What Are Ceramic Coatings?

Ceramic coatings add a hard layer to paintwork, plastic trims , wheels and glass that helps repel contamination, dirt and dust & increases shine. They also protect the surface from UV damage and add protection against light swirls.

What areas can be coated?

Ceramic coatings are not restricted to paintwork. SiO2-based products have properties that are beneficial to a range of uses, and specialist ceramic coatings can be applied to different areas of your vehicle.

  • Exterior Trim: Silicon dioxide-based products ensures high quality half-a-year protection against both oxidation of materials and the destructive influence of chemicals. Q2 Trim has a formula that allows it to be applied on different vehicles’ parts: on plastics, unpainted panels, piano-trims and plastic headlight lenses to prevent UV damage and yellowing.
  • Exterior Glass: Glass coatings repel both water and dirt from the glass surface. It repels water for improved vision, and reduces dirt, tree fallout, bug droppings and bird droppings from sticking to the glass surfaces. UV protection aids protection of interior surfaces and tinted windows.
  • Wheels (faces and barrels): Similar to other SiO2-based coatings, wheel coating results in limiting the time needed to upkeep wheels (especially those with complicated designs).

Wax vs. Sealant vs. Ceramic Coating

Synthetic Sealants & Waxes

Short-term protection, easy application. Examples: Beading Marvellous, Carnauba wax

Organic waxes and synthetic sealants offer short-term protection against the elements. Where traditional organic waxes offer high shine & typically last 1-3 months, Synthetic Sealants often last longer as they give a boost of SiO2 which provides instant hydrophobic effects and deep shine and gloss from paintwork.

Quartz Spray Coatings (aka A Polymer Substance)

An interim between a synthetic sealant & true ceramic coating, saving time whilst providing medium resistance & longevity.

Quartz spray sealants are designed to provide excellent levels of protection and shine in an easy to use, time saving package. The SiO2 base often provides excellent water beading and sheeting properties,  with our example having high water contact angle from 100 degrees to ensure your vehicle stays as dry as possible.

  • Hydrophobic
  • 6-8 months durability
  • High chemical resistance

SiO2 Ceramic Coatings (aka Quartz Coatings, Glass Coatings, Silicon Dioxide Coatings)

Long-lasting protection, very high resistance, professional options cured under UV for extra strength

SiO2 coatings, sometimes known as glass, or quartz coatings, consist of nano particles of Silicon Dioxide suspended in a hard resin to repel contamination and increase shine.  SiO2 coatings provide a very distinct and highly-desired ‘wet’ look, and require minimal maintenance. Most Quartz Coatings resist chemicals from the range of PH2 to PH11. It also has self cleaning effects, delaying the build up of grime on your vehicle between cleans.

  • Anti static – helps repel dust from the paintwork
  • Resist light swirls – helps to resist wash marring and light swirling
  • UV Protection – helps prevent colours from fading and oxidisation
  • Easy maintenance – Makes cleaning your vehicle much easier
  • High shine ‘wet-look’ & mirror finish – deep gloss & paint clarity
  • Hydrophobic properties – One of the most sought-after benefits of coatings, promote water beading & sheeting
  • Anti-calcium – Help prevent water spots
  • Chemical resistance & dirt-deflection – resist chemicals from the range of PH2 to PH11 helping paintwork stay cleaner for longer

Professional ceramic coatings can have different final finishes applied. Some produce wax-like beading on the paintwork to replicate a show wax, whereas others sheet water directly off the paintwork.


Note: Paint detailing preparation is a requirement prior to any ceramic coating. Ceramic coatings do not fill the appearance of swirl marks or other defects, so these must be addressed prior to ceramic coating application. Ceramic coatings must also be applied in a controlled environment and allowed to cure before they are exposed to the elements.


Salem Speed & Performance Offers Super-Hydrophobic Paint & Surface Protection Coating Benefits

We offer the ultimate in protection. Ceramic coatings give your car an unbeatable gloss and many benefits such as scratch resistance, easier cleaning, chemical resistance, and protection that lasts for years. Book your appointment online today!

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