Are diamond coatings a gimmick?
Quick answer: No, synthetic diamond nano-rods can be added to ceramic coatings to give them extra strength. Although many products just have 'diamond' in the name, there are several coatings which use real diamonds.
Diamond coatings are not a gimmick. We can understand why it might look that way, after all, car care products have used Diamonds in their branding for years to hint that their protection is hard as diamonds. And if you were to tell us that a coating contained crushed up diamonds, we would be extremely dubious.
However, diamonds are actually a logical step for modern coatings which use carbon or silica on a molecular level.
The Diamonds in our diamond coating are synthetic diamond nano-rods. Since the days when we were making our houses from wattle and daub, it has been known that fibrous material adds strength. We added glass fibre to resin to make fibreglass, and today, impact resistant polymers contain fibres for strength. Diamond nano-rods serve the same function in a ceramic-diamond coating, forming a lattice which makes the coating especially durable.
What it is
“Diamond coatings” is a marketing label for ceramic systems that use diamond-like additives or nano-scale carbon within a modern coating. It does not mean crushed gemstones on your paint, and it is not a promise of scratch-proof paint.
How it works
Your installer applies a professionally formulated coating that cures into a tight film over the clear coat. Any diamond-related component is there to support the coating’s network, helping with durability and easy-clean behaviour when the base chemistry and preparation are right.
Where it makes sense
- Cars that are machine-polished to a high standard and need that finish preserved for longer.
- Daily drivers that face weather, road film and frequent washing.
- Owners who prefer accredited products with documented performance over headline names or percentages.
What can go wrong - and how to avoid it
- Overhyped claims: “Diamond” does not mean invincible. Judge systems by proven results and installer accreditation.
- Product confusion: Waxes or sprays with “diamond” in the name are not the same as professional coatings. Over the years, many brands and products have used 'diamond' in the name, with no claim that they contain actual diamonds.
- Skipping preparation: The coating only performs when paint is correctly prepared by your installer.
Best-practice checklist
- Choose a trusted, accredited installer and a recognised coating range.
- Ask what preparation is included and what aftercare is recommended.
- Assess the result by ease of cleaning and gloss retention rather than the word “diamond”.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 31/10/2025 17:13