Are ceramic coatings the strongest car paintwork protection?

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.

What it is

“Strongest” paint protection can mean different things. Paint protection film is a thick, self-adhesive polyurethane layer that takes the brunt of physical damage. A ceramic coating is a microns-thin, glass-like layer bonded to the clear coat that mainly boosts chemical resistance, UV protection and ease of cleaning. Waxes and simple sealants sit at the bottom of the strength scale and wear away much faster.

How ceramic coatings and PPF share the work

PPF absorbs impacts and light abrasion because it is soft, thick and self-healing within limits. It physically shields the paint from stone chips and scuffs in high-impact areas such as bonnets, bumpers and door edges. A ceramic coating forms a hard, slick surface that makes it harder for dirt, traffic film and chemicals to stick and makes washing easier. On many cars the best result is a layered system where PPF protects the most vulnerable panels and a ceramic coating protects the rest of the paint and the film itself.

Key benefits of ceramic compared with other protections

• Much tougher and longer lasting than waxes and basic polymer sealants, so the car stays easier to wash for years instead of months.
• Excellent resistance to chemicals, UV light and everyday contamination such as bird mess and traffic film.
• Very glossy, slick finish without visible edges, so the car still looks like painted metal, not a wrapped panel.
• Can be applied to paint, wheels, trim and glass as part of one protection package.

Where ceramic coatings make the most sense

• Daily-driven cars where the main goal is easy washing, gloss and long-term resistance to road film, bird mess and weather.
• Owners who dislike the idea of visible panel edges or seams that can sometimes be seen with PPF close up.
• Cars that live outside most of the time and need strong chemical and UV protection rather than full impact shielding.
• Situations where budget will comfortably cover professional preparation and coating, but a full PPF wrap would be excessive.

When you should consider PPF as well

• High-value or highly cherished cars where stone chips and scuffs on the front end would be very upsetting.
• Cars that spend a lot of time on fast roads, follow lorries, or see track-days, where the risk of impact damage is higher.
• Flat fronted cars, large SUVs and performance cars with wide tyres that tend to throw up more debris.
• Areas that are constantly knocked, such as door edges, boot lips and sill tops, where film can quietly absorb repeated hits.

What it cannot do

• Not bullet proof: Even with PPF and ceramic combined, heavy impacts, sharp objects and serious accidents can still damage paintwork.
• Not a cure for poor washing: Automatic brushes, gritty sponges and harsh chemicals can still mark coatings and films.
• Not a way to hide existing defects: Scratches, sanding marks and poor paintwork need to be corrected before protection is applied.

What can go wrong - and how to avoid it

• Chasing the word “strongest”: Focusing only on toughness can lead to the wrong choice. Decide what you most want to protect against - impacts, chemicals or day-to-day grime - and choose the system that fits.
• Mixing cheap products: Low-cost “ceramic” sprays from marketplaces are often just short-term sealants. They do not offer the same strength as a professional coating and can confuse expectations.
• Skipping preparation: Protection works only as well as the surface it is bonded to. Proper cleaning and polishing by an accredited professional are vital before either PPF or ceramic is applied.

Using ceramic coatings and PPF together

On many cars the best protection is a combination: PPF takes the hits on the most vulnerable panels, and a ceramic coating is applied over the top of the film and on the remaining painted areas. This layered approach gives strong impact resistance where you need it, plus long-term gloss and easy maintenance across the whole car.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 21/11/2025 16:20