Ceramic Coatings

A ceramic coating is a liquid that cures on the paint into a hard, slick layer, the longest-lasting protection you can apply yourself. The range runs from lite coatings such as CarPro CQuartz Lite to longer-life coatings such as CarPro CQUK 3.0, Autobead's one and two year coatings and Sonax Profiline, plus CarPro coatings for PPF, vinyl and leather.

How to choose

• Stated life runs from six months plus (CQuartz Lite) to four years (Sonax Profiline). Longer-life coatings are usually less forgiving to apply, so a lite coating is the easier first try.
• Match the surface: most are for paint, CQuartz Skin is for PPF and vinyl wrap, DLight covers PPF, plastics and paint, and CQuartz Leather 2.0 is for leather and vinyl.

Good to know

• The coating locks in the finish underneath, so polish out swirls first (Paint Correction), then strip oils with Panel Wipe & IPA so it can bond.
• Work one panel at a time under cover, level high spots before they cure, and keep the car dry for the stated cure time.
• Wash with a pH-neutral shampoo and top up with Ceramic Foams to keep it beading.

Is there a downside to ceramic coating a car?

Mainly the preparation. A coating locks in the finish underneath, so swirls have to be polished out and the paint stripped of oils before it goes on, and longer-life coatings are less forgiving to apply. The car then has to stay dry for the stated cure time. A lite coating is the easier first try.

How long does a ceramic coating last?

It depends on the coating: stated life in this range runs from six months plus for CarPro CQuartz Lite to four years for Sonax Profiline. A pH-neutral shampoo and a ceramic top-up help it keep beading.

Related: Paint Protection & Finish, Paint Sealants, Applicator Pads. Popular brands here: CarPro, Tenzi, Infinity Wax, Autobead.