It seems the detailing world is flooded with products using the terms ‘ceramic’ and ‘SiO2.’ But not all ceramic- or SiO2-labeled products function the way most people assume.
Some products chemically bond to your car’s paint, and some simply rest on the surface. Both have their place in our arsenal of detailing tools. The issue isn’t bad chemistry; it’s misunderstood chemistry.
Let’s break it down clearly and simply.
The Simple Explanation: Two Very Different Technologies
Polymer-Based Protection (What Most Sprays Are)
Spray them on the surface, and they form a protective layer that sits on top, not chemically bonded to the paint.
They improve gloss and alter water behavior (beading and sheeting). They wear away gradually and are made for repeated reapplication.
It has been in use for decades, is reliable, and cost-effective.
Polymer protection is a progression from traditional wax, which in some cases is infused with polymers for longer-lasting protection. Both wax and polymers are sacrificial layers that are meant to take the brunt of environmental fallout and slowly wear away. Products like Pearl Seal are designed for easy maintenance and repeated application. Using a polymer-based detail spray such as Perfect Shine, or maintaining protection with a polymer-enhanced shampoo like RestoWash, helps keep that layer consistent over time.
Durability range:
Polymers can realistically last 2–4 weeks. You might be able to stretch it if you’re using a combination of products like a polymer-based shampoo with a polymer-based detail spray. Wash regularly, and you’ll maintain the protection. Untouched, they typically last weeks, not months, under normal driving conditions.
True Ceramic / SiO2 Coatings
When we’re talking about true ceramic and SiO2 coatings, we are referring to silane chemistry that reacts and cross-links. More importantly, they bond to your car’s clear coat paint.
You’ll know this is the case because the directions will specify a curing period before water exposure.
There’s another key indicator that your product is an actual ceramic/SiO2 formulation: you need to prep the surface prior to application for proper adhesion, and durability is measured in months or years under normal conditions — not just ideal, garage-kept scenarios.
Think of ceramic coatings as applying a thin layer of glass that chemically adheres to the surface of your car’s paint. A true cross-linking ceramic system, such as Formula 3 Ceramic Coating, requires proper surface prep and curing time to achieve that level of bonded protection. That’s what defines a true ceramic SiO2 coating.
Why the Confusion Exists
The Gray Area: “Ceramic Spray Sealants”
Many “ceramic spray sealants” contain trace amounts of silica or siloxanes. Enough to say that they are “SiO2” technology. However, they are primarily polymer-based.
How can you tell what category it falls into? It’s actually very simple. If you spray on and wipe off with no cure window and no surface prep requirement, it’s functioning as a polymer-based sealant. If it’s a rinse-off procedure, then there’s definitely no cure time.
If it’s water-based, requires no cure time, and lasts a few weeks, it functions as a polymer sealant even if it contains trace SiO2.
Now, when you think about it, which of the numerous “ceramic” and “SiO2” sprays out there require a cure time? Maybe they’re a “ceramic” booster or a “ceramic maintenance spray,” but they are not ceramic coatings in the traditional, cross-linking sense.
How to Tell What You’re Actually Buying
Quick Reality Check
Ask yourself these four questions:
- Does it require 12–24 hours before getting wet?
- Does it require polishing and panel wipe before application?
- Does it contain high solvent content?
- Does it last 12+ months?
If the answer is no to all four, it’s not a true ceramic coating.
Important: Why Polymer Products Still Make Sense
Before you think this is a knock on a polymer-based product, we want to make it clear that we are definitely not anti-polymer. In fact, our two go-to products for paint surface protection are polymer-based. The reality is that polymer-based products perform very similarly across reputable brands. At Nextzett, we’ve been formulating polymer-based products for decades. Here’s why.
Why Polymers Are Excellent:
Polymers can be applied repeatedly to themselves without issues of over-application. It’s not necessary, but reapplication isn't something you need to worry about.
Along the same lines, unlike true ceramics and SiO2s, polymer-based products are very easy to apply regardless of your skills or experience in car detailing. There’s practically zero risk of making a mistake when applying it, and you're reminded of that mistake daily because it’s semi-permanent.
Polymer-based products don’t require any type of prep. A wash is all you need, and sometimes, like our Pearl Seal, you apply it in the rinse phase of your car wash.
Polymer-based products have been used for many decades; their costs are very reasonable, making them accessible for just about every budget. Unlike ceramics, you’re not paying the cost in advance.
While polymer-based products last weeks, when used on a daily driver in normal driving conditions, if you wash your vehicle regularly, it doesn’t matter that they only last weeks, because it will maintain the level of protection.
At nextzett, we simply call our polymer products what they are: polymer-based. We don’t “infuse” our product names with terms like “ceramic” or “SiO2” because that’s not what they are. When we introduce a ceramic coating under our Detailers Finest line, it will be a true cross-linking ceramic system.
So, no inflated claims on our part. Just chemistry that works.
The Clear Distinction Chart
Use a very simplified version of your large comparison table.
| Bonds chemically? | No | Mostly no | Yes |
| Cure time | None | None–1 hr | 12–24 hrs |
| Durability | 2–4 weeks | 4–12 weeks | 12+ months |
| Prep required | Wash only | Light prep | Extensive prep |
| Reapplication | Frequent | Occasional | Rare |
Keep It Real… Easy
With so many products proclaiming themselves as “SiO2” and “Ceramic”, it can be easy to get fixated on the need to have these types of products in your detailing arsenal.
But not everything has to be ceramic or SiO2 to be effective. Maintenance products are more than sufficient for most of us detailing enthusiasts.
Our philosophy at nextzett is to set realistic expectations. We’d rather under-promise than over-promise so you’re pleasantly surprised by the results. Better to get 6 weeks out of the product than the expected 4, than to get 6 weeks instead of the promised three months.
Final Takeaway
Remember, if it’s water-based, has low solids, requires no cure time, and lasts a few weeks, it’s functioning as a polymer-based sealant regardless of branding. And that’s perfectly fine — as long as you know what you’re getting.
