Will a ceramic coating prevent rock chips?

No, a ceramic coating will not prevent rock chips. And beware of competitive claims referencing 9H hardness to the contrary. A ceramic coating is designed to increase the ease of cleaning and caring for your car’s paint. It is not designed to protect your car’s paint from small damage caused by gravel, bugs, and other road rash.

A ceramic coating, such as 3M Ceramic Coating, is designed to decrease the surface friction of your car’s paint. In other words, your car’s paint becomes more slippery. In so doing, it makes washing away dirt, debris, salt, and other contaminants easier. Despite competitive claims to the contrary, a ceramic coating is not a protective layer on top of your car’s paint that prevents paint damage or chipping. That is what 3M Paint Protection Film is designed to do.

3M Paint Protection Film, otherwise known as PPF or clear bra, is an 8 mil (.008”) thick clear urethane that is installed on the painted surfaces of your car (hood, fenders, doors, roof, trunk, bumpers, mirrors, etc.) to help prevent paint damage from normal everyday driving. The film is installed by a 3M certified professional and is computer-cut based on the year, make, model, and trim level of your car. When done properly by an authorized installer, it is practically invisible and warrantied by 3M Company for ten (10) years.

It is a common practice to apply 3M Ceramic Coating on top of 3M Paint Protection Film if you’re looking for the best of both worlds. The paint protection film helps to protect your car’s paint from rock chips and road rash while the ceramic coating makes it easier to clean and maintain your PPF. Installing 3M Ceramic Coating on top of 3M Paint Protection Film is one of the best methods of preserving the condition of your car’s paint without sacrificing any 3M Company warranty coverage.

Please note that it is not recommended to apply 3M Ceramic Coating on just any paint protection film. Be sure to ask your 3M Automotive Dealer prior to application.