Topper-Up Comparison: Does P&S Bead Maker or Gyeon Ceramic Detailer add more gloss?

The Role of a "Topper" in Your Detailing Routine 

What's the best ceramic coating topper for extreme gloss and slickness? For car enthusiasts, a "topper" is the final flourish that transforms a clean vehicle into a dazzling masterpiece. Whether you're a beginner chasing a mirror-like finish or a seasoned detailer aiming for that "just detailed" look, toppers like P&S Bead Maker and Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer amplify gloss, slickness, and protection.

These spray-on products act as a sacrificial layer, enhancing waxes, sealants, or ceramic coatings while making future washes easier. In this head-to-head showdown, we compare P&S Bead Maker and Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer on gloss, slickness, hydrophobics, and p&s bead maker durability versus gyeon ceramic detailer review.

We’ll guide you on how to use a coating topper to answer whether you can use bead maker on any coating and find the best quick detailer for coated cars. These toppers are essential for DIY detailers facing the UK’s wet and gritty conditions, delivering professional results with minimal effort. 

Quick Verdict: 

• For Extreme Gloss and Slickness: P&S Bead Maker delivers a candy-like shine and velvety feel, perfect for gloss addicts. 

• For Coating Enhancement: Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer excels in boosting hydrophobics and durability on ceramic-coated vehicles. 

What's the Difference? Quick Detailer vs. Coating Topper 

To choose the right product, it’s crucial to understand the difference between a quick detailer and a coating topper.

Meet the Gloss King: P&S Bead Maker - The Fan Favourite 

P&S Bead Maker is a detailing icon, celebrated for its effortless application and transformative gloss. Available in 16oz or 1-gallon bottles, this polymer-based paint protectant features a sweet, pleasant scent that makes detailing enjoyable. Its formula creates a slick, glossy barrier that repels water and enhances paint depth, especially on dark colours like black or navy. Users in P&S bead maker durability reviews rave about its ability to deliver a wet-look shine in minutes, making it ideal for quick touch-ups between washes.

A common question, can you use a bead maker on any coating? Is answered affirmatively, as it performs exceptionally on waxes, sealants, and ceramics. Its versatility and instant results make it a favorite for gloss enthusiasts seeking a show-stopping finish. 

Meet the Ceramic Booster: Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer - The System Player 

Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer is crafted for ceramic coating enthusiasts, particularly those using Gyeon’s product line. 

• Available Bottle Sizes
  Available in 500ml or 1L bottles to suit different needs.
• SiO₂-Infused Formula
  Enhances gloss, slickness, and hydrophobic properties. Doubles as a drying aid for added convenience.
• Optimized for Gyeon Coatings
  Works seamlessly with Mohs Evo and CanCoat Evo. Also effective on any ceramic-coated or sealed surface.
• Performance in Real Conditions
  In many Gyeon Ceramic Detailer review discussions, users highlight its ability to:
  • Refresh water beading
  • Resist contaminants
  • Extend coating life in the UK’s challenging weather
• Safe & Versatile
  Water-based formula safe for paint, glass, and trim. A true multi-tool for detailers who want balanced performance across multiple surfaces.

Test Conditions: Applying to a Ceramic Coated Panel 

To ensure a fair comparison, we tested both products on a ceramic-coated black test panel, replicating a typical DIY scenario.

The base was a mid-range ceramic coating (similar to a popular spray-on coating), applied to a 2ft x 2ft panel to highlight gloss differences.

Tests were conducted in a well-lit garage at 18°C with low humidity, mirroring typical UK detailing conditions.

Each product was applied after a thorough wash, iron fallout removal (using a product like an iron-dissolving spray), and a panel wipe (with a solvent-based cleaner), using fresh microfibre towels.

We evaluated gloss with a gloss meter, slickness by hand feel, hydrophobics via water sheeting tests, and durability after simulated washes. This setup ensures reliable results for DIYers tackling real-world detailing challenges. 

