When it comes to protecting your car from the nicks, dings, and scratches that come from daily driving, nothing does the job quite like a clear coat of paint. A top coat also makes your car’s paint job more durable and protects against the sun’s UV rays, which can cause unsightly chipping and fading.
Read on to learn more about our favorite automotive top coats.
Our Editor’s Best Automotive Top Coats Reviews
- Dupli-Color Perfect Match Premium Automotive Clear Coat is an easy-to-use, high-quality, fast-drying, acrylic lacquer aerosol paint
- Features an adjustable EZ Touch 360 degree nozzle and a wide spray pattern for smooth, even coats
- Apply over any factory applied finish or Duplicolor Perfect Match Premium Automotive Paint
- Ideal for large touch ups, vehicle accessories, motorcycles, etc.
- Ideal for large touch ups, vehicle accessories, motorcycles, etc.
- Apply over any factory applied finish or Duplicolor Perfect Match Premium Automotive Paint
- Features an adjustable EZ Touch 360 degree nozzle and a wide spray pattern for smooth, even coats
- Dry to touch in 30 Minutes / Handle in 1 Hour
- Easy 4:1 Mix: Combine 4 parts Part A with 1 part included Part B hardener; 1.5-hour pot life after mixing.
- Pro & DIY Ready: Ideal for custom builds, restorations, or modern designs with predictable, professional results.
- Tack-free in 20–40 minutes (temperature-dependent); fully cures in 12 hours at 70°F.
- PREMIUM CLEAR FINISH: Professional-grade polyurethane automotive spray paint designed for automotive refinishing and new paint jobs — delivers long-lasting protection and deep gloss for cars, motorcycles, and custom projects.
- UV, GASOLINE & CHEMICAL RESISTANT: Advanced 2-component formula provides outstanding protection against UV rays, fuel, and environmental exposure — perfect for automotive top coat applications.
- EASY SPRAY APPLICATION: The transparent gloss spray can features a fan nozzle for precise control. Simply activate, shake, and spray for an even coat without the need for additional tools or compressors.
- HIGH GLOSS & DURABILITY: The spray achieves a true mirror-like gloss finish with exceptional leveling, abrasion resistance, and superior weather and chemical durability.
- FAST-CURING & POLISHABLE: Dust-dry in 20 minutes and ready for assembly within 8–24 hours. Excellent polishability and no color deviation for a lasting, professional finish.
- Water-Based Wax for Cars Replacement: Replace 8-12 Car Detailing Products with TopCoat F11. Revolutionary F11 polish & sealer is a water-based car wax polish replacement that's designed to outperform, and outlast. One F11 application lasts 3-6 months
- Provides Lasting Shine and Protection: F11 polishes surfaces in a fraction of the time it takes to wax. Restores an array of surfaces to a glossy shine, maximizes depth of color, and conceals micro scratches
- For Cars, Motorcycles, RVs, etc.: Apply to steel, chrome, aluminum, glass, vinyl, rubber. 16 oz bottle covers a full-sized car 10-12 times. F11 will last 2 years when stored in room temperature and away from direct sunlight
- Water-Based: Car wax alternative spray contains no solvents or abrasive compounds. With a water-based formula, F11 replaces waxes, polishers, sealers, and even washes
- Application: To apply F11, mist on intended surface and use a clean microfiber cloth to buff. Use a second dry microfiber cloth for a final buff to ensure the entire surface is polished and potential areas of overspray are removed
- ✅ POR-15 is an industry standard for high performance protection against corrosion and rust. Our direct-to- metal coating is essential in all applications where there is a need to preserve substrates susceptible to corrosion. POR-15 Top Coat provides excellent adhesion and best when used over POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating, to create a permanent barrier.
- ✅ LONG LASTING PROTECTION - POR-15 Top coat has exceptional long-term sheen and color retention, with a hammer tough finish that won’t crack or peel. It can be applied directly to metal substrates or previously painted surfaces without need for primer or undercoat. Formulated to form a robust barrier that sheds moisture.
- ✅ WHEN DO I NEED THIS? - POR-15 Top Coat is essential for that extra layer of durability and provides optimum protection against UV light that won’t fade over long term exposure.
