10 Best Clear Coat for Cars for 2024 (Protect Your Paints)
Back when I was 15, my friends dared me to sneak out in my dad’s car. Being the reckless teenager I was, I took them on. While reversing out of the garage, I managed to hit perhaps everything that came in the way. At the end of that night, the car was full of scratches.
We’ve all been there. A friend suggested that I take the car to a specialist and have him apply a clear coat on it. Within two days, the car was good as new.
If you’re looking for a solution for that old look on your car or want to hide a few scratches and imperfections, then getting a clear coat for your car is the best way to go about it.
Best Clear Coat for Car Choices in 2023
To help you get the shine that your vehicle deserves, we’ve compiled a list of the best products currently available on the market. This list was compiled with meticulous attention to detail and underwent heavy scrutiny from our team of experts.
The intent of this review and buyer guide is to help you get the right product for yourself. By going through the product descriptions and the subsequent pros and cons, you’ll be better equipped to make the right decision for yourself and your car.
Top 10 Clear Car Coat Comparison table
| Image | Product | Type |
Quantity |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
USC Spray Max 2k (Expert’s Choice) |
Aerosol spray |
11.8 oz. | Check Price |
|
POR-15 45718 Coat |
Aerosol spray |
15 oz. | Check Price |
|
Speedokote Clear Coat (Editor’s Choice) |
Paint | 32 fl. Oz |
Check Price |
|
Spraymax 3680061 2K | Aerosol spray |
11.8 oz. |
Check Price |
|
KBS Coatings 8504 | Paint |
1 gallon |
Check Price |
|
SHERWIN WILLIAMS | Paint |
1 gallon |
Check Price |
|
VHT BCL0125 Clear | Aerosol spray |
8 oz. |
|
|
Dupli-Color EBSP30000 | Aerosol spray |
32 fl. Oz. |
|
|
Genuine Toyota 00258 | Aerosol spray |
½ fl. Oz. |
|
|
PlastiKote 1000 Coat | Aerosol spray |
11 oz. |
Our 10 Picks of Best Clear Coat for Cars
Choosing the best clear coat for cars is a decision that requires the utmost attention to detail and a little bit of research on your behalf. You cannot expect to walk into a shop, pick the first item off the shelf, and expect it to deliver as you want.
The following products are currently the best available in the market. Each product underwent intense scrutiny by our team of experts. With each review, we’ve also mentioned a few pros and cons that might assist you in your decision. Without further ado, here are our top 10 picks of best clear coat for cars!
1. USC Spray Max 2k High Gloss Clearcoat Aerosol
This is the first product on our list. If you’re looking for a resilient product that can be used on all base coats, then this is the one for you. Easy to apply and use, this model requires a three-step usage: Activate, shake, and spray.
The USC Spray gives a high gloss finish, which is famous for its longevity. Once applied, you won’t have to worry about getting another touch-up for a while.
Furthermore, the USC Spray is also designed with keeping external factors in mind. This product is chemical resistant, which means that you’ll have a good glossy finish in the end along with protection from any chemicals that might damage the car.
This product comes in a pack of two, which means that you can either use both of them on a job or keep one for later use.
While having many benefits and advantages over its competitors, the only downside that the USC Spray has is that it will expire within 48 hours of opening, which means you’ll have to plan smartly.
- Very easy to use, even for beginners.
- The end-finish is resistant to harsh chemicals that would damage the car’s exterior
- The spray is distributed and projected evenly
- Impeccable glossy finish when applied to your car
- The product will expire within 48 hours of opening
- Improper usage will result in a matte finish
Bottom Line
We highly recommend this product regardless of the vehicle you’re opting for. This product is one of the best in the market and rightfully so.
A word of caution is that you should always use this product in a clear and clean environment. Make sure that the area is also well-ventilated because gas accumulation can have long-term health hazards.
2. POR-15 45718 Top Coat Gloss Clear Spray Paint
The POR-15 is a simplistic model that will get your job done with ease. It is a DTM (Direct to Metal) Rust Preventive Paint. If you’re looking for a product that will be a permanent solution to the little rusts here and there, then this is it.
