Ceramic Fills Scratches
Quick answer: Myth. Ceramic coatings do not fill or remove scratches. They cure as a very thin, hard, clear film that can mask light haze slightly, but true scratches and swirls remain until they are polished out or refinished.
What it means
“Filling” implies adding material to level a gouge. Wipe-on ceramics cure in a sub-micron to microns-thin layer and follow the existing surface – they don’t level defects like fresh clear coat. Glazes and oily polishes can temporarily hide micro-marring (until washed), while paint correction actually removes a tiny amount of clear to level the defect. Ceramics mainly add chemical resistance and easier cleaning; they are not body filler.
Why it matters
- Expectation setting: stops overselling – coatings improve resistance and appearance but won’t erase scratches.
- Process planning: proper decontamination and machine polishing are required before coating for a truly glossy result.
- Finish quality: coating over swirls locks the look in; on dark colours the defects remain visible under raking light.
- Cost clarity: distinguishes between correction time and the coating application cost.
Where you’ll see it
Marketing claims, customer FAQs before booking, and after DIY applications where swirls seem unchanged once the car is in sunlight.
Context
Car Paint Protection; Ceramic coatings; Marketing claims
Common mistakes
- Skipping correction: applying ceramic over swirls expecting them to disappear.
- Over-applying to “build thickness”: thicker wipe-on layers just streak and create high spots – they don’t level scratches.
- Confusing glaze with coating: temporary fillers can hide marks until the first strong wash or panel wipe.
- Taking “self-heal” literally: ceramics resist light marring; PPF is the product with credible heat-assisted swirl recovery.
- Judging under shop lights only: always check under raking light and daylight to assess remaining defects.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 07/11/2025 15:12