Are there any bad ceramic coatings?
Quick answer: From reputable brands, not really. Most coatings work as claimed; failures usually come from poor prep/application or cheap rebadged “ceramic” sprays. Pick a proven product and an accredited installer.
We have tested products that we have not been happy with. Some products are formulated for supply to dealerships where skill levels may not be as high, they are easy to use, but we have had reason to doubt their effectiveness when compared to what we are already using -- which isn't to say they are 'bad' for what they are, but they don't meet our expectations. We have also had a salesman admit that their products are designed to give the impression that they are ceramic coatings when they are not!
Since ceramic coatings have become popular, some manufacturers of car care products have added ceramic to their sealants and called them 'ceramic coatings' in order to cash in. A retail product with ceramic in it may be a wonderful car wax with stunning hydrophobic properties, but is not the same as a professional ceramic coating. They are not permanent coatings and will usually last 6 months to a year.
Brands that are producing quality ceramic coatings, generally control who is permitted to sell it as a service. They will vet the agent, usually provide a training course and certification. So, anything you can buy online in a kit is dubious. Only buy genuine products from authorized outlets for reputable manufacturers.
Ceramic coatings are a high-value item, with professionals paying £50-£350 per 50ml bottle. Unsurprisingly, this makes it a prime target of counterfeiters and online scammers. We have been made aware of counterfeit products for sale on places like eBay.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 26/09/2025 16:26