Is silica dioxide content important in ceramic coatings?

There is a degree of marketing hype to claims of silica content, which gives the impression that silica is some exotic and expensive ingredient which lesser companies skimp on to save money. Just like the consumer, we get most of our information about these products from marketing departments and salesmen, who, in general, give us the impression that they know less about these products than we do.

We have often heard the claim that a coating is inferior because it contains less silica, but is that really the reason, or is it because it's a product that mixes silica with wax, and wax is the weak link? It may very well be true that retail products contain less silica, we doubt this is the sole reason why they are inferior products.

Conversely, we have sometimes been told that a product is superior because it has the highest silica content, but would an extra pinch of silica actually make a difference? If adding an extra 1% of silica makes the product better, wouldn't they all be doing it?

You never hear a builder claim that their concrete is better because it contains extra cement because we know that the mix needs to be right, with enough cement to make it work. Any of us can go online and buy a bag of silica fairly cheaply, which is 100% silica, but we know that this wouldn't be a better product for coating your car. 

We remain highly sceptical, we hope you will too because it helps keep everybody honest.

Rather than shopping the spec sheet, choose the hands that apply it. A detailer you trust will have tested their preferred systems, knows how they behave in our climate, and will put a proven product on your car. Preparation and application make the difference now that most leading coatings are exceptional.

To blow our own trumpet for a moment: we’re one of the few who offer a choice of brands. We can do that because we’re a larger outfit that sees a lot of cars, and we’re not tied to a franchise or locked into a single badge. That lets us pick the product that suits you.

What it is

“SiO₂ content” is a marketing claim about the amount of silica precursors in a product. It isn’t standardised across brands and doesn’t tell you how well the cured film will perform on the car.

How it works

Your installer applies a professionally formulated coating that cures into a tight network on the clear coat. Real-world durability comes from the chemistry, surface preparation and controlled curing — not a single percentage on a label.

What can go wrong – and how to avoid it

• Chasing the highest %: Ignores formulation and film formation. Judge by proven systems, accreditation and track record.
• Mixing categories: “Ceramic wax” or sprays aren’t the same as professional coatings; expect shorter life and different behaviour.
• Marketplace products: We discourage buying mystery bottles of product online. Use accredited professionals with known products.
• Skipping prep: The coating will only perform if the paint is properly prepared by your installer.

Best-practice checklist

• Choose an accredited installer and a recognised coating system.
• Ask what preparation is included and what aftercare is recommended.
• Assess results by ease of cleaning, gloss retention and warranty support — not headline chemistry percentages.

What this question is really about

When people ask whether silica dioxide (SiO2) content is important, they are usually comparing products on paper. The assumption is that a higher percentage must mean a better, stronger, or longer-lasting coating.

Why SiO2 gets used as a headline figure

SiO2 is a key component in many ceramic coatings, so it is easy to market. A percentage figure looks technical and measurable, which makes it appealing in product comparisons.

• It sounds scientific and precise
• It gives the impression of “more is better”
• It is simple to print on a label

What the percentage alone does not tell you

The stated SiO2 content does not explain how the coating is formulated, how it bonds, how it cures, or how it behaves once applied. Performance depends on the complete formulation, not a single ingredient percentage.

• Carrier solvents and resins affect application and bonding
• Curing behaviour affects durability
• Layer structure influences performance
• Application technique changes real-world results

Why very high percentages can be misleading

Extremely high quoted SiO2 percentages are often used for marketing impact. In practice, coatings need balance. Too much focus on one component does not automatically translate to better protection or easier use.

What matters more than the percentage

• How well the coating bonds to the paint
• How stable it is once cured
• How it performs in real-world washing and contamination
• The quality of preparation before application

Best-practice way to judge a ceramic coating

• Look at proven performance rather than headline numbers
• Consider installer experience and track record
• Focus on durability, gloss retention, and ease of maintenance
• Treat SiO2 percentage as one small part of a much bigger picture

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 11/02/2026 14:07