Glass Coatings

A glass coating is a ceramic layer that bonds to the outside of the glass, so rain beads up and clears at speed and dirt and bugs wash off more easily. The range covers AutoBead Glass Coating 2 Year Ceramic and CarPro GForce.

How to choose

• Coating or sealant: a coating lasts far longer than a wipe-on sealant but needs careful prep and a cure time. If you would rather wipe something on quickly and top it up, pick from Glass Sealants.
• Durability: compare the figure each maker gives. AutoBead sells its coating as a 2 year product. Expect less on the windscreen than on side and rear glass, because the wipers wear it.

Good to know

• A coating seals in whatever is under it. Clean the glass, take out water spots and film with Glass Polishes, then wipe with Panel Wipe & IPA before you start.
• Apply it thin, level any smears before they harden, and keep the glass dry and the wipers off for the cure time on the label.

Is glass coating good for cars?

Yes, mainly for seeing in the rain: water beads and blows away as you drive, and bugs and grime come off the glass more easily at the next wash. It takes careful prep and a cure time, and it wears faster on the windscreen than on side and rear glass because of the wipers.

Related: Glass Care, Glass Cleaners, Applicator Pads, Buffing & Finishing Towels. Popular brands here: Autobead, CarPro.