Do ceramic coatings provide UV protection?

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.

What the question really means

When people ask if ceramic coatings provide UV protection, they are usually worried about paint fading, cloudy clear coat and sun damage to plastics and trim. Modern paint systems already contain UV inhibitors in the clear coat; a ceramic coating adds another sacrificial, UV-resistant layer on top, helping the clear coat stay clearer for longer.

How UV affects your car

• On the clear coat: UV and ozone together speed up oxidization, turning clear coat hazy, milky or chalky over time.
• On plastics and trim: Unprotected plastics can turn grey, dry and brittle when exposed to strong sunlight for years.
• On interiors: UV passing through glass can slowly fade fabrics, leather and plastics and is also a concern for skin.

What ceramic coatings actually protect against

• Slowing oxidization: The coating takes the brunt of UV-driven oxidization and weathering, helping the clear coat stay glossy instead of going cloudy.
• Helping against haze and dullness: By resisting oxidization and traffic film, the coating reduces the “tired” look that makes paint go flat and lifeless.
• Supporting the factory UV system: The car’s own clear coat still does the main UV-blocking job; the ceramic helps the clear coat survive longer so it can keep doing it.

Where ceramic UV protection helps most

• Dark colours that show dullness and hazing very quickly if the clear coat starts to oxidize.
• Cars that live outside all year, exposed to sun, rain and pollution rather than garaged most of the time.
• Bonnet, roof and upper panels that see the most direct sunlight and weather exposure over the car’s life.

What it cannot do

• Not a magic sunblock: A ceramic coating is microns thin. It can reduce the effects of UV and ozone on the clear coat but it cannot make paint completely immune to long-term sun damage.
• Won’t reverse existing fading: If paint or plastics are already faded or cloudy, they need restoring or refinishing before coating. The coating protects the improvement; it does not undo old damage.
• Not a substitute for window tint: Ceramic on glass is great for water behaviour, but if you want serious UV protection for skin or interiors, a quality window tint is the correct solution.

What can go wrong – and how to avoid it

• Expecting too much in hot climates: In very sunny regions, even the best coating cannot stop long-term ageing if the car is neglected. Regular washing and sensible parking still matter.
• Grey-market “UV miracle” products: Cheap sprays that promise to “block 100% of UV” are usually just basic sealants. We recommend proven ceramic systems from recognised manufacturers instead.
• Coating over tired paint: Applying ceramic to already hazy clear coat locks in the dullness. Proper polishing and inspection first are essential if you want the UV benefits to be noticeable.

Best-practice checklist

• Have the paint inspected so any early oxidization or haze can be corrected before coating is applied.
• Choose a professional ceramic system that specifically lists resistance to UV-driven oxidization as one of its benefits.
• Combine ceramic with sensible habits - regular washing, avoiding long-term bird mess and sap, and parking under cover where possible.
• Use window tint, blinds or sunshades if you are concerned about UV on skin or interior materials, especially for children and pets.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 21/11/2025 17:33