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  4. Are ceramic coatings just snake oil?

Are ceramic coatings just snake oil?

Quick answer: No - ceramic coatings aren’t snake oil; reputable products do what they promise and offer real benefits. The ‘snake oil’ bit is the hype and parlour tricks, so choose a trusted brand/installer and ignore gimmicks.

There are a few brands that everyone wants to sell, mainly because they are well known. They are established and have a good reputation. They do what they promise to do, and so for competitors, it is going to be hard to catch up, let alone knock them off the top spot.

When you are selling a layer of microscopic ceramic which is invisible to the naked eye, it's pretty difficult to differentiate yourself from the competition. Some will try and bundle up their coating with some other service, like key finding, air miles, or something else you can easily live without. Other's will make outlandish claims or resort to parlour tricks.

For the record, before ceramic coatings ever existed (and possibly before many of us were born), there were salesmen setting fire to lighter fluid on the bonnets of cars, claiming it was completely scratch proof, or you will never have to wash your car again. It was all nonsense then, and it's nonsense now.

You know the hype when you hear it, but there are many real benefits to a ceramic coating.

Aston-Martin with a ceramic coating
These results speak for themselves. There are many benefits to ceramic coatings, but it's hard to argue with the fact that they make paintwork look amazing. The metallic flecks in the paint of this Aston-Martin sparkle.

What it is

A ceramic coating is a very thin, hard, hydrophobic layer that bonds to clear coat. It helps resist chemicals and UV and makes washing easier. It doesn’t add visible thickness, fix damage, or mean you never need to wash the car. However, you should have to clean your car less often due to 'self cleaning'.

How it works

The coating cross-links on the surface to form a tight, slick film that reduces how grime and minerals stick. That’s why the car stays cleaner for longer and is simpler to maintain, especially after safe machine polishing.

Where it makes sense

  • New or freshly corrected paint you want to keep looking sharp.
  • Daily drivers that face weather, bird lime and road film.
  • Owners who will keep their car for many years and follow sensible wash methods.

What can go wrong - and how to avoid it

  • “Scratch-proof/never wash again” claims: Marketing. Coatings reduce marring but don’t make paint invincible - you still need good wash technique.
  • High spots and streaks: Caused by heavy application or late levelling. Apply thinly, level within the working time, inspect under bright lighting.
  • Trapped defects: Skipping decontamination or polishing locks in swirls and fallout. A full prep and polish should be done first, even on new cars.
  • Product confusion: “Ceramic wax” behaves like wax. If you want durability, use a true professional coating applied to prepared paint.

Best-practice checklist

  • Use an accredited installer and confirm the prep stages included.
  • Keep the car dry for the initial cure window and follow aftercare.
  • Wash regularly with safe methods; top up with compatible maintenance products if advised.

Written by . Last updated 31/10/2025 15:54

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