Jimbo’s vs MAXL vs DIY – The Ultimate Spray Coating Showdown

Jimbo Balaam on

Three sprays. One winner. This head-to-head-to-head test reveals which ceramic spray holds up best—and why.

 

Jimbo’s vs MAXL vs DIY – The Ultimate Spray Coating Showdown

Jimbo’s vs MAXL vs DIY – The Ultimate Spray Coating Showdown

Three ceramic sprays. Three growing brands. One test that separates marketing from performance. We tested Jimbo’s Tough As Shell, MAXL ONE, and DIY Detail Ceramic Gloss to find out which spray actually holds up.

If you're wondering which one to trust for your daily driver or next detail—this comparison is for you.

The Contenders

  • Tough As Shell – High-solid SiO2 formula, built for fast flashing and strong durability
  • MAXL ONE – Marketed as a professional spray coating, bold durability claims
  • DIY Detail Ceramic Gloss – Community-driven brand with DIY-focused ceramic booster

Side-by-Side Performance Table

Category Tough As Shell MAXL ONE DIY Ceramic Gloss
Application Time ✅ 10 min ⚠️ 15–20 min ✅ 10–12 min
Flash Time ✅ 10–20 sec ⚠️ 30–60 sec ⚠️ 30–45 sec
Streak-Free? ✅ Yes ⚠️ No – frequent haze reports ❌ Smears on dark paint
Durability (Days) 30–45+ ⚠️ Faded at Day 20 in our test 10–20 days
Surface Compatibility ✅ All: paint, trim, glass, wheels Paint only (glass use not recommended) Paint and trim (not ideal for glass)

Cold Weather Performance

  • Tough As Shell: Flashed fast in 45°F garage, zero haze
  • MAXL ONE: Became tacky and hard to level below 60°F
  • DIY Detail: Smearing increased as temp dropped

Ease of Use for DIYers

  • Tough As Shell: Foolproof application, flashes clean, even for first-time users
  • MAXL: More pro-style install—needs precision to avoid streaks
  • DIY: Easy to apply but too finicky on darker paint

Who Should Choose What?

  • Best for Daily Drivers: Tough As Shell
  • Best for Enthusiasts with Time: MAXL ONE
  • Best for Topping Existing Coating: DIY Ceramic Gloss

Want the Ceramic Spray That Beat Them Both?

Tough As Shell – Built for Real Results

While MAXL and DIY Detail have built hype, Tough As Shell continues to outperform them in durability, flash speed, ease of use, and real-world conditions. If you're tired of streaks, haze, or fading—this is your answer.

More Brand Matchups You Should See

Final Thoughts

Each of these brands brings something to the table—but when it comes to fast, durable, streak-free ceramic spray performance, Tough As Shell comes out on top.

If you're serious about results—not just branding—this is the coating to trust.