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
- PROFESSIONAL
- 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
- 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
- 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!
- ✅ 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.
- 1.25 gallon kit with a four to one mixture
- Great overall clearcoat for cars, trucks, or motorcycles
- Designed to withstand the elements and create a UV barrier
- Excellent flow and non-sagging properties
- Provides excellent gloss and long-term durability
- 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.
- For the final step in the exact color match process, and to provide additional gloss and protection, always finish with Dupli-Color Perfect Match Clear Coat
- 20Cubic Feet - Carrying capacity - The whole point of the purchase us to provide additional cargo room, so it makes no point to buy one that is not big enough. the roof bag overall size is 51.1'' x 39'' x 17'', Carry 20 cubic feet. Larger than other brand.
- Roof bag fits all cars with or without roof rack,Soft Car Top Carrier - There is no ”Best Soft Car Top Carrier”. Instead, the best one is the one that satisfies your specific needs.However, we provides the best all-around value and is likely to satisfy more consumers. We provides larger capacity ( 20 Cubic ), top PVC material, convenient design and more security.
- Easy Mounting & Storage Design - Design with 6 short tie straps & 2 long straps, make it easy to attaches in only a matter of minutes. Our Carrier is purely malleable, more simple to store than the carrier with stiff inner-lining ( storage bag included ).
- Waterproof - PVC Materials - The torrential downpour will test merely water resistant materials to their limit and likely result in damp or soaked contents. But our car top carrier is coated with PVC to aid in waterproofing ( inside and out ),NOT ONLY WATER RESISTANT like other brand.
- 6 Tough Straps - More Security- Alongside carrying capacity, stability is arguably the most important factor in a car top carrier. We Provide 6pc wide straps & 2pc 3M straps. To some extent, the more straps used to fasten the carrier to the roof the better.
- ✅ POR-15 is an industry standard for high performance protection for metal surfaces. Our direct-to-metal coating is essential in all applications where there is a need to preserve substrates susceptible to UV and weathering. POR-15 Top Coat provides excellent adhesion and best when used over POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating, to create a permanent corrosion barrier.
- ✅ LONG LASTING PROTECTION - POR-15 Top coat has exceptional long-term sheen and color retention, with a tough finish that won’t crack or peel. It can be applied directly to prepped 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 Professionals and DIY'ers around the world. We are committed to innovation, quality control, and excellent customer service.
- 00C
- Backed By 1 Year Or 12k Warranty Which Ever Comes First
- High Quality OEM
- Genuine Toyota Part
- Clear Coat
- ✅ 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. It cures 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.