Cerakote Ceramic Coating Review – Is It Overhyped or Worth It?
We bought Cerakote’s ceramic coating kit and put it to the test. Here’s what really happened.
There’s no doubt Cerakote is one of the most widely advertised ceramic sprays on the market. You’ve seen the wipes, the big claims, and the slick packaging.
But does it hold up under real-world detailing conditions? We ran a full test and compared it directly to Tough As Shell to find out.
What’s in the Cerakote Kit?
You get a few single-use wipes, pre-soaked with their “ceramic” formula, and a pair of gloves. Each wipe is meant for one panel. That’s it.
Key Note: Once you open the pouch, the wipe starts drying fast. You can’t re-seal or save any unused product.
Ease of Use – Wipe vs Spray
Cerakote: Easy to wipe on, but unforgiving. If you miss a spot or leave streaks, fixing it later is tough.
Tough As Shell: Spray-on, wipe-off with a microfiber towel. More flexible. You can layer, reapply, or fix high spots without stress.
Verdict: Cerakote is fast—but risky.
Performance & Protection
Here’s where Cerakote disappointed. While it initially looked good, water beading started fading after about 3 washes.
By week 4, it felt like the car had almost no protection at all.
Compare that to Tough As Shell, which lasted through sun, rain, and daily driving with no drop in slickness or hydrophobic effect.
Durability Winner: Tough As Shell
Gloss & Feel
Cerakote: Leaves behind a dry, almost tacky feel. Doesn’t enhance gloss much. Definitely not what you want on black paint.
Tough As Shell: Adds real depth and gloss. Smooth, slick feel. Safe on paint, glass, trim, and wheels.
Should You Use Cerakote?
If you’re looking for something quick, single-use, and don’t mind reapplying often—it might be okay.
But if you want real ceramic protection with pro results, Tough As Shell is the better move every time.
