A Guide to Ceramic Coating for Wrapped Vehicles [2025]

Choosing to wrap your car - or any other vehicle, for that matter - is a great investment to make. It offers a huge range of benefits, from protecting your vehicle from wear and tear to increasing your vehicle’s value. But you can take a further step in protecting your valuable vehicle, with ceramic coating. In this article, we’ll explore what ceramic coating is, its benefits to wrapped vehicles, and how you can apply it to your car, van, or any other vehicle.

What Is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a vehicle's exterior that bonds with the surface, creating a protective hydrophobic layer that shields against UV rays, dirt, water damage, minor scratches, and chemical contaminants. The coating enhances the vehicle's shine, makes it easier to clean, and prolongs the wrap's longevity. Unlike standard wax or sealants, ceramic coatings offer longer-lasting protection and durability, typically containing a lifespan of 1 to 2 years.

If you’re looking to apply ceramic coating to your vehicle, this is best done as soon as your vehicle is wrapped, rather than later on down the line; existing dirt or damage to the wrap can affect the effectiveness of the coating since proper surface preparation is needed. At Complete Graphics, we can apply ceramic coating to your wrapped vehicle as part of our wrapping service, but only as soon as it has been wrapped - we do not offer ceramic coating as a standalone service.

Can Ceramic Coating Be Self-Applied to Wrapping Later On?

Yes, you can self-coat your wrapped vehicle, but you must ensure that the wrap is pristine before applying the coating; any dirt or imperfections trapped under the coating may become permanent. Ceramic coating can be purchased from many reputable motoring product shops, such as Halfords. When it is time to reapply the ceramic coating, make sure to follow our steps on how to wash a wrapped car beforehand to protect its longevity!

What Are the Benefits of Ceramic Coating a Wrapped Vehicle?

Ceramic coating a wrapped vehicle is a great idea, giving you a range of benefits for your vehicle including:

• Adds value to your vehicle, approximately £200 to £350 + VAT.
• Protects the wrapping material from UV damage, preventing colour fading.
• Repels dirt, water, and contaminants, making the wrap easier to clean.
• Prolongs the general lifespan of the wrap by reducing wear and tear.
• Maintains an attractive glossy or matte finish to the wrap.
• Prevents the presence of substance staining and water spots.
• Reduces the need for extensive washing or other exterior maintenance tasks.

What Challenges Are Associated With Ceramic Coating?

Like all things, there are a few challenges associated with ceramic coating that you should be aware of before application, such as:

• Not all ceramic coatings are suitable for every wrap; ask your wrapping installation team.
• Ceramic coating application requires proper surface preparation, as mentioned earlier.
• Professional application at the time of wrapping is recommended to avoid damage.
• Reapplication is needed every 1 to 2 years, which comes at a cost.

Can You Wrap a Ceramic Coated Vehicle?

In short, no, not without great difficulty; vinyl vehicle wrap does not stick to a ceramic coating which has been applied to the paint of a car. Therefore, the ceramic coating must be removed from a vehicle before wrapping it, which can cost as much to do as the ceramic coating itself. Therefore, if you’re thinking about wrapping a vehicle, hold off with the ceramic coating until the vehicle has been wrapped.

When Should I Clean a Ceramic Coated Car?

Frequent cleaning of a wrapped and coated vehicle is important to maintain the protective properties of the coating and protect the wrapping underneath. Regularly inspect your coating for any signs of damage or weak spots, and address these promptly to keep your vehicle looking fresh.

If you notice bird droppings or tree sap on your vehicle’s exterior, you should remove them as soon as possible since the contaminants are acidic. Water spots of mineral deposits should also be handled quickly; even though ceramic coatings make water bead up, water spots can still form if the water is allowed to dry on the surface.

Best Practices for Cleaning

• Use Ph-Neutral Car Shampoos: Avoid harsh detergents that could harm the coating.
• Soft Microfiber Towels: Use high-quality microfiber to avoid scratching the coating.
• Avoid automatic car washes: Brush-based car washes can damage the coating.

Contact Us for Advice About Ceramic Coating Your Vehicle

Complete Graphics are one of Oxfordshire’s leading vehicle wrap specialists. If you need any advice regarding ceramic coating (pre-wrapping), please contact us today for our expert advice.

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