- ✅ OUR SATISFACTION COMMITMENT – At POR-15 we strive to bring the ultimate in rust prevention. Known for the unbeatable 3-step stop rust system, POR-15 is trusted by DIY & Professionals. We are committed to innovation, quality control, and excellent customer service.
- ✅ 1.25 Quart Kit with Hardener Included – 4:1 Mixture: This automotive clear coat features a 4:1 mix ratio for easy application. Includes hardener for a smooth finish and long-term durability on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Great for all professional or DIY paint jobs.
- ✅ High Gloss 2K Clear Coat: Achieve a brilliant, high gloss top coat with LiME LiNE’s 2K clear coat. Designed for automotive paint jobs on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Excellent for burying edges and layering additional graphics.
- ✅ Durable UV-Resistant: Engineered to withstand tough weather and UV rays, this clear coat spray paint forms a durable barrier. Great for vehicles exposed to the elements. Offers lasting protection and a deep, professional finish.
- ✅ Smooth Flow & Non-Sagging Finish: This automotive paint delivers superior flow and leveling with anti-sagging properties. Ideal for even, streak-free coats on vertical surfaces. Perfect for clear coat spray paint applications with professional results.
- ✅ Air Dry & Sand Ready in 12–24 Hours: No paint booth or UV lights required—this clear coat can fully air dry. Once cured, sand and polish for a flawless finish. A go-to clear coat for cars and motorcycles when efficiency and quality matter most.
- Crystal High Gloss,Enhance Texture： The small-bottle car clear coat has the crystal-like high-gloss characteristics.After being applied to the car paint,it can bring excellent gloss and transparency to the paint surface,making the applied part present a clear and bright texture,instantly enhancing the overall texture of the car paint surface,making the car look brand new and showing exquisite.
- Long-Term Protection,Resist Damage： The clear coat for cars has excellent durability and UV resistance.After application,it can form a strong protective film on the car paint surface,effectively resisting the erosion of dust,sand,rain,etc.during daily driving,and preventing the paint from fading and aging due to long-term sun exposure.It provides long-term protection for the car paint,extends the service life of the paint surface,and keeps the car paint in good condition all the time.
- Easy to Operate,Efficient and Time-Saving： The small-bottle clear coat has built-in brush, and the usage steps are simple and easy to understand.The clear coat hardens in an hour,and only a few coats are needed to form a thick protective effect,which greatly shortens the time,saves labor and material costs,and makes the paint repair efficient and convenient.
- Wide Range of Applications: Automotive clear coat suitable for metal surface-cars,motorcycles and bicycles;walls of different colors;wood suface-door,fence,chair;other small items-models,crafts and etc.
- Advanced Formula 3-in-1. Our fortify quick coat is your all-in-one ceramic coating hydrophobic spray. Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat ceramic car wax provides a waterless wash, coat, and shine, all-in-one convenient product.
- No Streaking, Smearing Or Scratching. Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat premium formula ceramic car coating is a gentle and effective car polish for any vehicle! Get a clean, shiny finish without hurting your car's paint.
- Cuts Dirt, Grime & Grease. Our Quick Coat ceramic wax car sealant eliminates dirt, grime & grease instantly! Our signature 3-in-1 formula gives you a waterless car wash, coat and shine for a clean, showcase look.
- Safe For All Surfaces. Use this car wax spray-on automobiles, boats, motorbikes, RVs, four-wheelers and more! This spray wax is the perfect blend of surfactants and SiO2 ceramic-coating science.
- Superior Products. This means superior shine for your cars! Our ceramic quick coat also works as a sealer to give your vehicle a clear shield of protection while also providing a beautiful gloss. Which makes our ceramic spray the perfect Christmas Gift for the gearhead in your life!
- ✅ WHY CHOOSE POR-15 TOP COAT PAINT? – POR-15 is an industry standard for high performance protection against corrosion and rust. Our direct-to- metal coating is essential in all applications where there is a need to help preserve substrates susceptible to corrosion. POR-15 Top Coat provides excellent adhesion and best when used over POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating, works to provide a permanent barrier.
