog and Learn sections.
HydroSilex Recharge Spray
Recharge by HydroSilex is a paint sealant in spray form designed for the protection of various porous vehicle surfaces including wheels. It has a set of amazing benefits such as water repellency, UV protection, anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion protection, and a glossy finish on top. The application is very easy and it’s a spray-on, whip-off process. Once applied, the wheels become much easier to clean.
Why It's Our Sixth Pick
PRODUCT QUALITY: Very durable spray ceramic coating with great protective properties and durability of around 3 years according to the manufacturer. This is a bit of a surprise as typically ceramic spray coatings formulations last shorter than ceramic coatings.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK: Quite a good score with 4.5 out of 5 stars and 1.2k Amazon reviews.
PRICE: A spray container of 16 fluid oz. costs $34.99.
ONLINE PRESENCE: The company has been in business for more than 25 years and so far, it has created a great online presence and social media following with over 36.1k Facebook and 30.5k Instagram fans.
TriNova Ceramic Spray Coating
The Ceramic Spray Coating by TriNova is another spray sealant with excellent hydrophobic and water beading properties. It’s designed for use on different surfaces including wheels, trim, glass, and painted surfaces of course. This Ceramic Spray Coating is easy to apply and once you spray it on, you’ll need to rinse it off and let the wheels dry. Like most of the SiO2-based formulas, it gives the surface a great shine.
Why It's Our Seventh Pick
PRODUCT QUALITY: This is a very good consumer-grade product which provides protection against all sorts of contaminants up to 6 months after application.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK: This ceramic coating for wheels has over 167 Amazon ratings and a 4.2-star rating out of a maximum 5.
PRICE: A 18 fluid oz. bottle of TriNova Ceramic Spray Coating is $19.97.
ONLINE PRESENCE: The TriNova brand is famous for its many products for automotive and home care. Surprisingly, they only have an Amazon store page and a solid number of 26k people following them on Facebook.
Gyeon Quartz Q2M WetCoat
Another product by Gyeon Quartz this time in a ceramic coating form. The coating can be applied to all wheel finishes and restores their gloss and shine. It has high-temperature resistance and can handle temperatures up to 1400 degrees F which means that it can also be applied on brake calipers and exhaust tips in addition to wheels. Rim Sealant protects the wheel surface against damaging brake dust, road grime, dirt, mud, water, and other pollutants.
Why It's Our Ninth Pick
PRODUCT QUALITY: A product for rim and wheels protection with slightly better durability and protective properties that last up to 6 months.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK: The product has a 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon and over 200 customer reviews.
PRICE: Gyeon Quartz Rim Sealant kit with a 30 ml bottle starts at around $63.99.
ONLINE PRESENCE: As mentioned before, a great brand with impressive social media following.
Esoteric Kamikaze Stance Rim Coat
Last but not least, we get to the final product in our Guide which is Kamikaze Stance Rim Coat by Esoteric. This is a high-quality product that comes at a much greater price compared to other products on our list. It’s a consumer-grade product which provides pro results and extended protection to your wheels, rims, and painted brake calipers.
Why It's Our Tenth Pick
PRODUCT QUALITY: A quality formulation which offers protection against all elements and different types of contaminants for a period between 1 and 2 years.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK: The product currently has no customer reviews on Amazon. However, we were able to find several professional detailing reviews stating that the product achieves great results. The product can be purchased through the company website though.
PRICE: The price for a 30 ml bottle is $99.95. Considering that one 30ml bottle is enough for multiple applications from4 to 6 sets of wheels, it can be considered a good investment.
ONLINE PRESENCE: Esoteric has a great website with great detailing content and detailing training options and webinars. So far, they’ve gathered a modest social media following with 5.6k Facebook and 9.2k Instagram followers, and over 6m views on their YouTube channel.
Final Thoughts
That was our list of top 10 ceramic coatings for wheels and Buyer’s Guide which will hopefully help you make the best possible purchasing decision. As you’ve probably figured out, applying a ceramic coating on your wheels is a worthwhile investment. It not only boosts the appearance of your wheels, but it also enhances their value as they get optimal ceramic protection. Just like a pair of mint fresh shoes that match your crisp outfit. Happy detailing!