Best Ceramic Coating for Satin and Matte Wheels
I am a big fan of matte-finished wheels – yet keeping them clean can be a hassle. I have found that ceramic-coating my wheels will protect them from contaminants and make cleaning quick and easy. The problem is that many ceramic coatings leave behind a glossy finish or shine on your wheels, which just defeats the purpose of having matte wheels in the first place.
Over time, I’ve found CQUARTZ Dlux to be one of the best ceramic coatings for satin and matte wheels. It applies easily, leaving behind a smooth, non-glossy protective layer to keep your car’s rims looking great for months after application. Other top contenders include Gyeon Rim matte ceramic coating and Gtechniq C5.
Why ceramic coat your matte-finished wheels?
Your rims take a lot of abuse on the road. All those potholes, rocks, and salt on the roads can wear down your satin and matte wheels make them look dull and damaged. Sure, you can use waxes and sealants to keep your wheels looking nice for a while, but what you really want is a durable matte ceramic coating that will offer protection from the environment, deliver a rich and healthy finish while also being easy to clean and maintain.
3 Best Ceramic Coating for Matte Wheels Reviewed
Gyeon Q² Rim Ceramic Coating Wheels
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If you still wax your matte wheels many times a year, give yourself a break and try this top-rated ceramic coating. Q² Rim offers significant protection to your rims without adding any gloss. Each coating will improve the matte finish of your rims, leaving them looking rich and luxurious. The SiO₂-based formulation offers excellent self-cleaning abilities – meaning your ceramic-coated matte and satin wheels will actively repel dirt and other contaminants. Typically, a simple hose blast takes most of the dirt off the coated wheels. Another plus is that it creates a barrier that protects against UV rays and chemical damage. And when the coating wears out (in 6-12 months), just reapply it and you’re good to go. It’s not just for matte rims—you can apply this product to all rim finishes, both glossy and matte.
Whats in the box: Q² Rim /Manual /Applicator /4 applicator cloths
How to apply
Applying Gyeon Q² Rim Ceramic Coating for matte and satin wheels is easier than you think, and we’ll walk you through it step-by-step.
First, clean and prepare your matte or satin wheels for coating. Remove any oils or residue from the previous cleaning by wiping them down with a pre-coating cleaner like Q²M Prep. Now your surface is ready to bond with the Q² Rim Ceramic coating. Next, apply a generous amount of Q² Rim ceramic coating for matte and satin wheels to the included suede microfiber applicator, then start working it into the rim’s surface in a back-and-forth and overlapping strokes to ensure thorough coverage.
Allow the coating to air dry for 10-15 seconds before removing any excess product with a microfiber towel (something super absorbent will work best for this step). If you live in an area with high humidity, make sure to remove it as soon as possible—it bonds within 3-5 seconds! You can add additional layers if you want increased durability, but make sure to allow at least 4 hours between each layer.
Pros:
- Good hydrophobic performance
- Easy to ceramic coat wheels even for beginners
- A single application lasts 6-12 months
Cons
- Wheels with intricate designs may require ample time to coat
CQuartz Dlux Ceramic Coating For Matte Wheels
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Detailers highly recommend QUARTZ Dlux because it offers superior protection while retaining the original finish on your wheel—including satin and matte finishes. It forms a tough protective barrier on the surface of your wheels, shielding them from UV rays and contaminants while also repelling water, dirt, and dust. All these make cleaning your matte wheels super easy. This popular ceramic coating for matte wheels also doubles up as an excellent trim coating for your plastic and rubber surfaces. Plus, it provides up to one year of protection on treated surfaces.
What is in the box: CQuartz DLUX matte ceramic coating / 1 blue sponge applicator/ 4 suede microfiber cloths
How to apply:
The first step of this process is to clean your wheel thoroughly with the supplied CQUARTZ Dlux Prep cleaner. Then use CARPRO Iron X to decontaminate the surface, removing ferrous iron particles. Once your wheel is completely clean, you are ready to apply CQUARTZ Dlux. Use the applicator sponge supplied with your Dlux coating to apply the product in a thin but even layer. To do this, pour a small amount of product on your sponge and work it into the surface of the wheel in a back-and-forth motion. Be sure not to leave any pooling or streaks behind as you work. When you have coated the entire wheel with Dlux, allow it to dry for 3-24 hours before exposing it to rain or water.
Pros
- Long-lasting protection
- Excellent water beading
- Good value – a little product goes a long way!
