Skygloss and ceramic coating get compared all the time, but they do two different jobs. Skygloss rebuilds your car's clear coat. A ceramic coating shields it. If you want the deepest finish and the longest protection, you use both, in that order.
First, what your clear coat actually does
Every modern car has a clear coat over the colour. It carries the gloss and takes the hits: UV, bird and bat droppings, tree sap, road grime and the brushes at the car wash. It's thin, typically around 35 to 50 microns. That's thinner than a sheet of paper.
Every paint correction removes a little of it. Polish a car enough times over its life and there's nothing left to polish. Add the Queensland sun, and a worn clear coat is how you end up with the faded, peeling roofs and bonnets you see around Brisbane.
What Skygloss Fusion does
Skygloss Fusion is a wipe-on 2K clear coat. It isn't a ceramic. It bonds to your paint and builds the clear coat back up, adding real thickness and depth. See how Skygloss works.
- Adds thickness and depth to the clear coat itself
- Rated for up to 10 years of durability
- Wears down, not off. Normal wear over the years is polished out of the Skygloss layer, not your factory paint
- Polished after curing to remove the static surface, for a smooth, slick finish
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
What a ceramic coating does
A ceramic coating cures into a hard, glass-like layer over your paint. We use Fireball Eternity Professional 10 Year Ceramic, a ceramic graphene coating. Compare our ceramic coatings.
- A much slicker surface that dirt struggles to grip
- Water beads and rolls off, taking loose dirt with it (the lotus effect)
- Highly scratch resistant, with self-healing of light swirls and fine scratches in heat of 30°C and above
- Up to 10 years of durability, backed by a 7-year warranty
What a ceramic coating can't do is add meaningful thickness. It's a thin layer on top of whatever clear coat you have left.
Skygloss vs ceramic coating, side by side
| Skygloss | Ceramic | Both | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adds thickness to the clear coat | Yes | Thin layer only | Thickest build |
| Future wear polished out without touching your paint | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hard, glass-like shield | No | Yes | Yes |
| Self-cleaning lotus effect | No | Yes | Yes |
| Self-healing of light swirls in heat | No | Yes | Yes |
| Durability | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years, two layers deep |
| Warranty | 5 years | 7 years | 5-year Skygloss + 7-year ceramic |
Why we often recommend both
On their own, each one leaves a gap. Skygloss alone leaves the new clear coat exposed to droppings, sap and UV. Ceramic alone sits on your original clear coat, so any future correction cuts into your factory paint.
Together, the ceramic protects the Skygloss, and the Skygloss gives you a thick, renewable layer underneath it.
Skygloss protects your paint. Ceramic protects your Skygloss.
Which one is right for your car?
- Choose Skygloss if your clear coat is thin, worn or has been corrected a few times, or you want the deepest gloss possible.
- Choose ceramic if your paint is in good condition and your main goal is easier washing and protection from the elements.
- Choose both if you plan to keep the car long term and want the most durable finish we offer.
Not sure which way to go? Mitchell will look at your paint with you and tell you honestly what it needs. See our pricing or book a paint assessment.
Do you need paint correction before ceramic coating?
Yes. A ceramic coating locks in whatever is underneath it, swirls and scratches included. That's why every ceramic job starts with a wash, decontamination and paint correction. With Skygloss in the mix, the order changes: the Skygloss goes on first, then it's polished and corrected, then the ceramic goes on top.
Common questions
Is Skygloss a ceramic coating?
No. Skygloss Fusion is a 2K clear coat that builds your clear coat back up. A ceramic coating is a thin, hard protective layer. They do different jobs, which is why they work well together.
How long does Skygloss last?
Skygloss Fusion is rated for up to 10 years of durability and comes with a 5-year warranty. It wears down rather than off, so light wear can be polished out of the Skygloss layer.
Can you put a ceramic coating over Skygloss?
Yes, and it's the setup we recommend. The Skygloss goes on and is polished first, then the ceramic is applied over it as a protective shield.
How long does ceramic coating last in Queensland?
Fireball Eternity Professional 10 Year Ceramic is rated for up to 10 years of durability with a 7-year warranty, with regular washing and the recommended care.
Is ceramic coating worth it?
If you plan to keep the car for a few years, park outdoors or want easier washes, yes. If your clear coat is already thin or worn, start with Skygloss.