- ✅ LONG LASTING PROTECTION - POR-15 Top coat has exceptional long-term sheen and color retention, with a hammer tough finish that won’t crack or peel. It can be applied directly to metal substrates or previously painted surfaces without need for primer or undercoat. Formulated to form a robust barrier that sheds moisture.
- ✅ APPLICATION - All surfaces must be clean and free of all dirt, loose rust, oil, grease, wax, soap, loose paint & any other matter. Use 25-30 lbs (170Kpa-210pa) pressure for normal gloss. It dries to touch in 30-60 minutes. POR-15 Top Coat can take 3-4 days to reach maximum hardness, and longer in temperatures below 55°F (15°C).
- ✅ WHEN DO I NEED THIS? - POR-15 Top Coat is essential for that extra layer of durability and provides optimum protection against UV light that won’t fade over long term exposure.
- ✅ OUR SATISFACTION COMMITMENT – At POR-15 we strive to bring the ultimate in rust prevention. Known for the unbeatable 3-step stop rust system, POR-15 is trusted by DIY & Professionals. We are committed to innovation, quality control, and excellent customer service.
Best Automotive Top Coats Buying Guide
Before choosing the best automotive top coat you should consider following options:
1. Application: The first thing that you need to keep in mind is the method of application. There are two ways of applying a topcoat: immersion and spray.
An immersion topcoat is applied by immersing the part in the tank, which contains the coating. The part is then rotated continuously to ensure an even coating.
Spray topcoats are applied using a spray gun. It is important to read the instructions before choosing one of the two methods.
2. Durability: Durability refers to how long the finish will last. It is measured by the resistance to chemicals and abrasion.
The coating can be tested by immersing it in various chemicals. The chemicals include water, oils, acids and alkalis. The coating is then wiped and dried.
The extent of damage is then assessed.
The resistance of a topcoat to abrasion can be determined by rubbing it with sandpaper. It is important to read the labels to see what kind of exposure the finish can withstand.
3. Gloss: The gloss level of a coating determines its visual appeal. The paint can be assessed using a simple light reflectance meter.
It is important to note that the higher the gloss, the more reflection is involved, which can result in glare.
4. Environmental Impact: Environmental impact refers to the effect that the finish will have on the environment.
There are coatings, which are biodegradable, while some are not. There are also some coatings which contain compounds that are harmful to the environment.
The information can be obtained from the labels. The coating should not be disposed of in storm water drains.
5. Cost: The cost is always an important factor in the selection of a topcoat. The coating can be expensive if it has a high gloss and a long life span.
The cost also depends on factors such as the method of application and the materials used in the topcoat.
6. Availability: Availability is an important factor, especially if you are looking to paint a large number of parts.
There are different types of coatings available in the market, which can be used for different applications.
You can choose from a wide range of products, based on the application.
What else you should know about automotive top coats
1. What are the benefits of using a top coat on my vehicle?
There are several benefits of using a top coat on your vehicle. A top coat can help protect your paint from UV damage, scratches, and other environmental hazards. It can also make your vehicle’s paint job look new and shiny for longer.
2. How often should I apply a top coat to my vehicle?
A top coat should be applied every three to five years.
3. What are the best methods for applying a top coat to my vehicle?
The best methods for applying a top coat to your vehicle are to first wash and dry the vehicle, then sand the vehicle with a fine-grit sandpaper. Next, apply a primer to the vehicle, and finally paint the vehicle with a top coat.
4. What are the different types of top coats available for automotive use?
There are several different types of top coats available for automotive use, including clear coats, color coats, and primer coats. Clear coats are typically used to protect the paint job and provide a high-gloss finish. Color coats are used to add color to the vehicle, while primer coats are used to prepare the surface for painting.
5. What are some common problems that can occur when using a top coat on my vehicle?
One common problem that can occur when using a top coat on your vehicle is that the top coat can start to peel or chip off. This can be caused by a number of things, including improper preparation of the surface before applying the top coat, using a top coat that is not compatible with the paint or clear coat on your vehicle, or simply not allowing the top coat to properly cure before exposing it to the elements.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best automotive top coats. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best automotive top coats will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.