Do you spend every Saturday morning washing your car, only to watch the beautiful shine disappear a day later under a layer of road grime? Do you dread the inevitable clear coat scratches that seem to appear out of nowhere?
If you’ve spent countless hours and dollars on waxes and sealants that promise a lot but deliver only a few weeks of protection, you know the frustration. Your vehicle deserves better than temporary shine. It deserves the lasting, deep gloss and effortless cleaning power of a true ceramic coating.
Enter the solution: Adams Ceramic Coating. Adams Polishes has been a staple in the detailing community for decades, and its ceramic coating line promises professional-grade protection and mirror-like gloss for the average DIY enthusiast. But does it live up to the hype?
I put the coating to the ultimate test on my daily driver to give you a detailed, hands-on Adams Ceramic Coating Review.
What Is Adams Ceramic Coating?
Adams Ceramic Coating is a semi-permanent, liquid polymer solution (based on Silicon Dioxide, or $SiO_2$) that chemically bonds with your vehicle’s factory clear coat, creating a sacrificial, tough layer of protection. It’s far superior to traditional wax, which simply sits on top of the paint.
Adams Polishes offers a comprehensive detailing ecosystem, and their ceramic lineup is a core component. The standard coating kit is designed for the serious amateur or semi-professional detailer who wants long-term protection without the extreme cost and complexity of the highest-end coatings.
Key Benefits
- Deep, “Wet Look” Gloss: It enhances the paint’s depth and reflection.
- Superior Protection: Shields against UV rays, bird droppings, road salts, and minor scratches.
- Hydrophobic Effect: Causes water to bead up and roll off, making washing incredibly easy (often called a “self-cleaning” effect).
- Long-Lasting: Offers durability measured in months and years, not weeks.
Key Features of Adams Ceramic Coating (At a Glance)
What sets the Adams formula apart in the crowded coating market? It’s a blend of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features.
🛡️ 9H Hardness Protection
The “9H” rating refers to the pencil hardness scale. While no ceramic coating makes your car scratch-proof, the Adams formula cures into a layer rated at 9H. This highly durable shell provides excellent resistance against light swirl marks and acts as a sacrificial barrier, protecting your factory clear coat underneath.
✨ High Gloss “Wet Look” Finish
This is arguably the most visually stunning feature. When applied correctly to properly prepped paint, the coating magnifies the paint’s natural color and depth, giving it an intense, glass-like reflection. This deep gloss truly transforms the vehicle’s appearance.
💦 Strong Hydrophobic Water Beading
The tight cross-linking of the $SiO_2$ polymers creates an extremely low surface energy. The result is spectacular water beading. Rain and wash water gather into perfect spheres and quickly run off the paint, taking dirt and contaminants with them. This is the feature that cuts your wash time in half.
🟣 UV Tracer Technology
Adams includes a clever UV Tracer Technology. The coating contains a dye that glows under a UV blacklight. This is a massive aid during application, as it lets you visually inspect the paint to ensure complete coverage and, more importantly, ensures you have wiped away all excess product (high spots) before it cures hard.
⏳ Long-Lasting Durability (12–24 Months)
For a coating geared towards the advanced enthusiast, the durability is a major selling point. Adams confidently rates the standard coating for 1 to 2 years of protection, depending on environmental conditions, prep, and maintenance.
Adams Ceramic Coating Review: Real-World Performance
This is where the rubber meets the road. I applied the Adams Ceramic Coating to the hood and fenders of my black SUV, a notoriously difficult color to keep clean and scratch-free.
The Hands-On Experience
The first thing I noticed was the packaging. The Adams Ceramic Coating kit is well-organized, complete with the coating bottle, an applicator block, and several suede cloths.
The liquid is oily and thin, with a mild chemical scent that isn’t overpowering. The application was surprisingly smooth. The coating spread very easily across the paint.
- Feel: The liquid feels slightly slick and viscous.
- Smell: Minimal, non-offensive chemical odor.
- Ease of Use: Excellent. The product flashes (or rainbows) quickly, indicating it’s time to wipe. This quick flash time is a major help, as it reduces the risk of leaving high spots. The included UV light was a game-changer; I caught two small high spots on the fender that would have cured and would have required polishing later.
