Are ceramic coatings nano?

Ceramic coatings are nano, but not always in the way the marketing suggests. Nanotechnology simply means working at the scale of 1–100 nanometres (nm). A nanometre is one-billionth of a metre; put another way, a human hair is roughly 70,000–100,000 nm thick. In proper nano-ceramic coatings, the active particles (usually SiO₂, sometimes with TiO₂ or other additives) are engineered in that nano range so they can cross-link densely and bond to the clear coat.

So what size are we talking? In professional coatings, ceramic particles are typically ~20–100 nm. The cured layer you end up with on the car isn’t “nano-thick” — it’s usually around 0.5–2 microns (500–2,000 nm). That sounds thin because it is, but the magic is in the structure: tightly packed nanoscale particles forming a hard, chemically resistant network that boosts gloss, slickness and hydrophobic behaviour, and adds UV and chemical resistance.

 Along with 'glass-coating', 'ceramic' and 'graphene', 'Nano' has become a buzzword. They can be deceptively thrown on the labels of a whole host of products. The chemical industry which includes car care product and cosmetics are notorious for doing this. Experience has taught us to move past what a product is called, ask what it actually does.

So worth noting: not every bottle with “nano” on the label is the same thing. Many retail “ceramic” sprays are really SiO₂-infused sealants. They can bead water nicely, but they don’t form the same dense nano network or long-term bond, so durability is measured in weeks or months, not years. A professionally applied coating, on properly polished and decontaminated paint, gives you that true nano structure and the longevity people expect.

In short, “nano” refers to the particle size and chemistry, not hype. The right product, applied the right way, give benefits that are real and long-lasting.

What “nano” actually means for your car

In car care, “nano” simply means the coating chemistry is engineered at a very small scale so it can bond tightly to the clear coat and form a very thin, even film. It does not mean the layer is magically thick or indestructible – it means the particles are tiny enough to arrange themselves into a dense network that gives you gloss, slickness and chemical resistance in a film that is only microns thick.

How nano-ceramic coatings differ from old-school products

• Bonding: Traditional waxes and simple sealants cling to the surface mechanically; nano-ceramics form a chemical bond with the clear coat so they stay in place for years rather than months.
• Structure: Waxes are relatively soft and can move around or wash away; nano-ceramic coatings cure into a hard, cross-linked network that is much more resistant to chemicals and weathering.
• Thickness: Old-style products are often applied quite thickly but are easy to remove. Nano coatings are extremely thin but much more tenacious, which is why they are classed as semi-permanent.
• Behaviour in use: Where wax gradually stops beading and needs re-doing every few months, a proper nano-ceramic will keep beading and sheeting for years with sensible washing and occasional top-ups.

Where the “nano” label is genuinely useful

• It tells you that the product is based on modern coating chemistry rather than old-fashioned carnauba wax alone.
• It usually means the coating is designed to bond and cure, not just sit on the surface as a temporary film.
• It hints that the benefits are structural – tighter beading, easier washing and better chemical resistance – not just a temporary shine.
• When used by a professional brand, it often indicates a whole family of products (coating, toppers, cleaners) designed to work together at the same microscopic scale.

Where “nano” is mostly marketing

• Many quick-detailers and spray sealants use the word “nano” on the label even though they behave more like traditional sealants with a ceramic twist.
• Cheap kits that promise “nano protection for 10 years” from a single small bottle are usually relying on buzzwords rather than proven testing.
• Some products are just standard silicone or polymer sealants with a small amount of nano content added so the word can be printed on the packaging.
• If nobody can tell you who actually makes the chemistry, what prep is needed or how long it realistically lasts, the “nano” badge isn’t telling you much.

What “nano” cannot do on its own

• It doesn’t make the car scratch-proof: Nano or not, coatings are still extremely thin. They cannot stop stone chips or deep scratches from contact.
• It doesn’t fix poor paintwork: Swirls, sanding marks and dull resprays have to be corrected first. A nano-ceramic will faithfully preserve whatever finish it is applied to.
• It doesn’t remove the need for washing: Nano-structured coatings make washing easier and less frequent, but they do not stop the car getting dirty in the first place.
• It isn’t a guarantee of quality: “Nano” describes the scale of the particles, not how honest the warranty is, how well your car is prepared or how skilled the installer is.

Best-practice checklist when you see “nano” on the label

• Ask whether the product is a true, professionally applied nano-ceramic, or a short-term spray sealant designed as a top-up.
• Find out what preparation is included – decontamination and machine polishing are what allow any nano-coating to do its best work.
• Look for realistic durability claims backed by written guidance, not just big numbers and dramatic before-and-after pictures.
• Choose an installer who can explain, in plain English, what the “nano” part actually does for your car in day-to-day use.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 24/11/2025 14:25