The POR-15 gives its users a lot of benefits. The main one it provides is its absolute ease of usage. Unlike with other products, this model does not require its users to apply any sort of primers or undercoats. This means that you can just open the can start spraying away without any serious pre-spray routine!
Furthermore, this model is also UV resistant. In the long run, this is arguably the only factor that you would require. Plus, this will also improve the lifespan of your car’s exterior.
However, the main downside is that direct and long exposure under the sun can dull the natural color of the exterior. The glossy look will still be there, but not as bright. Additionally, you also have to be a little wary of how you apply this product. If done incorrectly, the surface bubbling of the spray might make the job a little difficult for you.
- No set-up required
- No need to apply any primer or undercoat before usage
- Can be applied directly
- The paint has excellent coverage
- The product does not have solvent resistance
- Improper usage causes the surface bubbling
Bottom Line
This product is mostly recommended for professional usage only. The main reason for that is that it requires meticulous attention to detail when it is being applied. The ease of usage mentioned earlier applies to the fact that the process does not require any preparation or setup.
If you’re a professional and want to make your life easier, we recommend this to you.
3. Speedokote Clear Coat 2K Acrylic Urethane, SMR-1150/1102-Q
If you’re looking for an alternative to aerosol spray cans and want to take matters into your own hands, literally, then we recommend this product for you. The Speedokote comes in paint form, which makes the job a tad bit difficult but gives twice as much satisfaction.
This model is UV resistant, which makes it optimal if you’re in harsh and hot climates. Furthermore, the formula of this product also makes it good for another type of harsh environment as well.
The result, once you’ve applied this product, is a high gloss look that will set your vehicle apart. This product weighs in at 13 pounds and has a capacity of 1 gallon, which is likely to get the job done wholly.
The product has a variety of benefits, which include ease of accessibility and durability. Furthermore, this product is also a good value for its price. The viscosity of the Speedokote is quite thin, which makes it a nuisance occasionally. This also means that you can’t dilute it or add water because that might destroy the mixture.
- UV resistant for excellent weathering
- High gloss unit content optimal for if you want a heavy finish
- Easy to use, even for beginners!
- You might have to buy a matrix or PPG separately.
- Yellow hue might form on the surface if not used properly.
Bottom Line
If you favor coats that have a low level of viscosity, this is the perfect product for you. Just make sure that you don’t try to dilute it because that might have adverse effects on it.
Overall, this product is quite good and will deliver well under harsh and extreme climates.
4. Spraymax 3680061 2K Car Clear Coat
This product is the same one as the same one mentioned at the beginning of the list. The main difference, however, is the quantity.
The main application of the quantity of this product is what defines its applicability. If you’re looking for a product that can help you around the house or which you can use to get small work done, then this is the right product for you.
The single package weighs in at 1.01 pounds and has a capacity of 11.8 oz. For this reason, this product is optimal to have around if you want to get small odd jobs done quickly. Additionally, this product is also very easy to carry around and travel with due to its size.
The major downside that this product has is that it will expire roughly within 48 hours of opening. Due to this, you have to make sure that you already have an action plan when you open it because you can’t leave it out in the open.
- Best suited for small tasks and odd jobs around the house
- Very easy to apply
- The spray is distributed and projected evenly
- Resistant to harsh chemicals
- Easy to carry around and travel with
- Expires within 48 hours of opening
- Cannot be used in closed spaces due to health hazards
Bottom Line
If you want a small product to get small jobs done, then this is the best product for you. The SprayMax is optimal for users who frequently travel on the job and need a product right on the go!
When using this spray, always ensure that the area is well-ventilated and that you’re wearing your safety kit. Remember, it’s best to be safe than sorry when it comes to dealing with potentially dangerous chemicals!
5. KBS Coatings 8504 DiamondFinish Clear Coat
The Clear diamond coating comes in at a capacity of 1 gallon and weighs 9.3 pounds. Its bulky exterior and packaging mean that this is the product that you want in your arsenal but won’t fancy carrying around.