Gloss & Shine Test Results
Before: The paint was corrected (polished), but still had a standard, flat factory-clear-coat look.
After: After the 24-hour cure, the difference was immediate and stunning. The black paint looked deeper, almost like wet, polished glass. The reflections were sharper and significantly more intense. The Adams Ceramic Coating truly delivered the “wet look” it promised.
Hydrophobic Performance Test
This is the fun part. The first wash a week later revealed incredible water beading. The beads were small, perfectly spherical, and rolled off the panel with the slightest tilt.
Rinsing the car took no time, and drying was even quicker, as most of the water had already evacuated the surface. This effect is a constant reminder of the coating’s protective layer.
Durability & Longevity
I am now 14 months into the application. The Adams Ceramic Coating water beading review is positive: the beading remains strong, though perhaps not as aggressive as it was in the first month. The sheet of water running off is still very quick, and the paint is holding up exceptionally well to daily abuse and automatic car washes (not recommended, but a reality). Based on my results, I fully expect it to last the advertised two years with proper maintenance washes.
How to Apply Adams Ceramic Coating (Step-by-Step Guide)
Achieving the rated durability and maximum gloss depends entirely on proper preparation. Do not skip the prep!
Step 1 – Surface Prep (Wash, Decon, Clay, Polish)
- Wash: Thoroughly wash the vehicle with a quality car shampoo.
- Decontaminate: Use an iron remover product (like Adams Iron Remover) to chemically dissolve embedded ferrous particles. Rinse well.
- Clay: Use a clay bar or mitt with a lubricant to remove bonded surface contaminants physically.
- Polish (Crucial): Remove swirls, scratches, and oxidation with a paint polisher. The coating will lock in any imperfections underneath, so ensure the paint is perfect before proceeding.
- Prep: Use a dedicated Surface Prep spray (IPA/alcohol-based solution) to strip the paint of any polishing oils or residue completely. This step ensures the ceramic coating can bond.
Step 2 – Applying the Coating Correctly
- Wear gloves and work in a shaded, dust-free environment with good lighting.
- Apply a few drops of Adams Ceramic Coating onto the suede applicator cloth wrapped around the block.
- Apply in a cross-hatch pattern (e.g., one pass horizontally, then one vertically) over a small section, like a 2 ft x 2 ft area.
- Wait for the “Flash Time.”
Step 3 – Flash Time & Wipe-Off
- After application, the coating will begin to “flash” (look like a faint rainbow or oil slick). This typically takes 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on temperature/humidity.
- Using a high-quality microfiber towel, gently level and remove the excess product. Use the second side of the towel to do a final buff.
- Use the UV Light (if included) now! Shine it on the coated area to confirm full, even coverage and that all excess product (high spots) is gone.
- Move to the next section, slightly overlapping the previous one.
Step 4 – Cure Time & Aftercare
- Initial Cure: Keep the vehicle dry for at least 12-24 hours. This allows the coating to begin the cross-linking process.
- Full Cure: Avoid washing the vehicle with soap or exposure to heavy environmental contaminants (bird droppings, etc.) for 7 days.
- Aftercare: Wash regularly with a pH-neutral car wash soap. Using a ceramic boost spray (like Adams CS3 or Detail Spray) during washes will prolong the life and performance of the coating.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to too large an area.
- Applying outdoors in the sun or high winds.
- Not performing the required paint correction/prep beforehand.
Comparison: Adams Ceramic Coating vs. CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0
In the DIY ceramic coating world, CarPro CQuartz is a gold standard. How does the Adams Ceramic Coating stack up against its formidable competitor?
| Feature | Adams Ceramic Coating | CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0 |
| Durability | 1–2 Years | 2+ Years |
| Hardness Rating | 9H | 10H (with CQuartz DLUX) or 9H |
| Application | Very Easy, Quick Flash Time, UV Tracer Tech | Moderately Easy, Longer Flash Time |
| Gloss/Finish | Excellent Deep, Wet Look | Excellent Clarity and Candy Gloss |
| Water Beading | Tight, Aggressive Beading | Tight, Aggressive Beading |
| Price | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Verdict | Best for DIYers/Beginners/Enthusiasts who want great results quickly. | Best for Experienced Detailers seeking max longevity and protection. |
The Takeaway: Adams is easier to apply and slightly more forgiving for a first-timer, thanks to the UV tracer and faster flash time. CQuartz offers marginally better longevity and a higher professional reputation, but requires more precise application. Both are fantastic products.
