Here at Automotive Addiction, we offer two types of paint protection – ceramic paint protection and paint protection film (PPF). Both of these professional grade products ensure your car not only is protected from the elements and looks its very best for as long as possible, but also retains the very highest residual value.
Whichever option you choose, be it ceramic paint protection or PPF, both can be expertly applied in-house by our expert detailing team. Both options will require the paintwork to be skilfully machine polished to a perfect finish before the treatment is applied, a service which comes as standard at Automotive Addiction within any quoted price for your paint protection package.
In this article, we are focussing on the benefits of ceramic paint protection – otherwise known as ceramic coatings. Prefer to watch a video? Click here to view our Protection Services
What is a ceramic paint protection?
In the world of vehicle detailing and long-term car care, ceramic coatings have emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the last two decades. Once the preserve of high-end supercars and concours-winning classics, ceramic coatings are now available to a much broader audience. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or simply want to keep your daily driver looking showroom fresh, understanding what ceramic coatings are – and how they work – can help you make a smart investment in your car’s future.
What is it made of?
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer, often based on silicon dioxide (SiO₂) or titanium dioxide (TiO₂), that chemically bonds with a vehicle’s surface to form a semi-permanent, transparent, protective layer. Unlike waxes or sealants that simply sit on the surface, a ceramic coating becomes part of the surface, offering a level of durability and resistance that other products simply cannot match.
This invisible layer of protection offers enhanced hydrophobic properties, meaning water, dirt, and grime struggle to cling to the surface. The result? A vehicle that stays cleaner for longer, is easier to wash, and shines with a depth and gloss that turns heads.
The Technology Behind Ceramic Coatings
At its core, ceramic coating technology relies on nanoparticles – tiny molecules that fill microscopic gaps and pores in your vehicle’s paintwork and other surfaces. These particles create a hydrophobic matrix that forms a strong, chemically-bonded layer when cured.
Most high-quality ceramic coatings use nanotechnology to repel water and contaminants, resist minor scratches and swirl marks, provide strong UV resistance, enhance gloss and clarity and prevent oxidation and fading.
Some coatings also contain graphene oxide or hybrid formulas that improve thermal conductivity and anti-static properties. These newer generations can offer longer durability (up to 5–9 years in some cases), depending on the formula and quality of application.
Where Can Ceramic Coatings Be Applied?
One of the great advantages of ceramic coatings is their versatility. Available in a range of specialist variations we can apply protective ceramic coatings to almost every surface of your vehicle both external and internal. This is by far the most cost effective way to protect your investment.
1. Paintwork
This is the most common area for ceramic coatings. When properly prepped, a coated paint surface resists contaminants like bird droppings, bug splatter, tar, and acid rain, while maintaining a high-gloss finish.
2. Glass
Specialised ceramic coatings for glass can increase water repellency, improve visibility in rain, and make bug splatter and grime much easier to remove.
3. Alloy Wheels
Coating wheels offers protection against brake dust buildup, heat damage, road grime, and tar. It also makes cleaning quicker and safer.
4. Brake Calipers
Calipers are often coated to maintain their appearance under high temperatures and to resist dust, grime, and corrosion.
5. Plastic Trim
UV-resistant ceramic coatings prevent black trim from fading or greying, helping maintain that ‘new car’ look for years.
6. Arch Liners & Underbody Components
These are often neglected but can be coated to protect against salt, mud, and grime – especially important for winter protection.
7. Interior Surfaces
Some ceramic coatings are safe for interiors – protecting leather, Alcantara, fabric, and plastics against stains, spills, UV rays, and general wear.
8. Exhaust
Applying a heat resistant ceramic coating to your car’s exhaust system can help reduce carbon build up on the tips making cleaning a breeze.
9. Over The Top Of PPF
You can get specially formulated ceramic coatings that are designed to be applied over the top of paint protection film. Their unique formula allows the PPF to retain its self-healing properties, yet benefit from the enhanced hydrophobicity and gloss that ceramics are renowned for. This gives the best of both worlds and represents the ultimate in protection for your car.
The Paint Preparation Process: Where the Magic Begins
Applying a ceramic coating isn’t a simple wipe-on, walk-away process. The secret to a flawless, long-lasting finish lies in meticulous preparation. This multi-step approach ensures that the coating bonds directly to the clean, unblemished surface of the car.
