Ceramic coatings provide a strong protective layer for your vehicle’s paint, giving it a glossy, hydrophobic finish that repels dirt, water, and minor contaminants. However, even ceramic-coated cars aren’t completely immune to scratches.
Understanding how to handle scratches properly ensures your car maintains its glossy finish, prevents further damage, and prolongs the life of your ceramic coating. This guide will break down the best practices, tools, and tips to manage scratches effectively.
Why Scratches Occur on Ceramic Coated Cars
Even though ceramic coatings are highly durable, scratches can occur due to:
- Accidental contact with keys, branches, or shopping carts
- Improper washing techniques
- Dust and grit particles rubbing against the surface
- Automatic car washes with abrasive brushes
Key point:
Minor scratches may not penetrate the ceramic layer, but deep scratches can affect both the coating and the underlying paint.
Steps to Handle Scratches on Ceramic Coated Cars
1. Assess the Scratch
Determine the depth of the scratch:
- Surface scratches:
Only affect the coating, not the paint
- Medium scratches:
Penetrates the coating and may slightly touch the paint
- Deep scratches:
Reach the base paint or primer
2. Clean the Area
Before treating a scratch, clean it thoroughly using a pH-neutral car shampoo and microfiber cloth to remove dirt and debris.
3. Choose the Right Method
Depending on the scratch depth, different methods may be used:
