Ceramic protection
for classic paintwork
Professional-grade ceramic protection for classic and prestige vehicles. A permanent bond between your paintwork and the elements — so your finish stays exactly as it should.
UP TO 7 – YEAR PROTECTION
UV & CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
CLASSIC CAR SPECIALISTS
What is ceramic coating?
A permanent shield, invisibly applied
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that bonds chemically with your vehicle’s factory paint. Unlike a wax or sealant that sits on the surface and degrades over months, a ceramic coating becomes part of the paint layer itself — creating a hard, hydrophobic shell that repels water, dirt, UV rays, and environmental contaminants.
For a classic car with an original or period-correct paint finish, ceramic coating is one of the most sympathetic forms of protection available. It preserves the character and patina of the surface beneath while defending against the damage that time and weather would otherwise cause.
Applied correctly — with thorough decontamination and paint correction beforehand — the result is a finish that is sharper, deeper, and vastly easier to maintain than untreated paintwork.
WHY CERAMIC COAT YOUR VEHICLE
Six reasons it matters
01
Permanent-grade hardness
Ceramic coatings cure to a 9H hardness rating — resistant to light scratches, swirl marks, and surface abrasions that conventional waxes offer no protection against.
02
Hydrophobic surface
Water beads and sheets away rather than sitting on the surface. Dirt and road grime find far less to bond to, meaning your vehicle stays cleaner for longer between washes.
03
Long-duration protection
Depending on the grade chosen, a single application provides verified protection for two, five, or up to seven years — without repeat seasonal waxing or sealing.
04
UV & oxidation defence
Ultraviolet exposure fades and oxidises paint over time — particularly on vehicles with older or original finishes. Ceramic coating blocks UV penetration and preserves colour depth.
05
Chemical resistance
Bird lime, tree sap, industrial fallout, and road salt are among the most corrosive threats to paintwork. The ceramic layer resists chemical etching and staining from all of these.
06
Originality preserved
For a vehicle with a rare or concours finish, ceramic coating adds protection without altering the surface beneath. The paint, patina, and character of the car remain entirely intact.
choose your grade
Three levels of protection
Each grade is applied using the same meticulous preparation process. The difference lies in the ceramic formula itself — its concentration, cure depth, and verified longevity. We will advise which is most appropriate for your vehicle and how you use it.
grade 01
Essential
2-year verified protection
9H hardness rating
Hydrophobic protection
UV resistance
Chemical resistance
Ideal for regular drivers
grade 02
Professional
5-year verified protection
Enhanced 9H+ hardness
Multi-layer application
Deeper gloss enhancement
Self-cleaning effect
Suited to concours & classics
grade 03
Prestige
7-year verified protection
Maximum formula concentration
Deepest cure bond
Warranted longevity
For long-term collection pieces
Malton clean kit included
The application process
Preparation is everything
Ceramic coating is only as good as the surface beneath it. We do not cut corners. Every vehicle goes through the same rigorous preparation sequence before a single drop of ceramic is applied.
01
Inspection
Paint depth gauged. Swirls, scratches, and contamination mapped. A full assessment before any work is agreed.
02
Decontamination
Iron fallout removal, clay bar treatment, and chemical decontamination. The surface is stripped to a perfectly clean substrate.
03
Paint Correction
Where required, machine polishing removes defects from the paint. Ceramic locks in — and amplifies — whatever is beneath it.
04
Application
Ceramic applied panel by panel in our controlled environment. Each section levelled and flash-cured before moving on.
05
Cure & handover
Full cure under controlled conditions. Final inspection, aftercare guidance, and a maintenance kit where included.
aftercare
Easy to maintain, built to last
One of the most significant advantages of ceramic coating is how little it demands from you. Routine maintenance is straightforward, and the vehicle stays presentable with minimal effort.
pH-neutral shampoo only
Use a pH-neutral car shampoo for all washes. This is the one imperative — alkaline or acidic cleaners will degrade the coating over time.
No automatic car washes
Brushed car washes introduce fine scratches. Hand washing using the two-bucket method keeps the surface in condition.
Annual inspection recommended
We recommend a yearly check to ensure the coating is performing as expected and to address any areas that may need attention.
Malton maintenance kit
We can supply a curated cleaning kit formulated to work with your ceramic coating, keeping results consistent between washes.
Is ceramic coating right for my car?