Application Ease: Does Bead Maker's Cure Time Cause Issues? 

Learning how to use a coating topper like P&S Bead Maker is straightforward, but its cure time requires attention.

How to Apply P&S Bead Maker 

• Shake Well
  Shake the bottle vigorously before use to activate the formula.
• Apply the Product
  Spray 2–3 light mists onto a panel or directly onto a microfiber applicator.
• Spread Evenly
  Work in straight lines across the surface.
• Allow a Slight Haze to Form
  Wait about 1–2 minutes.
• Buff the Surface
  Use a plush microfiber towel to buff off the haze. Application is forgiving—no high spots if wiped promptly.
• Cure Time
  Requires a 1-hour cure before exposure to water. In the UK’s damp climate, rain or dew during curing can cause streaking.
• User Feedback
  Users in many P&S Bead Maker durability reviews praise:
  • Beginner-friendly application.
  • High gloss and slickness.
  • Need to plan around weather conditions for best results.

Difficulty rating: 3/10, due to the cure time constraint that demands careful timing. 

Application Ease: The Simple Wipe-On, Wipe-Off of Gyeon Ceramic Detailer 

Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer is a model of simplicity, as highlighted in the gyeon ceramic detailer review. Spray 2-3 mists onto a panel or microfibre applicator, then wipe in circular motions for even coverage. Buff immediately with a clean, plush towel—no haze or cure time is needed, though a 30-minute dry period is recommended before rain exposure. Its water-based formula works on wet or dry surfaces, making it an excellent drying aid for quick detailing sessions. Tests showed streak-free application even in moderate humidity, earning a 2/10 difficulty rating. This ease makes it ideal for both beginners and pros, with no risk of high spots or timing errors, ensuring a hassle-free experience. 

The Gloss-Off: A Side-by-Side Visual Comparison Under Lights 

What's the best ceramic coating topper for extreme gloss and slickness? In our gloss-off under LED lights, P&S Bead Maker emerged as the champion. It delivered a deep, wet-look shine that amplified the black panel’s depth, registering a 12-15% gloss increase on a gloss meter.

Users describe it as “candy-like,” with reflections popping vividly, especially on dark paints like black or deep blue. Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer added a crisp, natural gloss about 8-12% increase. This enhances clarity without the dramatic wetness.

Under sunlight, Bead Maker’s shine was more striking, while Gyeon’s uniform finish complemented lighter colours like white or silver. For gloss enthusiasts, Bead Maker is the best quick detailer for coated cars, but Gyeon maintains a coating’s original aesthetic with a subtler, refined look. 

The Slickness Test: Which Surface Feels More Velvety and Smooth? 

Slickness is a tactile thrill for detailers, and P&S Bead Maker reigns supreme. In hand tests, it created a velvety, ultra-smooth surface that felt like silk, with microfibre towels gliding effortlessly across the panel. P&s bead maker durability reviews consistently praise its “striking slickness,” which can last weeks with proper care.

Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer offered excellent slickness—smooth and low-friction but it felt more like polished glass than velvet. On a scale, Bead Maker scored 9/10 for slickness, Gyeon 8/10.

Bead Maker’s polymer formula prioritizes touch-feel, while Gyeon’s SiO2-based composition focuses on protection, making Bead Maker the top choice for slickness enthusiasts. 

Hydrophobic Properties: Do They Boost or Hinder Water Beading? 

How to boost hydrophobics is a top priority for detailers, and Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer excels in this area. When applied over a ceramic base, it significantly enhanced water beading, forming tight, rolling beads that shed dirt effortlessly. Tests showed consistent sheeting even after multiple washes, reinforcing the coating’s self-cleaning properties. P&S Bead Maker added decent hydrophobics, producing good beading and sheeting but over-application can sometimes hinder existing ceramic properties, resulting in less uniform beads.

Can you use bead maker on any coating? Yes, but it performs best on waxes or sealants, where its water-repelling properties are solid but not at SiO2 levels. Gyeon scored 9/10 for hydrophobics, Bead Maker 7/10, making Gyeon the go-to for coating maintenance and hydrophobic enhancement. 

