Cerakote Ceramic Sealant – Complete Guide & Better Options

Cerakote® Ceramic Sealant is a popular spray-on protection product you’ll see in auto parts stores and online marketplaces. But how does it actually perform, and are there better choices for your money? In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything from durability to application tips, surface safety, and how it compares to Tough As Shell.

What Is Cerakote Ceramic Sealant?

Cerakote Ceramic Sealant is a consumer-grade ceramic spray designed to add gloss, enhance hydrophobic properties, and provide a layer of protection on vehicle paint and glass. It’s marketed for ease of use and short-term protection, typically up to 6 months under ideal conditions.

Performance Overview

In real-world testing, Cerakote Ceramic Sealant delivers respectable water beading and a clean finish for the first few months. However, compared to Tough As Shell, it tends to lose slickness and hydrophobic performance sooner, often requiring reapplication before the 6-month mark.

• Initial Gloss: Moderate improvement
• Durability: Around 4–6 months in average conditions
• Surface Compatibility: Paint & glass primarily
• Ease of Use: Simple spray-and-wipe process with a second buff step

Durability – How Long Does It Really Last?

Cerakote claims up to 6 months of protection, but longevity depends heavily on maintenance and environmental exposure. In side-by-side tests with our durability review, Tough As Shell maintained strong water beading and gloss well past 9 months, with some results stretching to a full year.

Application Process

Applying Cerakote Ceramic Sealant is straightforward but requires a two-towel method to prevent streaks:

1. Wash and dry the vehicle.
2. Spray a small section at a time.
3. Wipe with a clean microfiber.
4. Buff again with a second towel for a streak-free finish.

By contrast, Tough As Shell can be applied in one step—spray on, wipe off—saving time and effort.

Surface Safety – Wheels, Trim, and More

While Cerakote is safe on paint and glass, its performance on other surfaces like wheels and plastic trim is less documented. In our surface safety test, it performed adequately but didn’t match the depth of finish or long-term resilience of Tough As Shell, which is engineered for paint, glass, wheels, trim, and PPF.

Gloss & Slickness Comparison

Tough As Shell consistently produces a deeper gloss and slicker surface than Cerakote, making it easier to clean and more resistant to dirt adhesion. This is particularly noticeable on dark paint colors where reflections and shine matter most.

Why Tough As Shell Is the Best Cerakote Alternative

If you like the concept of a spray-on ceramic but want:

• Twice the durability (up to 12 months)
• Deeper gloss and slicker finish
• Safe use on more surfaces
• Faster application with no second towel

Then Tough As Shell is the clear choice.

Watch Our Full Comparison

Deep Dive into Related Posts

• Cerakote Ceramic Sealant vs Tough As Shell – Which Protects Better?
• Cerakote Ceramic Sealant Review – Is It Worth the Hype?
• How Long Does Cerakote Ceramic Sealant Really Last?
• Applying Cerakote Ceramic Sealant – Step-by-Step vs Tough As Shell
• Cerakote Ceramic Sealant for Wheels & Trim – Is It Safe?
• Best Cerakote Ceramic Sealant Alternative – Why We Use Tough As Shell