This clear car coating employs a High Solids formula. This means that the formula for this product contains a very high concentration of resins and similar substances, and has a very low proportion of VOCs, which are Volatile Organic Compounds, harmful both for the environment and for yourself.
When using this product, you don’t need any sort of particular preparation because it does not require any sort of hardener, etc. additionally; the material produces a high-quality glossy finish along. In the process, you don’t have to worry about a non-yellowing touch because it is designed to reduce just that.
This product delivers and performs in the harshest of environments and climates, which makes it optimal for operation in closed spaces and warehouses. Furthermore, the DiamondFinish Clear coat can also be used to clear coat acid washed material.
- Delivers well in harsh environments and climates
- Shiny Gloss
- Clear coat hardens very quickly
- Adheres extremely well to bare steel
- Expires within six months of opening
- The lid is hard to open through and might need to be broken
Bottom Line
This product is more expensive than other items on this list. However, the price is justified if the metric of comparison is the result it produces. This product, undoubtedly, has the most beautiful finish and very deep glossy look.
Unfortunately, the shelf life of this product is pretty short. This is why we would recommend that you buy this in the smallest size so that you finish it all up, rather than buy something and then have it expire away.
6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clearcoat
Like the previous model, this one is also a high solids urethane coat. Sherwin Williams is one of the best products currently on the market and has a lot of features that make it a must-have.
The best feature of this product is that it works extremely well in air dry or force dry environments. The product also has a good gloss finish and is a good option to go with if you want a product that is resistant to harsh and dangerous chemicals.
The chemical formula used in this product ensures that the leveling, blending, and bluffing properties of the Sherwin Williams are impeccable and near perfect. To get the best result, the model calls for a mixing ratio of 4:1.
The Sherwin Williams weighs 27 pounds and has a serving capacity of 3.78L. Due to this, you might be restricted to where you can carry this product. Furthermore, this is also the reason this product is recommended for individuals who don’t have a mobile workshop and chose to stick to one place only.
- The finish hardens quickly and is very tough
- Resistant against harsh chemicals
- Works best against dry air climates
- Has a true clear look without any yellow tint
- Very easy to spray
- Very hard to sand and buff after 24 hours
Bottom Line
This is one of the best products currently in the market. Due to its merits and pros that we’ve mentioned above, this product is a must-have for every car enthusiast!
However, it’s best to always consider the environment and conditions that you’re working in. If you want a stable product that you won’t be moving from place to place, then this is the one for you!
7. VHT BCL0125 Clear Exact-Match Automotive Top Coat
The VHT combines maximal functionality with the industrious simplicity that characterizes today’s marketplace. This is a simple product that is easy to use while also being highly effective. Just take the cap off, and you’re good to go!
The VHT weighs 8.2 ounces and has a capacity of 8 oz. Regardless of its size, the VHT is a highly useful car clear spray that is fast drying and specifically designed to match the color of your car.
This model is highly suitable for all sorts of jobs around the house. The company produces models in different colors and shades, which means that you are very likely to find the right shade and transparency that you’re looking for.
Ideal for large touch-ups and accessories, the VHT is notable for how quickly it dries up. Once applied on a surface, it dries up easily within an hour. You can touch the surface without any residue sticking to it. After an hour, the surface is good to be used in its daily work.
Last but not least, the VHT has an EZ touch 360 nozzles, which would make it very easy to spray paint for longer periods without any sort of fatigue.
- The surface is dry to touch in 30 minutes
- The nozzle is easy to press which results in less fatigue
- Available in OEM exact-match colors so that you don’t have to worry about contrast issues
- Nozzle might drip occasionally
- Requires constant maintenance and touch-ups
Bottom Line
This product is as simple and effective as it gets. Combining modern innovations with world-class formulas, the VHT is definite to give you the gloss and shine you need. Additionally, this product recommended for all sorts of car owners!
