Does a ceramic coating fix stone chips?

No, a ceramic coating will not fix stone chips, as it is just a thin layer that goes over paintwork, metal, glass etc.

Ceramic coatings are very thin and practically invisible, and will do nothing to fill or cover a stone chip.

However, before a ceramic coating can be applied, the car needs to be prepared and the company that applies it for you should be able to make basic repairs such as stone chips. So stone chips, scratches and minor blemishes, including dents, will be attended to before the ceramic coating is put on your car.

Can Touch up paint be applied over ceramic coating?

Yes, if you do have stone chips after you have had a ceramic coating, a touch-up paint will work. Just apply it as normal, trying to fill the chip and keeping the area you paint to a minimum. You don't have to worry about the paint sliding off, there is enough to key to.

Can Ceramic coating be applied over touch-up paint?

Yes, it could be, but it probably isn't needed for repair areas that small. If you have damaged a panel on your car, and it has been repaired, you can take the car back to your detailer for them to re-coat the panel, but there is usually a charge. A repair area as small as stone chips probably do not warrant the money and expense on their own, unless you have used a professional stone chip service where they fill, sand and re-polish the chips. The sanding and re-polishing might cause a difference in finish to the panel that is worth rectifying.

Why a coating can’t repair chips

• Stone chips are physical paint loss caused by impact
• Ceramic coatings are extremely thin and sit on top of the surface
• They cannot replace missing layers of paint or clear coat

What a ceramic coating can do once chips already exist

While it won’t repair the damage, a ceramic coating can still play a useful role after chips have formed.

• Seals the surrounding paint, making it easier to keep clean
• Reduces staining and contamination around chipped areas
• Helps slow down corrosion around exposed edges when properly prepared

What actually fixes stone chips

• Proper touch-in paint repair
• SMART repair or localised paintwork
• Panel repainting in severe cases

Best-practice takeaway

• Ceramic coatings do not fix stone chips
• They can protect surrounding paint once chips exist
• Repair chips first if appearance matters

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 13/01/2026 15:47