Can a Ceramic-Coated Car Still Get Scratches?

Ceramic coatings have become one of the most popular forms of paint protection in the automotive
industry, and for good reason. They offer exceptional gloss, hydrophobic properties, and long-term
protection from the elements. But one of the most frequently asked questions by car owners is: Can a
ceramic-coated car still get scratched?

The answer is: Yes, it can. However, the story doesn’t end there.

Understanding What a Ceramic Coating Really Does

Ceramic coatings, often referred to as nano-coatings, are liquid polymers that chemically bond to a vehicle’s
clear coat. When properly applied and cured, they form a semi-permanent protective layer on top of the
paint surface.

This layer offers several key benefits:

• UV Protection: Helps prevent oxidation and fading from sun exposure
  Chemical Resistance: Guards against bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, and road salts
  Hydrophobic Effect: Repels water, making the car easier to clean
  Gloss Enhancement: Gives a deep, mirror-like shine
  Reduced Light Swirling: Adds a level of hardness to the paint, reducing light scratches during
  washing

But despite these benefits, ceramic coatings do have their limitations.

Scratch-Resistant, Not Scratch-Proof

One of the biggest misconceptions about ceramic coatings is that they make a car scratch-proof. In reality,
coatings are scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof.

Ceramic coatings typically have a hardness rating between 9H and 10H on the pencil hardness scale. This
means they can resist light scratches, such as those caused by dust or improper drying, far better than
uncoated paint.

However, they are not immune to deeper scratches, especially those caused by:

• Automatic car washes with stiff brushes
  Dirty wash mitts or towels dragging grit across the paint
  Keys, sharp objects, or fingernails near door handles
  Overhanging tree branches and so on

In these cases, the ceramic coating may absorb some of the damage, but it won’t prevent all of it. Once the
scratch cuts through the coating and into the clear coat, it will still require correction.

How to Minimise Scratches on a Coated Car

The best way to protect a ceramic-coated vehicle from scratches is to pair the coating with proper
maintenance techniques. Here are some professional recommendations:

1. Rinse Thoroughly With a Pressure Washer
Before washing, always rinse the vehicle with a pressure washer to loosen dirt and debris, reducing the risk
of dragging contaminants across the paint. After washing, rinse again to remove all soap and residue.
2. Use the Two-Bucket Wash Method
One bucket for soapy water, one for rinsing your mitt. This helps reduce the risk of rubbing grit back onto
the paint.
3. Use High-Quality Microfiber Wash Mitts and Drying Towels
Soft, clean microfiber mitts and towels minimize friction and reduce the risk of scratching while washing, drying or buffing.
4. Avoid Automatic Car Washes
These are a major source of paint damage. Stick to hand washes or touchless systems if hand-washing isn’t
possible.
5. Use pH-Neutral Car Shampoos
Harsh soaps can break down the coating over time. Always use a product designed for coated vehicles.
6. Apply Ceramic Maintenance Sprays
These booster products can help restore hydrophobicity and improve surface slickness between washes.

What Happens If a Coated Car Gets Scratched?

If your ceramic-coated car does get scratched, the next step depends on the severity:

• Light surface marks may only affect the coating and can sometimes be polished out and re-coated.
  Moderate to deep scratches that go beyond the coating into the clear coat will require professional
  paint correction before reapplying the coating.

The good news? In many cases, the ceramic coating will take the brunt of the scratch, making it easier and
safer to correct without compromising the original paint underneath.

Final Thoughts

Ceramic coatings offer fantastic protection and can significantly reduce the risk of light paint damage, but
they are not a bulletproof shield. Your car will still be vulnerable to scratching without proper care.

The key is pairing the coating with professional application, careful maintenance, and proper washing
techniques. When used correctly, ceramic coatings will keep your vehicle looking glossier, cleaner, and
better protected than ever.

At Perfection Auto Detailing, we specialise in applying high-grade graphene ceramic coatings paired
with meticulous paint correction. Whether your car is brand new or in need of restoration, we offer
protection solutions that deliver long-term results.