Cerakote vs Nexgen – Which Ceramic Spray Actually Lasts?

Which ceramic spray is better—Cerakote or Nexgen? We tested both on real vehicles and compared them to Tough As Shell. Here’s the unfiltered review.

 

Cerakote vs Nexgen – Which Ceramic Spray Actually Lasts?

Cerakote vs Nexgen – Which Ceramic Spray Actually Lasts?

Both Cerakote and Nexgen claim long-lasting ceramic protection in a spray bottle. But do they actually hold up in real-world use?

We tested both against sun, water, dust, and weekly washes—and compared them to Tough As Shell for a full head-to-head showdown.


Application – Which One’s Easier?

Nexgen: Thick formula, but can be streaky. Doesn’t flash fast, and often leaves haze unless leveled quickly.

Cerakote: Thin and watery. Flashes fast but can be hard to see during application. Easy to miss spots or over-apply.

Tough As Shell: Sprays even, spreads smooth, flashes clean. Easy for beginners and pros alike.

Winner: Tough As Shell – fewer issues during install, especially in heat or humidity.


Performance – Who Held Up Longer?

  • Cerakote: Good beading at first, but faded noticeably after 2–3 washes.
  • Nexgen: Better initial slickness than Cerakote but still dropped off after a month.
  • Tough As Shell: Beading held through 6+ washes. Water sheeted fast. No signs of bonding failure.

Winner: Tough As Shell again—noticeably more durable and consistent.


Price and Value

Cerakote: ~$20 for a small kit, often sold in single-use packets. Not ideal if you want to reapply or use across multiple vehicles.

Nexgen: ~$34 for 8oz—but you burn through it fast. Multiple applications needed per panel.

Tough As Shell: $30 for a full 16oz bottle that lasts 5–10 full-car applications.

Winner: Tough As Shell—more product, better performance, and longer-lasting results.


Final Verdict

Both Cerakote and Nexgen talk a big game—but in our testing, neither delivered long-term protection or consistent results.

If you want an easy-to-use ceramic spray that actually holds up, go with Tough As Shell. It's built by detailers for real-world use—and beats the hype sprays every time.


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Recommended Product

Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray

  • Long-lasting SiO₂ ceramic protection
  • Fast-flashing, streak-free finish
  • Safe for paint, trim, wheels, and glass