Pros and Cons of Adams Ceramic Coating
✔️ Pros of Adams Ceramic Coating
- ✔️ Beginner-friendly application with quick flash time
- ✔️ UV Tracer Technology helps avoid high spots
- ✔️ Deep wet-look gloss that enhances color depth
- ✔️ Strong hydrophobic water beading effect
- ✔️ Lasts 1–2 years with proper maintenance
- ✔️ Affordable compared to pro-grade coatings
- ✔️ Works on paint, wheels, trim & headlights
- ✔️ Comes with full kit (applicator, suede, UV light)
❌ Cons of Adams Ceramic Coating
- ❌ Requires full prep: wash, decon, clay, polish
- ❌ Not as durable as 5–7 year professional coatings
- ❌ Mistakes (high spots) require polishing to remove
- ❌ Cannot be applied in direct sun or hot panels
- ❌ Needs 12–24 hours cure time before getting wet
- ❌ Slight learning curve for first-time users
- ❌ Hydrophobic performance decreases after 12+ months
Who Should Buy & Avoid Adams Ceramic Coating?
| Who Should Buy Adams Ceramic Coating? | Who Should Avoid Adams Ceramic Coating? |
|---|---|
| DIY detailers who enjoy weekend car care | People unwilling to perform full surface preparation (wash, clay, polish) |
| Daily drivers who want long-lasting protection | Vehicle owners who expect 5–7 year durability from a coating |
| Enthusiasts looking for a high-gloss “wet look” finish | Beginners who prefer no-maintenance spray sealants |
| People who want a strong hydrophobic effect to simplify washing | Those who don’t have 12–24 hours to let the coating cure properly |
| Anyone who likes using a complete kit with applicators and UV tracer | Users applying in very hot or sunny conditions without shade |
| Those who are okay with occasional maintenance washes or ceramic-boost sprays | Owners who want a coating that never needs to be reapplied or topped up |
❓ FAQs About Adams Ceramic Coating
How long does Adams Ceramic Coating last?
The standard Adams Ceramic Coating is rated for 12–24 months of durability. The actual lifespan depends heavily on surface prep, climate, and maintenance.
Can I apply Adams Ceramic Coating in the sun?
Absolutely not. All ceramic coatings must be applied in a cool, shaded environment. Applying to a hot panel or in direct sun will cause the coating to cure too quickly, resulting in irreversible high spots.
Is Adams Ceramic Coating beginner-friendly?
Yes, it is one of the more beginner-friendly true ceramic coatings on the market, especially with the quick flash time and the reassurance of the UV tracer light. However, the prep work requires beginner-level attention to detail.
Does it work on wheels and glass?
Yes! Adams Ceramic Coating for wheels is highly recommended. It creates a powerful heat-resistant barrier against brake dust. It can also be used on glass, plastic trim, and headlights.
How do I remove Adams Ceramic Coating?
Since the coating is chemically bonded, it cannot be removed with traditional soaps or chemicals. It must be mechanically removed using a medium- to heavy-duty abrasive polish or compound.
What is the difference between Adams Ceramic Coating and Adams Graphene Coating?
Adams Ceramic Coating uses traditional $SiO_2$ (silicon dioxide). The Adams Ceramic Coating Graphene adds a Graphene Oxide matrix. The Graphene variant offers slightly better water spot resistance and marginally more extended durability (up to 5+ years).
Is Adams Ceramic Coating Worth It?
Based on the stunning deep gloss, the incredible hydrophobic performance, and the confirmed durability of well over a year, the answer is a resounding YES, Adams Ceramic Coating is absolutely worth it.
It successfully bridges the gap between complicated professional coatings and basic DIY sealants. It provides real, measurable, multi-year protection and a phenomenal look, all while remaining accessible to the dedicated enthusiast.
If you are ready to take your detailing game to the next level and protect your investment with a long-lasting, high-gloss barrier, the Adams Ceramic Coating kit is a fantastic choice and the best $SiO_2$ coating for the enthusiastic DIY detailer.
Final Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 Stars (Excellent Value and Performance)
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