Ceramic coating - a full guide

Ceramic, Quartz & Graphene Coatings: A Complete Guide to What They Really Mean

At The Coating Lab, we often hear this question: “What’s the difference between ceramic, quartz, and graphene coatings?” If you're shopping for high-end ceramic coating in Auckland, you’ve likely encountered these buzzwords—each claiming to offer the best protection.

Let’s break it all down in plain language so you can make the best decision for your car, based on science—not marketing.

Ceramic Coating: The Proven Standard

Ceramic coating is the gold standard in paint protection—and a specialty at The Coating Lab. These coatings are primarily made with silicon dioxide (SiO₂), which forms a chemical bond with your vehicle’s paint once cured.

✅ Benefits of Ceramic Coating:

• Intense gloss and shine

• UV and chemical resistance

• Hydrophobic (water-repellent) properties

• Resistance to light swirls and scratches (up to 9H or 10H hardness)

• Long-term durability: 2–5+ years

This type of coating is ideal for daily drivers in Auckland who want superior protection with less maintenance and a consistently glossy finish.

Quartz Coating: A Marketing Spin on Ceramic

Here’s the insider truth: quartz coatings are essentially ceramic coatings.

“Quartz” sounds premium, evoking clarity and hardness—so it’s often used as a marketing term. Some formulas may contain trace quartz-like materials, but the technology is fundamentally the same as traditional ceramic coatings.

Instead of focusing on the name, look at:

• Hardness level (e.g., 9H vs 10H)

• Layer thickness (in nanometers)

• Water contact angle (higher = more hydrophobic)

• Reapplication intervals

At The Coating Lab, we guide our customers through these real-world specs to ensure you’re choosing protection that suits your vehicle and lifestyle.

Graphene Coating: The Advanced Evolution

Graphene coatings are the latest innovation in the surface protection space. These next-gen coatings start with a ceramic base, then infuse it with graphene oxide—a one-atom-thick layer of carbon known for its strength and conductivity.

✅ Benefits of Graphene Coating:

• Increased scratch resistance due to a reinforced molecular structure

• Improved heat dissipation (reducing water spotting)

• Slicker surface with enhanced hydrophobicity

• Even longer durability (up to 5+ years)

• Better resistance to UV rays and chemicals

Think of graphene as the next-level upgrade to ceramic coating, perfect for high-performance or heavily used vehicles. At The Coating Lab, we offer graphene-infused coatings like ONYX Graphene Pro 10H, ideal for New Zealand’s demanding climate.

Which Coating is Right for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Quartz Coating – Reliable, long-lasting, great for most daily drivers.

• Graphene Coating – The ultimate protection for extreme conditions and discerning owners.

Still unsure? At The Coating Lab, our team of certified professionals will walk you through the best option for your car, driving habits, and Auckland’s unique environmental factors.

Final Thoughts: Go Beyond the Label

No matter what the bottle says—ceramic, quartz, or graphene—what truly matters is the application quality, product integrity, and technical specs.

That’s why car owners across the region trust The Coating Lab for expert ceramic coating Auckland services. We use only industry-leading technologies like ONYX COATING, including the world’s first certified 10H & N1 nano-coating, to ensure unmatched results and real-world durability.

Ready to Upgrade Your Paint Protection?

Contact The Coating Lab today to book your ceramic or graphene coating consultation and experience the highest level of car care in Auckland.