What is nano-coating?

Nano-coating is another name for ceramic coating. The word 'nano' means small, and ceramic coatings work on a molecular level, making them 'nano-technology' after a fashion. However, this is not generally what we mean when we talk about nanotechnology.

Ceramic coatings are high-value products, and so there is a buzz and plenty of marketing hype surrounding them. When they first really broke into the market, they were sometimes marketed as 'the latest nanotechnology', however this tack has largely fallen by the wayside, largely because it is better just to say what they actually do and show photos and video of them than try to hype them up with fancy jargon. The internet also plays a part as companies are trying to chase the keyword that people are actually using and get to the top of Google. Chasing top page rankings means that it doesn't actually pay to try to stand out by being different and giving it a different name to what everybody is actually searching for. Therefore, you are now more likely to hear just, "ceramic coatings"

However, ceramic coating isn't the only type of nano-coating, and some coatings for leather and fabric are occasionally referred to as 'nano'.

What this question is really about

In car care, “nano coating” is mostly a naming habit from the early days of ceramic coatings. It is commonly used to describe the same family of paint protection - a professionally applied ceramic-style coating that bonds to the surface and improves durability and cleaning behaviour compared with traditional waxes and sealants.

Misconceptions and marketing traps

• “Nano” is a different product to ceramic - usually not. Most of the time, it is simply another label for a ceramic coating.
• “Nano” automatically means better - the word itself tells you very little. Performance depends on the actual coating, prep, and application.
• All nano/ceramic coatings last the same length of time - longevity varies widely with product type, thickness, prep standards, mileage, storage, and wash routine.
• Beading equals protection - water behaviour is useful, but it is not a reliable measure of how well a coating is protecting.
• It’s scratch-proof or maintenance-free - coatings reduce wash marring risk when maintained properly, but they do not make paint immune to scratches and they still need safe washing.

If someone is selling you a “nano coating”, what to ask

If a supplier uses the term “nano” without clarifying what it is, ask practical questions that reveal what you are actually getting.

• Is it a ceramic coating (and what is the product name)?
• Is it professionally applied or a quick wipe-on sealant?
• What preparation is included (wash, decontamination, machine polishing)?
• What maintenance is expected and what products should be avoided?
• What is covered by any warranty - and what is not?

Where confusion usually comes from

• Some businesses use “nano coating” to sound technical while offering a short-life sealant.
• Some use “ceramic” for everything, from spray toppers to true coatings.
• Different brands use different language - but the meaningful differences are in prep, chemistry, thickness, and aftercare.

Best-practice checklist

• Treat “nano coating” as a term, not a specification - confirm what product is being applied.
• Prioritise surface preparation and application standards over claims and buzzwords.
• Follow a safe wash method and suitable shampoo - coatings reward good technique.
• Assume maintenance is required - plan for periodic decontamination and inspection.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 05/01/2026 17:08