Do ceramic coatings provide UV protection?
Quick answer: Yes, quality ceramic coatings contain UV inhibitors that help slow oxidation and fading of the clearcoat. They won’t stop sun damage entirely or reverse existing fade.
Ceramic coatings are made of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) or similar compounds that bond at the molecular level with your clear coat. These compounds have UV-absorbing and UV-reflective properties, a bit like the ingredients in sunscreen. Even though the layer is ultra-thin, measured in microns or less, it creates a surface barrier that interrupts or absorbs a portion of the UV radiation before it can penetrate deeper into the paint system.
Think of it like the anti-UV coating on glasses: you can’t see it, it’s wafer thin, but it changes how light passes through. Or window tints and films — often only microns thick — yet they can block a huge percentage of UV.
With that said, ceramic coatings don't need to provide any UV protection for your colour-coat, as the clear-coat takes care of that. Modern clear coats are very good at UV protection and colour coats are very stable, so you don't have to worry about fading... especially not in the UK, where our rainy season lasts most of the year.
This is a question more often of concern for people in sunnier climates like Arizona, But we really don't think even they need worry for the reason just stated. As the clear coat on your car provides UV protection to the base coat, ceramic coatings help most by protecting your clear coat.
Ceramic coatings will protect against the effects of UV radiation and ozone
UV light speeds up oxidization to the surface of your car by reacting with ozone, making your clearcoat appear hazy and milky. Ceramic coatings are extremely resistant to oxidization and so solve that problem.
Ceramic on glass
While ceramic coatings can be used on glass, if you are looking for UV protection, a window tint is the solution you are looking for. Sunlight contains UVA and UVB which can be harmful to your skin, and cause fading to your interior. A good quality window tint can block as much as 99% of UV radiation. I go into the subject of UV protection in far greater detail here.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 26/09/2025 16:28
-
Service: Car Ceramic Coatings
We offer a range of Graphene, Diamond and Ceramic Coatings for cars of all types. -
How much should a ceramic coating cost?
How do you know if you are paying too much for a ceramic coating, or if the price is too low? Do you always get what you pay for? What are you paying for, and are all ceramic coatings the same?