Is ceramic coating the same as liquid ceramic paint?
Quick answer: No – they’re different. A ceramic coating is a clear, microscopic layer applied over your existing paint; it isn’t paint. “Liquid ceramic paint” is a ceramic-filled paint used for buildings or specialist metal parts (e.g. Cerakote), not body panels.
Ceramic coatings are not the same as ceramic paints. There is no painting involved in coating a car with ceramic, it is a microscopic coating applied over your existing paintwork.
“Liquid Ceramic” is a brand of architectural coatings for houses – think exterior wall/roof paints with ceramic particulate in an acrylic binder, sold for buildings rather than cars. Beyond that, plenty of coatings in other fields use ceramic chemistry: ceramic-filled epoxies for corrosion control on steel and water tanks, and high-temperature ceramic finishes in automotive/industrial work – all aimed at durability and rust protection in tough environments, not replacing automotive paint.
Cerakote’s the brand people know from guns and hard-use parts, not car body paint. It’s a thin-film ceramic coating applied by trained applicators and then oven- or air-cured, built for abrasion, chemical and corrosion resistance on metals and certain polymers. In the automotive world it’s typically used on high-temp and under-bonnet hardware – headers, manifolds, turbo housings – rather than your painted panels, which is why it sits in a different category to ceramic coatings for clear coat.
Ceramic paints are ceramic suspended in acrylic paint and/or resin, which is designed to mimic the baked on ceramic coatings for metal that were common in the past.
Ceramic coatings are transparent and can be applied over paintwork, plastic, glass and metal.
What it is
“Ceramic coating” is a professionally applied protective layer that bonds to the clear coat. “Liquid ceramic paint” is loose branding used in different industries and doesn’t mean your car is repainted with a new kind of paint.
How it works
Your installer prepares the finish and applies a recognised coating that cures into a slick, durable film. It adds chemical and UV resistance and helps reduce wash marring. It does not replace clear coat, add visible thickness or repair defects.
Key differences at a glance
- Role: Clear coat is the primary protective lacquer; a ceramic coating is a secondary, sacrificial protector.
- Application: Paint and clear are sprayed in a bodyshop; coatings are installed on finished paint by accredited detailers.
- Repairability: Paintwork needs refinishing if damaged; coatings can be polished back and re-applied.
Where it makes sense
- Use a ceramic coating to keep a corrected finish looking sharp for longer with simpler washing.
- Choose paintwork only when clear coat is failing or panels need refinishing.
- If impact resistance is a priority, ask your installer about PPF on high-wear areas.
What can go wrong - and how to avoid it
- Product confusion: “Liquid ceramic paint” often just means a paint coating. It won’t make paint scratch-proof or remove defects.
- Overhyped claims: Treat brand terms and percentages with caution - judge by proven systems and installer accreditation.
- Marketplace products: Use accredited professionals with recognised systems.
- Skipping preparation: Performance depends on professional preparation and controlled curing.
Removal and reversibility
Coatings are semi-permanent. A professional can machine-polish to reduce or remove them, then re-coat after correction if required.
Best-practice checklist
- Choose a trusted, accredited installer and a recognised coating range.
- Ask what preparation is included and what aftercare is recommended.
- Assess results by ease of cleaning and gloss retention, not marketing labels.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 03/11/2025 16:29