5 Best Clear Coats for Cars - May 2026

SprayMax 2K Glamour High Gloss Aerosol Clear by UCS

With spray-gun results from an aerosol can, this high-quality clear coat is the one to use for a high-gloss finish on smaller projects.

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PROS

Easy-to-use aerosol 2K clear coat.
Nozzle design gives spray-gun results.
Dries to a high-gloss finish.
Great weather and chemical resistance.
Provides protection against abrasion and scratching.
Very high-gloss finish.

CONS

Product will solidify in the container within a matter of hours, so be ready to work when you puncture it.
Be sure to use eye protection, proper breathing equipment, and skin protection when you apply.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

KBS Coatings

Clear High Gloss Diamond Finish Clear Aerosol

Bargain Pick

This clear coat works well for some applications. It doesn't finish as hard as others, though, and you won't mistake it for a spray-gun application.

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PROS

Apply directly to painted surfaces with minimal preparation.
Can be applied directly to stainless steel surfaces.
Protects and adds gloss.
Tough and hard.
Remains permanently flexible.
Won't yellow, crack, or peel.
UV stable.
Choice of high-gloss or satin.

CONS

Does not give a high-gloss finish.
Spray nozzle does not always spray cleanly.

USC

SprayMax 2K Clear Coat Semi Matte

Easiest to Use

Get low-sheen satin, spray-gun style results with aerosol convenience with this quality Spray Max product.

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PROS

Satin or semi-matte, low-luster finish.
Provides durable weather resistance.
Nozzle design gives spray-gun results.
Provides a low-gloss look.
Gas- and oil-resistant.

CONS

Be sure to use eye protection, proper breathing equipment, and skin protection when you apply.
Solidifies in the container in a number of hours.

SEM

Clear Aerosol - 15.5 oz.

Dries Quickly

Quick-drying time and a high-quality aerosol sprayer make this a good choice for small accessory parts, as well as fenders and quarter panels.

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PROS

Good for small accessory parts of a vehicle.
High-quality spray tip.
Lays down flat and dries quickly.
Protects well.
Applies smoothly.
High-quality.

CONS

Be sure to use respirator and eye protection with this product, because the spray will likely linger a bit.

Auto Paint Pro

FC720 Quart Kit w/ FH612 Hardener

Two-part Finish Set

This clear coat kit includes a gloss clear coat and a hardener for easier application.

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PROS

High-gloss clear coat gives a brilliant sheen to your paint job.
Included hardener increases the flow of product.
Can be used as an aerosol or in paint spray guns.
Requires little buffing once completely dry, which cuts down on labor time.

CONS

Some noticed some minor lifting of this clear coat when taping off graphics.

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How We Tested

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First Reviewed

November 23, 2021

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considered

Hours
researched