8. Dupli-Color EBSP30000 Clear Coat Paint Shop Finish System
This product weighs 2.4 pounds and has a capacity of 946mL. This model is notable and prevalent in many garage shops and professional dealerships because it is reputed to get the job done as soon as possible.
This model by Dupli-color comes pre-reduced and ready to spray lacquer, which means that you don’t have to worry about diluting the solution or adding water. This is bound to save you a lot of time.
Furthermore, given that the model is easy to apply and dries very quickly, there is no particular recoat window. You are free to apply this coating anytime you want, making it highly useful for those last-minute touchups.
Once applied, the surface can be sanded quite easily and with relative comfort. Due to all these features, this product is optimal for usage for large scale projects and big automobiles.
The finishing look of this product is bound to give your car a fresh look. With a glossy and shiny finish, the Dupli-color has a translucent candy color which will add depth to and accentuate the paint underneath.
- No mixing or reducing is required before application
- The mixture is very easily to apply and dries fairly quickly
- A very classy and glossy finish at the end
- Coverage of surface per quart is very low
- Viscosity is very low, which means you might require more than two coating
Bottom Line
This product is recommended for you if you’re looking for something definite to get the job done. However, owing to its viscosity, you might need to get more than one serving.
If you’re a professional and are looking to try out a new brand, you can never go wrong with Dupli-color!
9. Genuine Toyota 00258-0000C-21 Clear Coat Touch-Up Paint Pen
If you’re looking for something that has the efficiency of an aerosol can and the compactness of the smallest model ever, then you’re in the right place. The Clear Coat Touch-up paint pen is the ultimate solution to your needs!
Weighing in at 0.32 ounces, this product is the best one to have if you want to keep one in the car at all times. The product has a serving capacity of 14mL, which is enough to get you through minor touch-ups and inconveniences.
This model is designed and specifically made for small abrasions and scratches. Being very easy to use; this product also applies very quickly and easily. Furthermore, the Toyota Paint Pen is also easy to carry in bulk.
However, the main downside to this product is that it isn’t applicable as an industrial tool. Hence, if you’re a garage owner or deal in clear coats, this won’t cut it for you. This is because this product wasn’t designed to keep heavy-duty work in mind. Its prime customers are car owners who want a simple solution to those minor scratches that leave them worried enough to do something about it but not worried enough to get a make-over.
- Easy to travel with, owing to its size
- Very lightweight and easy to operate
- Optimal for application on small and minor scratches
- Not suited for any sort of heavy or major work
- Can easily get lost
Bottom Line
We recommend this product for every car-owner for the following reason. Originally, we don’t think much of minor scratches and let them accumulate. We get a makeover when the scratches start to affect the overall look of the car.
By getting a Toyota Car Coating pen, you’ll be making sure that there are no scratches, to begin with.
10. PlastiKote 1000 Universal Clear Coat Automotive Touch-Up Paint
Last but not least, the PlastiKote is arguably one of the best products on this list. The PlastiKote is reputed for creating a strong and sturdy finish that is resistant to scratches and nicks, and will not deteriorate or tarnish due to weather or rust.
Weighing in at 12.8 ounces with a capacity of 312g, the PlastiKote is a fast drying formula. Providing a universal clear coat color, this model combines the base paint and the coating into one, thus saving time and money.
The model is very easy to use and dries very quickly. Due to the latter, this also means that you don’t need to let the product wait and rest before you can use your vehicle. Furthermore, this product is also optimal if you want to restore old and rusty automobiles.
You can choose to use this product alone, without any significant prepping. However, do make sure that you have your safety kit on. Likewise, you can also opt to use this product with a match-up base coat so that the effect is accentuated and you get a glossy look that is completely unparalleled.
- The spray dries up very quickly and suitable for emergency projects
- The finishing is resistant to scratches and nicks
- Functions well in harsh and hard environment and climates
- The spray is uneven occasionally.
Bottom Line
This product is suited for individuals who want to keep something in store for emergency projects. Due to sub-optimal nozzle delivery, this product couldn’t live up to its expectation.
