How Long Does Cerakote Ceramic Sealant Really Last?

Jimbo Balaam on

Cerakote® claims up to 6 months of protection—but does it hold up under real-world driving, weather, and washing? We tested it head-to-head with Tough As Shell to see which ceramic spray offers the best long-term results.

How Long Does Cerakote Ceramic Sealant Really Last?

 

How Long Does Cerakote Ceramic Sealant Really Last?

Cerakote® Ceramic Sealant advertises up to 6 months of ceramic protection, but real-world conditions can dramatically change that number. In this post, we break down how it actually performs over time, the factors that shorten (or extend) its life, and how it stacks up against Tough As Shell for long-term protection.

Manufacturer Claims vs. Reality

According to Cerakote, their spray provides “maximum durability” for up to 6 months. However, in our controlled and real-world tests, performance began to noticeably decline around the 4–5 month mark, especially in harsher climates or with frequent washing.

By contrast, Tough As Shell maintained strong water beading and dirt resistance beyond 9 months, with some test panels still performing at 12 months.

Real-World Durability Testing

We applied Cerakote Ceramic Sealant to one half of a test vehicle’s hood and Tough As Shell to the other. Over the course of a year, we monitored:

  • Water Beading: Cerakote started strong but weakened by month 5, requiring reapplication to restore performance. Tough As Shell still beaded like day one at month 8.
  • Gloss & Slickness: Cerakote’s gloss level slowly diminished, while Tough As Shell’s slick finish made cleaning easier for longer.
  • Contaminant Resistance: Road grime and water spots began clinging more to the Cerakote side after several months.

Factors That Impact Longevity

The lifespan of any ceramic spray depends heavily on how you maintain the vehicle. These factors can cut the protection time in half:

  • Frequent use of high-pH or harsh detergents
  • Frequent automatic car washes with brushes
  • Parking outdoors in high UV exposure areas
  • Neglecting proper maintenance washes

Regular maintenance with a pH-neutral soap like The Super Soaper can help preserve ceramic performance for longer.

Video Test Results

The Better Long-Term Option

If you don’t mind reapplying every few months, Cerakote Ceramic Sealant is serviceable. But if you want a product that will actually push a full year with minimal maintenance, Tough As Shell is the clear winner for durability, gloss retention, and ease of upkeep.

Best Long-Term Ceramic Spray: Tough As Shell

Protect your vehicle for up to a year with just one application. Tough As Shell outlasts Cerakote and delivers higher gloss and stronger water beading.

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