Does More Layers Really Mean Better?
Why Many People Believe More Ceramic Coating Layers Means More Protection
If one slice of cake is good, five slices must be amazing, right?
Not exactly.
This same idea has made its way into the auto detailing world, specifically with ceramic coatings.
"If the shop applies more layers of coating, I'm getting more protection."
It sounds good. The number of layers has less to do with quality and more to do with formulation and marketing.
Why ‘More Is Better’ Feels So True
I get why people believe this. We’ve all been taught that more equals better.
So when a detail shop says they’ll put on five layers instead of one, it’s natural to think you’re getting more for your money.
Adding more layers of ceramic coating is like adding 3, 4, 5 coats of paint to a room when you only need one or two.More paint doesn't equal better results.
The number of layers isn't a true measure of the protection you're getting from that ceramic coating.
What if it's just a marketing hook? Focusing only on layers could mean you're choosing a coating based on hype, not performance.
The Science Behind the layers
One of the biggest things about ceramic coating to understand the amount of ceramic, or what the industry calls, "solids" in the coating bottle.
There's also solvents in the bottle, the liquid you see in the bottle. This is the liquid the actual ceramic is suspended in.
You can have coatings with low ceramic or high ceramic content from a manufacturer. Less ceramic means more solvents and vice versa.
When a ceramic coating is first applied, it’s in a wet state. It's thick, glossy, and full of solvents.
As it cures, those solvents evaporate, and the coating’s dry film thickness ends up thinner than it looked when first applied.
Coatings with a lower percentage of ceramic shrink more during curing.
To make up for that loss in thickness, manufacturers will recommend multiple layers. It’s not “extra protection.” It’s simply building up the thickness needed for the product to perform as intended.
The number of layers could also be to ensure good coverage across the surface. Again, this is usually because of lower ceramic content.
Not all ceramic coatings are like this, as with IGL Coatings and Dr Beasley's which I use here at the shop.
So, reasons for multiple layers:
- The coating needs multiple layers because of low ceramic content
- Multiple layers to get good coverage
Here's an article from Dr. Beasley’s that explains this in their article on 100% solids ceramic coatings: if a coating is 100% solids, it contains no solvents to evaporate. That means one coat can reach the desired dry thickness without any shrinkage, eliminating the need for stacking layer after layer.
Where “More Layers” Became a Selling Point
The detailing industry has turned this difference into a marketing hook. “Three layers!” “Five layers!” “Seven layers!” sounds like you’re getting more value.
And “more” just feels better when you’re spending money.
But here’s the catch:
- A one-layer 100% solids coating can last as long as a three-layer solvent-heavy coating.
- Multiple layers don’t magically improve the chemistry of the product.
- Application skill, prep work, product performance, and guarantee matter far more than the number of coats.
The Question That Matters More Than Layer Count
Instead of focusing on layer count, ask your installer:
- How long is the coating rated to last in real-world conditions?
- What’s the guarantee? Does that shop stand behind their work?
- What’s your paint preparation process before coating?
- How should I maintain the coating afterward?
If two coatings both last three years, one with a single layer, one with three, does the number of layers applied matter?
What matters is the installer’s process and how well you care for it after application.
Do you still want to choose a coating based on layer count… or do you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing your coating is designed and applied for maximum performance, regardless of how many layers it takes to get there?
Do more layers of ceramic coating make my car more protected?
Not necessarily. Layer count is often a result of how the coating is formulated. Some coatings need more layers to reach the right thickness after curing; others achieve it in a single coat.
Why do some installers say they use 3–5 layers?
It’s usually a combination of following manufacturer instructions for solvent-heavy coatings and marketing, “more layers” sounds like more value, even if performance is the same.
Is a one-layer coating lower quality?
No. In fact, many high-quality coatings are designed for single-layer application because they maintain their full thickness after curing. What matters most is the chemistry, prep work, and application skill.
Isn’t it safer to just get more layers “just in case”?
Not if the coating wasn’t designed for it.
Extra layers won’t magically improve bonding or durability, and in some cases, they could even interfere with proper curing.
Or the added layer would be rejected by the previous layer, not bonding and a waste of product.
