The Gloss Boss vs Cerakote: Real-World Gloss & Slickness Comparison
Both Cerakote Professional Ceramic Paint Coating and The Gloss Boss claim to deliver top-tier shine and protection — but which one actually looks and feels better on your paint? We tested both side-by-side on black vehicles to evaluate gloss depth, reflection clarity, and slickness over time.
Estimated Reading Time: Less than 10 minutes
Introduction: Gloss vs Durability — The Real Debate
While durability often grabs the spotlight in ceramic coating marketing, most detailers and enthusiasts care equally about how good the finish looks and how slick it feels. The deep, glass-like reflection and buttery smooth surface are what make a ceramic-coated car stand out. So, between The Gloss Boss and Cerakote Professional, which delivers that premium look and feel over time? Let’s find out.
Testing Setup
To keep things fair, both coatings were applied on identical black test panels that had been fully decontaminated, clayed, and polished using Picture Perfect Polish. Each coating cured for 24 hours indoors before exposure to sunlight, rain, and weekly washes using The Super Soaper.
- → 2 identical black test panels
- → Controlled indoor cure: 24 hours
- → Outdoor exposure: 6 months
- → Weekly maintenance: pH-neutral soap
Initial Appearance and Application Feel
At first glance, both coatings enhanced gloss substantially. However, The Gloss Boss stood out for its immediate slickness — the towel nearly glided off the surface after buffing. Cerakote Professional cured harder but felt more resistant during the wipe-off phase and offered less tactile slickness initially.
On black paint, The Gloss Boss delivered a warmer, mirror-like finish, while Cerakote leaned cooler and more glassy, with slightly more contrast under bright lights but less depth in shaded areas.
Gloss Measurement (60° Gloss Meter)
To quantify the results, we used a calibrated gloss meter. Here are the readings:
| Test Phase | Cerakote Professional | The Gloss Boss |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Reading | 92.5 GU | 95.1 GU |
| After 3 Months | 88.3 GU | 93.7 GU |
| After 6 Months | 84.9 GU | 91.4 GU |
Result: The Gloss Boss maintained a significantly higher gloss rating over time, retaining 96% of its initial shine after 6 months compared to Cerakote’s 92%.
Experience Deep Gloss That Lasts for Years
The Gloss Boss doesn’t just shine brighter — it stays glossier and slicker through countless washes and real-world weathering.
Buy on Jimbo’s Detailing Buy on AmazonReal-World Slickness: The Tactile Difference
To test slickness, we used a microfiber drag test — placing a clean towel on the panel and measuring the pull force needed to move it across the surface. The lower the force, the slicker the surface.
| Measurement Phase | Cerakote Professional | The Gloss Boss |
|---|---|---|
| Initial (1 Day After Cure) | 0.28 N | 0.14 N |
| After 3 Months | 0.32 N | 0.16 N |
| After 6 Months | 0.36 N | 0.19 N |
The Gloss Boss maintained a consistently smoother, low-friction surface — important not only for touch feel but also for keeping dirt and water from clinging to the paint.
Visual Difference: Reflection and Clarity
Under direct sunlight and halogen lights, The Gloss Boss provided a deeper, more liquid-looking reflection. Cerakote Professional reflected light more sharply but lacked the “wet” look that detailers and collectors often seek. After 6 months of exposure, the difference in depth became even more apparent, especially on black and dark-colored vehicles.
Verdict: The Gloss Boss Wins on Feel and Finish
If your priority is maximum visual impact and long-term slickness, The Gloss Boss is the clear winner. While Cerakote Professional is built for hardness and protection, its surface feel and gloss fade faster in real-world conditions. The Gloss Boss maintains both over time — without needing reapplication or special maintenance products.
Transform Your Paint with The Gloss Boss
Get unmatched slickness, gloss, and durability in one easy-to-apply coating. See why detailers are switching from Cerakote to The Gloss Boss.
Shop The Gloss Boss Buy on AmazonRelated Reading
- Cerakote vs The Gloss Boss — Which Offers Longer Lasting Protection?
- Cerakote Professional Ceramic Paint Coating: 500 Wash Test Explained
- Application Process: Cerakote Professional Paint Coating – How Easy Is It?
- Maintenance Routine for The Gloss Boss – Get Maximum Life
FAQs
Which coating gives a deeper gloss — Cerakote or The Gloss Boss?
The Gloss Boss consistently delivers deeper, more reflective gloss, especially on dark paint.
Is Cerakote slick to the touch?
Initially, yes — but it loses slickness faster than The Gloss Boss over time.
Does higher gloss mean better protection?
Not always — gloss is visual, but hydrophobicity and chemical resistance determine protection. The Gloss Boss excels at both.
Can I top The Gloss Boss with a spray sealant?
Yes. Use Tough As Shell every few months to enhance slickness and longevity.
Is The Gloss Boss suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. It’s designed for pro-level performance with simple, forgiving application.
