Is a ceramic coating better than clear coat?
Quick answer: It isn’t an either-or. Clear coat is the factory-applied lacquer that gives your paint depth and UV protection. A ceramic coating is a very thin, durable layer applied on top of the clear coat to make the finish easier to clean and more resistant to chemicals and UV. It doesn’t replace clear coat or add meaningful thickness, but it does help the clear coat last longer and look better.
What is clear coat?
Modern cars use a “clear-over-base” paint system: primer, colour base coat, then a thick clear coat lacquer. Typical OEM clear coat build is around 35–50 microns (about 1.5–2.0 mil). If the clear is damaged or worn through, repainting is the fix.
What is a ceramic coating?
A ceramic coating bonds to the clear coat and cures into a hard, hydrophobic film that resists chemicals and UV, helps repel dirt and water, and reduces wash-induced marring. Typical thickness is roughly 1–3 microns per full application—microscopically thin compared with clear coat.
So... is a ceramic coating “better” than clear coat?
They do different jobs. Clear coat is the structural protective lacquer your paint system relies on; ceramic coatings are sacrificial, easy-clean layers that protect the clear coat. A coating is “better” for keeping a clear coat glossier and easier to maintain, but it cannot function as the clear coat itself and won’t fix failing lacquer.
Key differences at a glance
- Role: Clear coat = primary protective lacquer. Ceramic = secondary, sacrificial protector.
- Thickness: Clear coat ≈ 35–50 µm; ceramic ≈ 1–3 µm.
- Protection: Ceramic improves chemical and UV resistance and water repellence; it reduces the likelihood of light wash-marring but isn’t scratch-proof.
- Repairability: Clear-coat damage needs paintwork; ceramic layers can be polished away and re-applied.
Common misconceptions
- “Ceramic replaces clear coat.” No—it supplements it. If your clear is peeling or thin, a coating won’t restore it.
- “9H/10H hardness = scratch-proof.” Marketing shorthand. Pencil-hardness labels don’t translate to real-world scratch immunity. Proper washing still matters.
- “Thick like glass.” Coatings are microns thin, not a glass-like slab. Claims of big film build are usually exaggeration.
- Further reading: Myths and Misconceptions
When a ceramic coating makes sense
You want the car to stay glossier for longer with easier washing. A ceramic coating helps protect your car's paintwork, and has many benefits. Unlike waxes, ceramic coatings last years, so they make sense if you plan on keeping your car for a long time.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 31/10/2025 14:52