Cons
- Intense preparation for best results
- Can look uneven if not buffed out in time
Gtechniq C5 Ceramic Coating for Matte Wheels and Rims
See the latest price of Gtechniq C5 on Amazon
C5 Wheel Armour is a great choice for detailing matte or satin wheels. It bonds to the surface of your rims to create a layer of protection against brake dust, chemicals, and any other contaminants your wheel gets into contact with. This makes cleaning and maintenance of your matte wheels easy- the brake dust or dirt will wipe or rinse right off. C5 ceramic coating for matte wheels can hold up to high temperatures, so it’s suitable for all parts of your vehicle’s rims – even brake calipers. Overall, a good choice that enhances the matte /satin finish of your wheels and makes cleaning them a breeze.
What is in the box: Gtechniq C5 matte ceramic coating bottle /4 suede microfiber cloths
How to apply Gtechniq C5 Matte Wheel Ceramic Coating
The steps for applying C5 Wheel Ceramic coating to your wheels are similar to those of the other ceramic wheel coatings outlined above. The most important part—as is always the case with these sorts of products—is the prep-work.
First, clean your wheels thoroughly. Then use a solution designed to remove iron and fallout, like Adam’s Iron Remover or W6, and make sure the matte finish wheels surface is truly free from soaps, oils or any previously used products. Now that your wheels are clean, you can apply the C5 ceramic coating matte wheels. Apply it directly onto the wheel surface using the lint-free application pads provided, then wipe off excess coating using a clean microfiber towel within 5 minutes of application.
Pros
- Repel dirt and brake dust from your wheels!
- Resistant to temperatures up to 570F
- A single application lasts 6-12 months
Cons
- Hard to apply on wire wheels
Dr. Beasley’s Matte Wheels Coating Kit
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This kit is one of the most recommended coatings for matte wheels on the market. It keeps your wheels looking great without altering their matte appearance. This product is not a ceramic coating; it’s a seal that creates an extra layer of protection between your wheels’ surface and any contaminants. To clean, all you have to do is hose down your wheels—it couldn’t be easier. And it’s got an extremely high heat resistance, so it’ll last even in hot summers. We like how easy this product is to use. No special tools or equipment are required to ceramic coat wheels —just spray on some coating, let it sit for a bit, and wipe off the excess. This matte sealant kit is a tad pricier than some, but if you’re looking for a high-end product that will keep your matte or satin wheels protected, this one is hard to beat.
What is in the kit: 12oz Matte Wheel Cleanser/12oz Matte Wheel Seal/Wheel brush/ Microfiber towels
Pros
- Simple spray application
- The pack comes with everything you need, including a brush and a cleaner solution.
Cons
- A bit pricey
Table for the top Ceramic Coating for Satin and Matte Wheels
Matt wheel ceramic coating brand | Size | Coverage and longevity |
Gyeon Q² | 30ml (1oz) | 15ml per set of wheels. Durability: 6-12 months per application. SiO₂-based formulation |
CQUARTZ Dlux | 30ml (1oz) | 15ml per set of 4 wheels and all plastic trim Durability: 6-12 per application. |
Gtechniq C5 Ceramic Coating | 30ml (1oz) | 15ml of C5 will cover the rim faces only of up to 17 inch wheels. 30ml of C5 will cover the inside and out of any wheels up to 20 inch wheels. Durability: 6-12 per application. |
Dr. Beasley’s Matte Wheels Coating Kit | 12oz | Lasts for 6+ months. |
Can I use matte paint ceramic coating on my matte rims and wheels?
While some wheel finishes may require specific ceramic coatings, matte and satin wheel finishes can use the same product you put on your matte body panels. However, the matte wheel ceramic coating will last longer on your car body panels than on your wheels. This is because your wheels are more exposed to harsher conditions including higher temperatures, more dirt, and brake dust- all of which will shorten your ceramic coating’s lifespan.
Ceramic coating matte black wheels
Your matte black wheels will benefit from ceramic coating without the worry of white residue or gloss as long as you apply the coating properly. Once you have chosen your matte wheel ceramic coating, remove a wheel and test it on the back of a spoke before full application on the rest of your rim. We found the Gtechniq C5 matte wheel coating works great on black matte and satin wheels without leaving them shiny. However, be sure to wipe off excess product with a microfiber towel as it becomes hard to remove if left on too long.
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