Are ceramic coatings the strongest car paintwork protection?
Quick answer: No. Paint Protection Film (PPF) is the toughest and most scratch-resistant. It can be visible and has edges that trap dirt. Ceramic coatings are far stronger than waxes and polymer sealants, and don't have PPF’s drawbacks.
The most scratch-proof paintwork protection is a Paint Protection Film (PPF) which is a self-adhesive sheet of soft vinyl which cover's most of your car's panels. However, it does have some disadvantages, It can be seen from close up, it doesn't cover up to the very edges of your body panels, and it has its own edges which can trap dirt.
Ceramic coatings, and related products such as graphene and diamond coatings, are far stronger than waxes and polymer sealants, and don't have the disadvantages of PPF.
What many people don’t realise is that “strongest” is contextual. A ceramic coating is superb for chemical resistance, hydrophobic properties, UV blocking and ease of cleaning, it’s miles ahead of wax and many sealants. But it’s still a thin film compared to the thickness of your paint’s clear coat. So under heavy mechanical abrasion such as stone chips, rock chips or deep scratches, even the best ceramic can only delay damage, not prevent it entirely. That’s where coatings and films work together: PPF (Paint Protection Film) handles the real hits, and the coating protects against the smaller, everyday wear.
It’s also worth pointing out that not all ceramic coatings are created equal. The professional-grade coatings we apply are chemically different from the spray-on sealants and bottled products you see on the shelf, even though they’re often marketed under the same “ceramic” label. Those retail versions are really just short-term sealants, they might give you a bit of gloss and water beading, but in most cases they fade within a year. A properly applied, fully cured professional coating is designed to bond with the clear coat and last for many years, provided it’s looked after correctly. Preparation is key: the surface has to be clean, polished and defect-free, otherwise contaminants get locked in and performance is compromised. So while professional ceramics are among the strongest paint protections available, they’re still not invincible, they work best as part of a layered defence that includes good washing habits and, where needed, additional protection like PPF.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 26/09/2025 14:36