Knowledge Base
Car Paint Protection
FAQ
What is ceramic polish?

What is ceramic polish?

Quick answer: A “ceramic polish” is usually a combination product that mixes a traditional polish or wax with ceramic particles or SiO₂, giving some gloss, filling and water beading, but it is not the same as a true ceramic coating and its “ceramic” claims are largely marketing.

The idea of a ceramic polish, on its face, makes very little sense to us, and so we need to find an example and pick apart what it claims to do. The only product we are aware of which is a 'ceramic polish' is Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Wax Polish.

Update: There are now other reputable brands such as Sonax and Nautical1 making all-in-one or 3-in-1 products.

Waxes and polishes are two different things, and so we would class this as a combination product, yet Turtle Wax call this a hybrid, which might be their name for the same thing.

The product claims to polish, removing light swirls and scratches, which are claims we are sceptical about as hand polishes are generally unable to remove scratches, although they may soften them.

The polish claims 'precision platelet technology', which we assume to mean it uses abrasives which are oblate spheroids, which use because of their shape, become more aggressive abrasives when pressure is applied to them.

It also claims to combine wax and Si02 ceramic. Wax is an ingredient which is soft and doesn't last long, while silica is hard and very durable. As a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, we would be very sceptical if this product were making claims of durability anywhere near that of a ceramic coating. However, it makes no such claims, instead it claims "incredible water-beading" and "chemical-resistance".

It should be noted, that ceramic microbeads have been added to waxes for decades as a filler and light diffuser, and are completely unrelated to ceramic coating. Products marketed towards dark-coloured cars most often contained ceramic microbeads, as they can fill light scratches and diffuse light away from the edges of the scratch, making it less noticeable.

Indeed, Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Wax Polish may well be designed for black cars; however, it is hard to know for sure as on their website, they seem to have copy/pasted in the description for Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Acrylic Black Car Wax.

In summary, we have not tested these products and have no intention of doing so. The company's claims of what it does seem reasonable enough, as a product with platelet abrasives and ceramic microbeads would certainly reduce and hide scratches. However, the use of 'hybrid' and 'ceramic' in the name appear to be marketing hype aimed at riding the coat tails of ceramic coatings. With that said, many retail products now contain silica and it genuinely does create amazing hydrophobic effects.

As it is a polish, we would not recommend these products be used over the top of professional ceramic coating as they may damage it.

What it is

“Ceramic polish” is usually a fine finishing polish or all-in-one product that combines light abrasives with a ceramic-infused sealant. It can tidy up light marks and leave a short-term, ceramic-style protective layer, but it is not the same as a professional, semi-permanent ceramic coating. Think of it as a modern polish-and-seal product rather than a full-blown coating system.

How it works

Your detailer may use a ceramic polish in two main ways. As a stand-alone service, it is machine-worked over the paint to refine light swirls and haze, then left to cure so the ceramic-infused resins form a thin, hydrophobic film. As part of a bigger preparation, it can be used as a final refining polish, with any residue then removed using a panel wipe before a dedicated ceramic coating is applied. In both cases, the “ceramic” part behaves more like a durable sealant than a thick, semi-permanent coating.

Key benefits

Gives a noticeable gloss boost and cleans up light wash marring and dullness in a single step.
Leaves a slick, water-repellent finish that behaves more like a modern sealant than a simple wax.
Offers a lower-cost way to get some “ceramic feel” on a car that may not justify a full coating package.

Where it makes sense

Everyday cars that need a tidy-up and a few months of easier washing, without committing to a full correction and ceramic coating.
Older or lower-value cars where you want them to look fresher, but do not want to invest in extensive machine polishing and multi-year protection.
As a maintenance or top-up step on previously corrected cars that now only need light refining and a fresh protective layer.
Less appropriate if you specifically want a long-term, semi-permanent ceramic coating with multi-year durability and warranty-style support.

What can go wrong – and how to avoid it

Confusing it with a true coating – some marketing makes ceramic polishes sound like full ceramic coatings. Ask your installer how long the protection realistically lasts and whether it is a polish-and-seal service or a separate, semi-permanent coating.
DIY “ceramic polishes” from marketplaces – many cheap products sold online promise dramatic “9H ceramic” results but behave more like thick glazes. They can clog the paint, mask defects temporarily and make proper preparation harder. It is safer to let an accredited professional choose the right polishes for your car and your long-term plan.
Polishes damage ceramic coatings - because polishes are abrasive they will, over time, damage a professional ceramic coating and should not be used. If you feel your car needs a polish, it could mean there is a problem with the coating, and you should contact your detailer for advice.

What you should ask next

Is ceramic polish or a true ceramic coating better for my car?

A ceramic polish is an all-in-one, polish and wax products, which also has ceramic to make it hydrophobic. It is not a true ceramic coating. We believe professionally applied ceramic coatings are better for your car and offer many benefits over a combination product or any other type of sacrificial layer.

Can you later upgrade from ceramic polish to a full coating?

Yes, ceramic waxes and polishes are temporary, lasting just a few months. They are easy to strip off so you can upgrade to a permanent coating.

Services

🔥🔷 Car Polishing
We machine polish away wash marks, light scratches and dull paintwork, buffing it to a high shine and making your car look like new, or even better.
🔥🔥🔷 Ceramic Coating Paint Protection Service
Protect your investment with durable ceramic coating that bonds to your clearcoat, resisting traffic film, bird lime and tree sap while enhancing colour depth and mirror gloss.