The 5 Best Clear Coats For Cars in 2023
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There are many ways to maintain the shine and gloss of your vehicle, and one such way is to use a clear coat. A clear coat doesn’t just provide your car’s paint depth and a glossy, mirror-like finish; it also offers a protective layer to keep the sun’s rays from damaging the paint. Having said that, applying a clear coat can be a tricky process.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of clear coat products on the market if you go the DIY route. However, not all clear coats are created equal. In addition, with a wide selection of products, choosing the best clear coats for cars can be overwhelming.
Lucky for you, we’re here to cut down the clutter and make a short list for you. For today’s post, we selected five of the best clear coats for cars that should be worth your time and money. Let’s take a look!
5 Best Clear Coats For Cars
In no particular order, here are our top picks for the best clear coat products to give your vehicle a glossy shine.
1. Spray Max 2K Spray Paint ($25.76)
The Spray Max 2K Spray Paint is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a clear coat product in an affordable package. It’s highly recommended for beginners since its 2 component aerosol clearcoat is quite a breeze to apply and flows smoothly – simply activate, shake, and spray. Another thing we like about it is how it lasts longer than many other products we tested while providing a high-quality glossy finish.
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Its unique nozzle design that works like a spray gun makes this product quite intuitive. This makes application easy and accurate. The result is a high-gloss finish that protects your paint from weather elements. Overall, the main selling point of this product is its lower price tag. You can easily buy a 6-pack for the price of one other commercial clear coat.
Product Features:
- 2 component aerosol clearcoat
- Long-lasting, high gloss finish
- Unique nozzle design
- Excellent weather and chemical resistance
2. Sherwin Williams Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clear Coat ($117.49)
Sherwin Williams is a household name in the paint and coating industry that offers many outstanding products – the Sherwin Williams Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clear Coat is no different. This clear coat stands out because it provides superior leveling, blending, and buffing. The Finish 1 Ultimate Overall Clear Coat is a refinishing product designed for spot and multi-panel repairs. The 4.29 VOC allows the product to work in varied environments, whether dry or forced dry.
The Sherwin Williams Finish 1 is 100% made in the USA and offers a wonderfully glossy finish with high-quality protection from weather effects and chemical spills. It’s not exactly a product for beginners, but it more than gets the job done. For the best results, we highly recommend using a spray gun to apply.
Product Features:
- High solids urethane clearcoat
- Weathering and chemical resistance
- Simple mixing ratio
- Easy to apply and polish
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3. Speedokote SMR-130 ($109)
The Speedokote SMR-130 is an acrylic urethane-based clear coat that offers fast drying and curing. While it’s primarily designed for auto repairs, it’s a top-notch product to keep your car paint buffed and glossy. Protection-wise, the SMR-130 is both resistant to harmful UV rays and chemicals. Another common feedback about this clear coat is how easy it is to lay down a flat finish, provided that you can get the mix right. Plus, it dries and cures fast in as little as four to six hours. Now, you have a high-quality gloss finish and are ready for buffing.
The company recommends applying at between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for the best application quality. This is because colder temperatures may cause the mix to thicken, which will likely ruin the coat. Unfortunately, SMR-130 isn’t available in all states. For customers in California, Delaware, or Maryland, you should order the SS-132 instead.
Product Features:
- Specially formulated for automotive repair
- Acrylic urethane-based
- Superior UV and chemical resistance
- Fast drying and curing
4. KBS Coatings 8304 DiamondFinish Clear Coat ($44.95)
The KBS Coatings 8304 DiamondFinish Clear Coat features a single-part formula that claims to be better than products with two-part clear coats. Unlike many commercial clear coats, the KBS Coatings 8304 boasts a direct to metal application, which means it doesn’t require additives or mixing. Fortunately, the direct application doesn’t compromise the quality of the finish. In fact, it provides a professional-grade glossy finish that’s still easy to use.
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Furthermore, the KBS Coatings 8304 is highly durable and resistant to various elements. We love the high-quality gloss finish flexibility that performs well in the harshest environments without peeling or yellowing. Lastly, the KBS Coatings 8304 DiamondFinish also works on many other surfaces outside vehicles.
Product Features:
- Direct to metal application
- No additive or hardener required
- UV and chip resistant
- Non-toxic and washable
5. Duplicolor BCL0125 Perfect Match
The Duplicolor BCL0125 Perfect Match is an acrylic lacquer aerosol-based paint specially formulated for significant touch-ups and car accessory paint jobs. The Duplicolor BCL0125 has the hallmarks of an excellent clear coat as it offers a high-quality coat, quick drying formula, and ease of use. The applied coating is designed to match the exact color of any factory-applied paint job. Fortunately, the Perfect Match line is available in the same colors as many current and late vehicle models.
Another noteworthy aspect of this product is its EZ Touch 360-degree nozzle that provides easy-to-use operation and even coating. The wide spray pattern also ensures that you don’t miss a spot. After application, the paint coat dries in as little as 30 minutes and is ready for handling in an hour. It’s a best seller because it’s one of the best clear coats for cars on the market.
Product Features:
- Intuitive EZ Touch 360-degree nozzle
- Available in OEM exact-match colors
- Ideal for extensive touch-ups and vehicle accessories
- Dry to touch in 30 Minutes
That wraps up our list of the best clear coats for cars. Hopefully, you’ll find one that best fits your needs.
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