Is there a ceramic coating for convertible roofs?

There are ceramic products for cabriolet hoods, but as yet, there are none we have been tempted to try.

There are ceramic coating suppliers who do coatings for convertible roofs, but they aren't ceramic products. We have used these, and they are on a par with 1-year coatings we currently use.

There are also products for soft tops which claim to contain ceramic; however, we have no reason to be confident that this is anything more than a marketing gimmick and will be any more effective than the dozens of other retail products which have "ceramic" on the label. Generally, these don't make any claim as to how long they last, and we think if they were especially durable they would boast about this.

We have run across ceramic products for hoods which claim to last 6–9 months, which is considerably shorter than any of the non-ceramic products we currently use. 

As yet, none of the reputable ceramic coating suppliers has come to us with a product for convertible tops which they claim is a leap forward. If they did, we would definitely be interested.  

What this question is really about

Owners asking this are usually trying to protect a fabric or mohair roof from water ingress, staining, algae, and fading - and want to know if ceramic coatings are suitable, or if there are ceramic products available which could offer the same long-term durability as a ceramic coating applied to hard substrates.

Is there a ceramic coating for convertible roofs?

Not in the way ceramic coatings are used on paintwork. Traditional ceramic coatings are designed for hard, non-porous surfaces. Convertible roofs are porous textiles and need a different type of protection.

What is actually used on fabric roofs

Convertible roofs are protected using specialist fabric coatings or proofers. These are designed to penetrate the fibres, rather than sit on top like a paint coating.

• They maintain breathability of the fabric
• They restore water repellency
• They help resist algae, lichen, and staining

Why ceramic coatings are not suitable for roofs

• Ceramic coatings are designed for solid surfaces
• They cannot bond correctly to fabric fibres
• They would not flex or breathe as the roof moves
• They would not address contamination within the fabric

Why some roof treatments are called “ceramic”

Some fabric protection products use ceramic-style language to appear modern and give the impression they might offer improved durability compared with older proofers. Although as yet, we have not seen any make claims they last longer than 6-months to 1-year, which is typical for older proofers. The addition of SiO2 many enhance the water beading ability. This does not mean they are the same as paint ceramic coatings.

What matters more than the name

• Thorough deep cleaning before any protection is applied
• Removal of algae, lichen, and ingrained dirt
• Using a fabric-specific coating designed for convertible roofs
• Allowing proper curing time before exposure to rain

What protection can realistically do

• Improve water beading and runoff
• Slow down re-growth of organic contamination
• Make routine cleaning easier
• Extend the cosmetic life of the roof

Best-practice takeaway

• There is no true paint-style ceramic coating for fabric roofs
• Convertible roofs require dedicated fabric protection systems
• Preparation and cleaning matter more than product names
• The right treatment preserves the roof without affecting breathability

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 16/01/2026 14:08