What is SiO2?
Quick answer: SiO2 is silicon dioxide (silica/quartz), a hard, chemically resistant insulator. It’s the main ingredient in most ceramic coatings; in certain forms it’s highly hydrophobic, helping water bead and run off.
SiO2 is silica dioxide, also known as silica or quartz, a compound made up of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is a common mineral found in the earth's crust and is a key component of many types of rock, including sand, and granite. SiO2 is also known as silica or silicon dioxide. It is a hard, crystalline substance that is resistant to chemical attack and is an excellent insulator.
It is the core ingredient in the majority of ceramic coatings. It is a common element and the raw material isn't expensive by any means, but it takes a certain kind of magic to turn it into a ceramic coating.
While silica is essentially sand, in certain forms, silica dioxide can become highly hydrophobic, making it an idea ingredient for waterproof coatings.
You’ll often hear the words silicon, silica (SiO₂) and silicone used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Our coatings are built on silica / SiO₂ chemistry that bonds to the clear coat and cures into a hard, glass-like network. Some formulas also include organosilicone resins (siloxanes) as modifiers. These don’t turn it into 'just silicone', they tweak the behaviour, extra slickness, stronger water beading, better spread and self-levelling during application, without replacing the underlying SiO₂ backbone that gives durability and chemical resistance.
It’s also why supermarket “ceramic” sprays feel super slippery: many rely heavily on silicone polymers for fast gloss and hydrophobics. Nothing wrong with that as a topper, but it isn’t the same as a true nano-ceramic that cross-links with the paint. One practical note: fresh, uncured silicones can cause fisheyes if you’re about to paint a panel, which is why bodyshops are wary of “silicone.” A fully cured ceramic coating is different, it’s inert and stable. If a panel ever needs repainting, we simply decontaminate and mechanically prepare it as usual. In short: SiO₂ gives the hard, long-term protection; silicone components, when present, are there to fine-tune application and slickness, not to replace the ceramic.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 29/09/2025 13:48