Step 1: Wash and Decontamination
A deep clean removes all loose dirt, road grime, tar, iron fallout, and previous waxes or sealants. This includes using:
Pre-wash snow foam
Two-bucket wash method
Iron removers
Tar removers
Clay bars to pull embedded contaminants from the clear coat
Step 2: Paint Correction
The next stage is polishing the paint to remove swirl marks, holograms, light scratches, and oxidation. This may involve:
Single-stage polish for minor defects
Multi-stage correction for deeper imperfections
Correction is done using dual-action or rotary polishers, matched with the correct pads and compounds. This is a labour-intensive process – often taking 10 to 40+ hours depending on the car’s condition.
Step 3: Surface Preparation
After correction, the panels are wiped down with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or a dedicated panel wipe. This removes any polishing oils and residue to ensure the ceramic coating can properly bond with the surface.
Application and Curing: Why It Must Be Done Right
Ceramic coatings must be applied in a controlled, dust-free environment. Temperature and humidity must be within a specific range to ensure proper bonding and curing. This is why professional detailers such as Automotive Addiction often use climate-controlled studios with filtered air systems.
Application Process
A few drops of coating are applied to a suede applicator or sponge.
It’s spread evenly in small sections (e.g., a 50cm x 50cm square).
After a short “flashing” time (when the product begins to evaporate), it’s levelled and buffed with a clean microfibre towel.
Timing is critical – leave it too long, and it can become tacky or hazy. Wipe too soon, and the coating may not bond properly.
Curing
Once applied, the coating needs to cure:
Initial cure time is around 12–24 hours with no water contact, while a full chemical cure can take up to 7 days. Some detailers use infrared heat lamps to accelerate the curing process and harden the coating more effectively.
The Benefits of Ceramic Coatings
When applied correctly, ceramic coatings offer a host of long-term benefits that go far beyond simple aesthetics.
1. Paint Protection
While not offering the same level of protection as PPF, which can help combat stone chips and scratches, ceramic coatings do offer a higher level of protection than waxes of sealants such as increased resistance to chemical etching, UV damage, oxidation, and bird droppings. It also creates a sacrificial layer that helps preserve your clear coat.
2. Easier Cleaning
Thanks to its hydrophobic nature, water and dirt bead off the surface. This makes washing your car faster and less abrasive – reducing the risk of swirl marks.
3. Enhanced Gloss and Shine
A ceramic-coated vehicle looks freshly waxed – permanently. It gives an ultra-glossy, glass-like finish with outstanding clarity and depth.
4. Resistance to Swirl Marks
While it won’t prevent deep scratches or stone chips, the hardness of a ceramic layer (typically rated 9H on the pencil scale) does help reduce light swirl marks and marring.
5. Long-Term Value
Unlike waxes that last weeks or sealants that last months, a professional ceramic coating can last for years with proper maintenance.
Why Environment and Expertise Matter
Applying a ceramic coating at home with off-the-shelf products may seem appealing, but it won’t offer the same performance or durability as a professionally installed system. The controlled environment such as Automotive Addiction’s bespoke in-house detailing booth prevents dust, airborne particles, or temperature shifts from interfering with the coating process.
Additionally, inexperienced application can lead to streaks, high spots, or hazy finishes that are difficult to correct once cured. Professional detailers not only have the tools and training but also access to higher-grade products that are often unavailable to the public.
How Ceramic Coating Can Increase Your Car’s Value
A professionally applied ceramic coating isn’t just about looks – it’s an investment. A well-maintained, coated vehicle can attract a higher resale value for several reasons:
Reduced wear and tear: The paint and interior remain in better condition over time.
Service documentation: Professional detailing studios provide certificates and care packages that prove the coating was applied properly.
Perception of care: A ceramic-coated car suggests the owner cared deeply for its condition, making it more appealing to buyers.
In the world of collectible or performance vehicles, this can mean a substantial financial return, especially when paired with low mileage and documented service history.
Should You Invest In A Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coatings represent the pinnacle of modern car care. They combine cutting-edge nanotechnology, visual impact, and long-term protection into one package that can genuinely transform a vehicle’s look and longevity. However, they are only as good as the preparation, environment, and skill involved in their application.
Whether you’re preserving a classic, protecting a daily driver, or elevating a high-performance machine, ceramic coatings deliver both aesthetic satisfaction and practical advantages that far outweigh their cost. And when applied by a professional in a clean, dust-free studio, the results are not just stunning – they’re built to last.
For drivers who truly want the best for their vehicles, ceramic coatings aren’t just a luxury – they’re a smart, long-term investment in quality and value.
Contact us today!
For a quote to have your car ceramic coated contact Automotive Addiction today on 01952 780477 or check out our video on Youtube for more information and to see how our ceramic coating are applied and how they work.
