Is there anything better than a ceramic coating?

There are a few products which might improve or be better than a ceramic coating.

The first is diamond coating. This is essentially a ceramic coating which also contains diamond nano-rods. These are very tough and because of their shape can form very strong bonds. In terms of finish, you probably won't notice much difference to the shine, but diamond coatings are reputed to be stronger and more durable.

The second product which is better than ceramic is graphene coatings.  Instead of silica, this product contains sheets of graphene, which are also exceptionally tough, and our testing has shown this to be noticeably better than ceramic in terms of durability, and it's ability to stay clean and repel water. It also has a very slight tint to it, which deepens the colour of your paintwork. 

Thirdly, there are also coating which contain Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) - This further tweaks the formula for extra gloss and UV protection. Fireball rates their Titanium+Ceramic Coating higher than their Graphene Coating.

What this question is really about

When people ask whether there is anything better than a ceramic coating, they are usually not questioning the quality of ceramic coatings themselves. They are trying to understand whether another option offers stronger protection, fewer limitations, or better real-world results for their type of car and usage.

Why “better” depends on what you mean

Ceramic coatings are very good at what they are designed to do - chemical resistance, ease of cleaning, and cosmetic preservation. They are not designed to absorb impact or physically shield paint.

• If “better” means easier cleaning and chemical resistance, ceramic coatings are already near the top
• If “better” means impact protection, ceramic coatings are not the right tool
• If “better” means zero maintenance, no coating qualifies, but coating do significantly reduce maintenance.

Where paint protection film is genuinely better

Paint protection film (PPF) does something ceramic coatings cannot - it provides a physical barrier.

• Absorbs stone impacts and road debris
• Protects against abrasion in high-contact areas
• Can self-heal light marks with heat

However, this comes with higher cost, visible edges in some areas, and eventual film ageing. It also doesn't provide the high gloss finish you get from ceramic coatings, nor the ease of maintenance.

Where ceramic coatings still win

• Easier and safer washing across the whole car
• Uniform protection without seams or joins
• Lower cost compared with full-vehicle PPF
• No risk of film lift or edge contamination

Why combining systems often works best

In practice, the most effective solution is often a combination rather than a replacement.

• PPF on high-impact areas like the front bumper and bonnet
• Ceramic coating over the rest of the vehicle
• Ceramic coating applied on top of PPF to aid cleaning

Common misconceptions

• There must be a single “ultimate” coating - protection is task-specific
• Harder coatings replace PPF - hardness does not equal impact resistance
• Longer warranty means better protection - maintenance and use matter more

Best-practice takeaway

• Define what “better” means for your car and how it is used
• Use ceramic coatings for chemical resistance and ease of care
• Use PPF where physical protection is required
• Combine systems when appropriate rather than chasing a single solution*

* Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coatings are both expensive. Combining the two isn't really going to be cost-effective for the majority of vehicles. We believe almost every car can benefit from a ceramic coating, that means your Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf daily-driver. This is why we offer a range of ceramic coatings at different price points, and believe that ceramic coatings are the best all-round solution for most people.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 06/01/2026 15:21