Suitable for any finish
Ceramic coating is appropriate across the full range of vehicles we work on — from freshly restored classics to daily-driven prestige cars. It is particularly well-suited to:
Vehicles with a new or recently restored paint finish
Classic cars with original paint you want to preserve
Cars entering long-term storage
Vehicles used occasionally, where minimal maintenance is preferred
Concours entries where presentation is paramount
common questions
FAQs
Where can I get my classic car ceramic coated in North Yorkshire?
At our dedicated preparation facility in Malton, North Yorkshire, on the A64 between York and Scarborough. We offer three grades of ceramic coating for classic and prestige cars, protecting the paint for up to two, five or seven years.
What is ceramic coating?
A liquid polymer that bonds chemically with the paint and cures to a hard, clear layer. Unlike a wax or sealant, which sits on the surface and wears away within months, it bonds to the paint, repelling water, dirt, UV and road contaminants for years.
Is ceramic coating safe for original paint?
Yes. It protects the paint without changing it or the patina it has gained, which makes it well suited to classics with original paint. We assess the paint first and may recommend light correction before coating.
Which grade is right for my car?
Essential suits cars driven regularly, giving hard, water repellent protection against UV and chemicals for up to two years. Professional suits classics and concours cars, with a multi layer application, deeper gloss and protection for up to five years. Prestige is for long term collection pieces, with protection for up to seven years and a Malton maintenance kit.
How long does ceramic coating last?
Up to two, five or seven years, depending on the grade, provided the aftercare is followed and the coating is inspected once a year.
Is ceramic coating scratch proof?
No. It reduces fine swirls and light abrasions from washing and everyday use, but it won’t stop stone chips, sharp impacts or deliberate damage.
Is ceramic coating worthwhile before storage?
Yes. It is often part of preparing a car for long-term storage, and suits cars that are used only occasionally or kept for concours.
Will ceramic coating change how my car looks?
It deepens the gloss and clarity of the paint without changing its colour or adding any visible thickness.
Does the paint need polishing before it is coated?
Often, yes. A coating seals in whatever is beneath it, swirl marks included, so we inspect the paint first and machine polish where required. Any correction is agreed with you before work starts and adds to the time the car is with us.
Can freshly painted cars be ceramic coated?
Yes. New and recently restored paint is well suited to coating, but it needs time to cure fully first.
How is ceramic coating applied, and how long does it take?
We gauge paint depth and map swirls and contamination, then decontaminate the paint with iron fallout removal, clay bar and chemical cleaning. The paint is corrected where needed, and the coating is applied panel by panel in a controlled environment, each section levelled and flash cured before the next. The car is fully cured and inspected before handover. Most cars are with us for two to four days.
How do I look after a ceramic coating?
Hand wash with a pH-neutral shampoo using the two bucket method, and avoid automatic car washes, which can leave fine scratches. Book an annual inspection to keep the coating at its best. A Malton maintenance kit is available. [CONFIRM: how long to wait before the first wash]
Can ceramic coating be removed?
Yes. A coating can be removed professionally by machine polishing.
Do you ceramic coat cars from outside North Yorkshire?
Yes. We coat cars from across Yorkshire, the North East and the wider UK, and our transport team can collect and deliver the car where required.
How do I book ceramic coating?
Call 01653 692090 or email sales@maltoncoachworks.com, and we’ll assess the paint and recommend a grade, with no obligation. We are open Monday to Thursday, 8.15am to 5pm, and Friday, 8.15am to 4pm.
Classic car ceramic coating in North Yorkshire
Malton Coachworks is a specialist classic car restoration and maintenance facility based in Malton, North Yorkshire. Our ceramic coating service is available to owners across Yorkshire, the North East, and the wider United Kingdom, with vehicles collected and delivered by our transport team where required.
We apply ceramic coatings to a full range of classic, vintage, and prestige vehicles — from pre-war motorcars and post-war British classics to European and American cars of all eras. With over ten decades of combined industry experience across more than 100 marques, we understand the specific requirements of each type of finish and approach every vehicle accordingly.
Ceramic coating is carried out in-house at our dedicated preparation facility, using professional-grade products and controlled application conditions. Every job is preceded by a thorough inspection and decontamination process to ensure the coating performs to its verified specification for its full stated duration.
Enquire about ceramic coating
Speak with our team about your vehicle — no obligation.