The Dust Test: Does Bead Maker's Formula Attract More Dust? 

Dust attraction is a common concern with toppers, and our tests revealed clear differences. Bead Maker’s polymer formula can generate static, attracting light dust in dry conditions. In a 48-hour test on the black panel, Bead Maker showed moderate dust accumulation approximately 20% more than untreated panels.

Recent versions, such as those with anti-static additives, reduce this issue, but it’s still noticeable in dry UK weather. Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer, with its SiO2-based formula, resisted dust better, showing minimal attraction in the same test, making it ideal for the UK’s often dusty roads. User reviews confirm Bead Maker’s slickness can draw fine particles, though regular washes mitigate this. Gyeon scored 8/10 for dust resistance, Bead Maker 6/10, highlighting Gyeon’s lower-maintenance advantage. 

Short-Term Durability: How Do They Hold Up After Two Washes? 

P&s bead maker durability and Gyeon’s longevity were evaluated after two pH-neutral washes using a gentle shampoo. Bead Maker retained 70-80% of its gloss and slickness, lasting 2-4 weeks in typical UK driving conditions, including rain and light road grime. Its polymer bonds provide decent resistance to environmental contaminants. Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer outperformed, maintaining 80-90% of its performance, with hydrophobics and gloss enduring 4-6 weeks. As a coating booster, it integrates seamlessly with the base layer, extending protection. Gyeon’s SiO2 formula gives it an edge for coated vehicles, scoring 8/10 to Bead Maker’s 7/10 in short-term durability, especially in the UK’s wet and salty conditions. 

Who Should Use P&S Bead Maker? The Gloss and Slickness Addict 

P&S Bead Maker is the ideal choice for detailers obsessed with extreme gloss and slickness. Its deep, candy-like shine and velvety feel make every touch-up a sensory delight, particularly for uncoated, waxed, or sealed vehicles. Beginners appreciate its forgiving application, and its affordability makes it a popular choice for those seeking professional results. Can you use bead maker on any coating? Absolutely, though it performs best on non-ceramic surfaces where its shine can take center stage. If dust attraction or consistent hydrophobics are concerns, pairing it with a ceramic base maximizes its strengths, delivering a stunning finish for gloss addicts. 

Who Should Use Gyeon Ceramic Detailer? The Gyeon Coating Owner 

Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer is tailored for ceramic coating owners, especially those using Gyeon products like Mohs Evo or CanCoat Evo. It’s the best quick detailer for coated cars for boosting hydrophobics, gloss, and durability without compromising the base layer. Its versatility across paint, glass, and trim, combined with its drying-aid function, makes it efficient for quick detailing sessions. Enthusiasts with coated cars value its system synergy, ensuring long-term protection against the UK’s harsh weather, from rain to road salt, making it a must-have for coating maintenance. 

Final Verdict: The Best Spray for That "Just Detailed" Look and Feel. 

Scorecard: 

Recommendation for Gloss Addicts: P&S Bead Maker is the best quick detailer for coated cars for extreme gloss and slickness, transforming any vehicle with a mirror-like finish. 
Recommendation for Coating Maintainers: Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer is ideal for boosting ceramic coatings, offering superior hydrophobics and durability. 

Pro Tip: Can You Layer Both Products? 

Layering toppers can amplify your results for a truly show-stopping finish. Apply Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer first to establish a robust SiO2 base, then follow with P&S Bead Maker for its unparalleled gloss and slickness. This combination enhances Gyeon’s hydrophobic properties while adding Bead Maker’s candy-like shine, typically lasting 3-4 weeks in regular driving conditions. Always test on a small area first, as applying Bead Maker before Gyeon may slightly reduce the latter’s beading performance due to its polymer composition. This hybrid approach delivers the ultimate “just detailed” look, blending the strengths of both products for a professional-grade result.

Frequently Asked Questions