Coatings are the latest evolution in automotive protection. There are coating products for every surface of your vehicle including paint, plastic, metal, glass, fabric and even leather. Many detailing enthusiasts and consumers are drawn to these newer products because they promise better durability and less overall maintenance when compared to traditional waxes or sealants. As demand for these products continues to increase, more and more companies are beginning to create coatings to sell, so the question that I am often asked is… “Which coating should I buy?”
This question is very difficult to answer as no one has the exact same criteria for what makes a “perfect” product. For instance, if you ask 100 detailers what wax is best, I guarantee you will get more than one answer. The same goes for paint coatings. There are many great consumer coatings available, and also many professional coatings available through authorized installers. While each coating certainly has its own unique characteristics which help distinguish it in the marketplace, I have yet to use a coating that did not provide better durability and protection from environmental contamination than a traditional wax or sealant.
Choosing the best coating is really a matter of personal preference. Much like choosing your favorite wax, it comes down to a lot of experimenting, trial and error, and testing. Some coatings may prove to be easier to apply than others which may be the most important factor to some. Other coatings may be more difficult to apply but produce a more appealing look, or enhanced durability that may be ideal for others. Perhaps you might find the ultimate product that is user friendly, very durable, and stunningly glossy – but again, this would still be a matter of personal preference. In the end, there is no right answer to this question, and that is why there are so many great products to choose from. If you are interested in trying a coating for the first time, do some research on the many popular options like the 22ple products, CarPro products, GTechniq products, and Optimum Products to find one that seems like the perfect fit for you. I am personally very fond of the CarPro and 22ple product lines. Thanks to the very supportive online detailing community, there are likely extensive reviews and articles about each coating already, so don’t rush into your decision and have a look at the real world information to find one that interests you.
More great information about these products can also be found in this article – Paint Coatings: Why You Should Give Them a Shot