What surfaces can graphene coatings be applied to?

Graphene coatings aren’t just for paint. Their nano-scale structure and bonding properties make them surprisingly versatile. Below are the surfaces that work well, the ones that need extra care, and a few to avoid.

Paint / Clear Coat

Graphene coatings bond best to painted surfaces with a clear coat. If the paint has defects, oxidation or contamination, correct those first because graphene won’t hide flaws; it will lock them in. But applied properly to prepared paintwork, the finish is astonishing.

Glass / Windows

Yes, graphene can be applied to glass. Expect crisper clarity, less sheeting and easier cleaning. Adhesion behaves differently on glass, so prep must be meticulous: remove mineral deposits, wipe with high-purity alcohol, and ensure a dry, contaminant-free surface. There are however some issues with applying coatings to windscreens where water clings to windscreen wipers when driving at low speeds -- some people don't mind this, some find it annoying. 

Plastics / Trim

Rigid exterior plastics (ABS, PC, painted bumpers, mirror housings) can be coated. Because plastics expand and contract more than metal, a graphene-infused formula with some flexibility helps. Low-surface-energy plastics (e.g., polypropylene) may need adhesion promoters to ensure a reliable bond. Coatings can prevent the staining and oxidization which plagues plastic headlights on modern cars. 

Metal & Bare Metal (Chrome, Aluminium)

Polished aluminium and chrome trim are compatible if they’re perfectly clean and lightly etched or deoxidised first. The coating helps resist oxidation and keeps maintenance simple, often enhancing shine, reflectivity and resisting staining.

Wheels, Callipers & Engine Bay

Wheels (painted or powder-coated) and callipers benefit from easier cleaning and good chemical resistance. Heat tolerance is better than waxes and many polymers, but extreme temperatures (e.g., rotors) exceed the coating’s limits. In engine bays, thorough degreasing is essential before application.

Note: There are speciality high-temperature coatings which are formulated especially for wheels and brake callipers, should you require it. Applying coatings to callipers is not a standard service because frankly, most people don't care, but on some sporty models of car, the callipers are a feature. Likewise, the engine bay is not a feature on most cars and is not standard for professionals providing a coating service.

Where It Shouldn’t Go

• Unpainted rubber and tyres — too porous, too much movement.
• Soft plastics/vinyl with low surface energy — bonding is unreliable.
• Highly porous materials (stone, concrete, fabrics) — not the intended substrate.
• Surfaces that exceed the coating’s heat rating — it won’t survive long-term.

Bottom line: graphene loves smooth, hard, clean surfaces. Preparation is everything -- get the substrate right and the coating will perform beautifully.

What it is

Automotive “graphene coatings” are ceramic coatings with graphene or graphene-oxide additives. They bond to clear coat as a microns-thin, semi-permanent film applied by accredited professionals.

How it works

Your installer prepares the surface, then applies a recognised system that cures into a tight, slick network. Different formulas exist for paint, films, glass, wheels and trim to suit the material and temperature range.

Key benefits

• Easier washing and slower build-up of traffic film.
• Durable chemical and UV resistance in daily use.
• Slick feel that helps reduce light wash-marring.

Where it makes sense (surface by surface)

• Paint & clear coat: The primary use. Preserves a corrected finish for years.
• PPF (paint protection film): Use a film-safe top coat that won’t affect self-healing or add unwanted gloss.
• Vinyl wraps (gloss, satin, matte): Use wrap-safe products; matte/satin need coatings that won’t increase shine.
• Glass: Use a dedicated glass coating for wipers and weathering.
• Wheels & calipers: High-temp wheel coatings resist hot dust and strong cleaners.
• Exterior plastics & trim: Many coatings suit textured and smooth plastics to help prevent fading.
• Convertible fabric hoods & interior textiles: Not suitable for paint coatings – use dedicated fabric proofers.

What can go wrong – and how to avoid it

• Wrong product on the wrong surface: Cabriolet hoods need specific formulas; matte finishes need matte-safe options.
• Locked-in defects: Poor preparation shows through on any surface; accredited installers correct and clean first.

Removal and reversibility

Graphene ceramics are semi-permanent. They are not stripped by solvents, caustics or acids; significant removal or reset is by abrasion – machine polishing and, if needed, wet-sanding – carried out by a professional. This could be an irreversible problem if coatings are applied to plastic, glass etc.

Best-practice checklist

• Choose an accredited installer and a recognised coating range matched to each surface.
• Agree which need fabric or glass-specific products.
• Follow simple aftercare, so performance stays high for years.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 14/11/2025 14:45