However, if you still want something you can rely on at a time where you want a quick scratch-removal, then you should buy this product.
Things to consider when buying clear coats for cars
When buying the right clear coat for your car, there are a few things to keep in mind. Each coating has a distinctive touch to it, which makes it unique for your vehicle. To get the right product for yourself, there are a few things you should always be wary of. Here are a few things to consider when buying clear coats for your car!
Type of coat
Car coatings come in different types and are for slightly different purposes. These include:
- Turbo
- Glamor
- Top-coat
- Higher solids
Turbo
Each type has a different type of finish and caters to a different type of target audience. For example, Turbo clear coats are used for collision repairs, whereas Glamor is applicable for more moist environments. Set a purpose for your usage and then work from there!
Gloss level
Car coatings have a glossy finish when they are applied and dry out. The gloss level of every product is measured on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the highest and 0 being the lowest. Measured in gloss units, the gloss level of different products will give you an indication of how strong the finish will be. If you’re looking for a very strong finish, then go for a product that has more than 85 gloss units.
Scratch resistance
Since no car is every safe from scratches and abrasions, it’s always wise to go for a product that is scratch resistant, abrasion resistant, and chip resistance. Furthermore, the coating that you choose should also cover up pre-existing scratches and abrasions.
Transparency
Transparency refers to how clear the coating is. When choosing a product, choose a coating that would accentuate the tone rather than alter the car’s base paint. If you choose a coating that covers up the base-paint, you might end up getting an undesirable look. In the end, shoot for something that provides a transparent coating and brings out the original color and glossiness.
Ease of application
The product that you chose for yourself should be easy to apply. Car coatings come in different types of packagings, such as aerosol and paint cans. If you’re looking for a job that is easy to do, you should opt for aerosol cans. However, if you’re into a classier approach, go for paint cans and get your brushes out!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After all, is set and done, there are still a few questions that are often left unattended. These questions are natural curiosities that occur in the mind of every car owner. If you also happen to be one of them, fret not. We have shortlisted the most common questions people have about car clear coats and have addressed them in a precise and brief manner.
1. What is the clear car coat?
Car clear coat is a paint/resin which has no pigmentation in it. For this reason, it does not have any coloration effect on the car’s exterior.
2. Can you spray a new clear coat over the old clear coat?
Yes, you can. Furthermore, doing so would also require the same amount of preparation and pre-coat ritual.
3. Will using a clear coat hide scratches and imperfections?
Yes. The purpose of using a clear car coat is so that it can hide previous scratches and minor abrasions. However, don’t expect the coat to hide major damage such as dents.
4. What does flash-off between coats mean?
Flash-off refers to the time that you have to wait between successive coating, notably the first and second one.
5. Does a car clear coat require special care and attention?
Yes, it requires care and adhering to a routine that would ensure that your coating remains fresh.
6. What is clear coat failure?
Clearcoat failure is when the coating starts to fail and peel off due to lack of preparation or maintenance.
7. Should I get a clear car coat in an aerosol can or paint can?
Aerosol sprays are an easier alternative as opposed to painting can. Choose a product that you’re comfortable with.
8. How long does a car clear coat take to dry?
Generally speaking, it would take anything between 24 and 48 hours. Different products vary, and environmental factors also affect this process.
9. Does car polish remove a clear coat?
Yes, a car polish would remove the top layer of the paint, which is the car’s clear coat.
10. How thick should a clear coat to be?
The thickness of the clear coat should be between 35 to 50 microns. Within this range, you’ll get the perfect finish.
Wrapping Up
Each car enthusiast has the right to be proud of the vehicle that they drive. To get there, we hope that you find the right product that will bring out’s your car’s glow and sets it a class apart.
Remember, getting the right clear coat is a decision that can either break or make your car. Hence, it’s very important to weigh in on all the different aspects of it and go with the product that suits your car’s needs and your preferences best.
We hope that with our help and your selection, you can give your vehicle the glow that it needs and reignite your passion for cars!
