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UV Inhibition

Quick answer: UV inhibition is a material’s ability to resist damage from ultraviolet light – slowing colour fade, chalking and clear-coat breakdown by using UV absorbers and light stabilisers.

What it means

Sunlight contains UV-A and UV-B that break chemical bonds in paints and plastics. UV inhibition comes from additives such as UV absorbers and HALS (hindered amine light stabilisers) in clear coats, films and some coatings. These convert or quench UV energy, so the finish keeps its gloss and colour for longer.

Why it matters

  • Preserves appearance: slows oxidation, yellowing and loss of gloss that make paint look tired.
  • Extends service life: delays clear-coat failure, cracking and chalking on exposed panels.
  • Complements protection: PPF and quality ceramics can add UV stability on top of the OEM clear coat.
  • Resale value: better long-term colour and gloss retention supports higher residuals.

Where you’ll see it

Claims such as “UV protection”, “UV inhibitors”, “HALS stabilised” or “xenon-tested” on clear coats, paint protection films and ceramic coatings.

Context

Car Paint Protection; Ceramic coatings; Paint Protection Film (PPF)

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a ceramic coating makes paint immune to UV – it can improve stability but the OEM clear coat is still the primary UV shield.
  • Believing PPF blocks all UV – many films reduce UV impact but still transmit some UV-A so colour can continue to age, just more slowly.
  • Judging UV protection only by “% SiO₂” or by beading – those do not directly indicate UV stability.

Written by . Last updated 06/11/2025 16:58

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