What is Ceramic Coating, and What Coatings Do We Use?

Your car’s paintwork cops a beating in New Zealand. Between the harsh UV, coastal salt air, road grime, and the occasional bird dropping, that factory finish doesn’t stand a chance without proper protection. So, what is ceramic coating, and why does it matter for your vehicle?

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds to your car’s paint, forming a hard, protective layer that sits above the clear coat. Unlike wax, which wears off in weeks, or sealants that last a few months, a professionally applied ceramic coating bonds at a molecular level, protecting your paint for years.

What is Ceramic Coating?

At its core, ceramic coating is built on silicon dioxide (SiO₂). When applied to your car’s paint and allowed to cure, it forms a transparent, semi-permanent bond that creates a slick, hydrophobic surface.

This barrier does several things. It blocks UV rays that cause oxidation and fading, resists chemical contaminants like bird droppings and tree sap, and makes the surface harder to scratch during regular washing. The hydrophobic effect means dirt and grime are less likely to stick, so your car stays cleaner for longer and washing becomes much quicker.

Ceramic coating won’t make your car scratch-proof or bulletproof, but it does add a sacrificial layer that takes the punishment instead of your clear coat. If you’ve been wondering what ceramic coating options can do for your car, think of it as a long-term investment in your paint’s health rather than a magic shield.

Graphene Vs. Ceramic Coating: What’s the Difference?

When comparing graphene vs. ceramic coating, the key differences lie in the composition and performance characteristics.

Standard ceramic coatings rely on SiO₂ to create that protective bond. Graphene coatings take this further by adding graphene (a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb structure) into the formula. Graphene is one of the strongest materials known, and when infused into a coating, it brings some notable advantages:

• Heat Dissipation: Graphene conducts heat away from the surface, reducing the likelihood of water spots forming when your car’s parked in the sun.

• Anti-Static Properties: Dust and dirt don’t cling as easily, keeping your car cleaner between washes.

• Improved Flexibility: Your car’s paint job is less prone to cracking or micro-fractures over time.

• Enhanced Water Repellency: Higher contact angles mean that water beads and rolls off faster.

Both types protect against UV, chemicals, and environmental fallout. The right choice depends on your vehicle, how it’s stored, and what you’re willing to invest.

For daily drivers that sit outside in all conditions, graphene coating in NZ offers excellent heat management and spot resistance, making a real difference. For garaged vehicles that see regular maintenance, a high-quality ceramic coating performs brilliantly. 

What Coating Does the One Touch Team Use?

We get asked “what coating do you use?” constantly, and it’s a fair question—the coating matters just as much as the application.

At One Touch Auto Detailing, we use our own ceramic and graphene coating formulations, developed and tested right here in real New Zealand conditions. We’re proud to be the first NZ graphene coating provider to offer 20H-rated products, setting a new standard for paint protection in our country.

Our founder, DJ, personally developed the 5-year and 7-year coating blends under the One Touch Auto Detailing name. These formulations are designed to match or outperform well-known international brands like CQuartz, Fireball, Gtechniq, CeramicPro and Feynlab—but they’re tested on real vehicles across Auckland, not just in a lab.

We believe in transparency. There’s never any gimmicks or false lifetime warranties, just real data and honest advice. You can learn more about our ceramic coating service.

Our Ceramic Coating Options

We offer three ceramic coating options to suit various vehicles, budgets, and protection requirements. Here’s how they compare:

3-Year Ceramic Graphene Coating

Our entry-level option combines SiO₂ with graphene platelets for enhanced durability and contaminant resistance. It’s a solid choice for daily drivers and first-time coating, offering reliable protection without the top-shelf price tag.

Key Specs:

• Up to 3 years of protection with proper maintenance.

• 9H hardness rating for scratch resistance.

• Strong hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.

• Chemical resistance against bird droppings, tree sap, and road grime.

5-Year Full Graphene 20H Coating

Our most popular option, this premium full graphene coating for NZ enthusiasts and luxury vehicle owners, offers long-term, high-performance protection.

Key Specs:

• 0.9 μm coating thickness.

• Hydrophobic up to 500°C.

• Over 900 hours of corrosion resistance (5% salt spray, ASTM B117 testing).

• 115° water contact angle, 105° oil contact angle.

• 5B adhesion rating (0% loss in cross-cut tape test).

7-Year Full Graphene 20H Coating

The ultimate protection, this two-layer system applies a bond coat followed by a graphene top coat, giving you maximum thickness and durability.

Key Specs:

• Approximately 1.8 μm total thickness (two-layer system).

• Same industry-leading performance specs as our 5-year coating.

• Maximum sacrificial protection for high-value vehicles.

• Ideal for long-term ownership and collectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you prepare the paint before applying the ceramic coating?

Always. Coatings lock in whatever’s underneath, so we perform thorough decontamination and paint correction before applying any coating, ensuring a strong bond and flawless finish.

Do you offer mobile ceramic coating?

We do—our team provides mobile auto detailing in Auckland and Waikato, coming to your home or workplace and setting up on-site to deliver professional results.

How do I know which coating is right for my car?

We’ll tell you which ceramic coating option best suits your vehicle, usage, and budget. Not everyone needs a 7-year coating, and we won’t push you into one if a 3-year option will do the job.

Do you provide aftercare support?

Absolutely. We want your graphene or ceramic coating to last. We make sure every client gets maintenance guidance to ensure maximum performance and longevity.

Get in Touch with the Team Today!

Ready to protect your vehicle with a ceramic coating Auckland drivers trust? Whether you need quick car polishing in Auckland or a full graphene coating in NZ for maximum protection, we’re here to help.

Get in touch for a free quote and honest recommendations based on your vehicle and how you use it.