Graphene coatings have rapidly gained popularity in Canada’s automobile detailing industry. Industrial-quality ceramic coatings have long been the best method for protecting high-performance vehicles. However, ceramic coatings are now facing a serious competitor: graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms packed together in a two-dimensional honeycomb structure.
In Canada, where fluctuating temperatures, road salt, and environmental contaminants degrade the longevity and appearance of vehicle finishes, the prospect of graphene’s durability and chemical resistance catches the eye of professionals and consumers.
“Graphene has certainly come a long way from being a buzzword,” says William Gareth Birdsall, owner of Platinum Auto Spa, a luxury auto detailing shop in Vancouver. “What we’re witnessing now is a change in perceptions among professionals and car owners regarding long-term vehicle protection. Consumers are looking for true performance on oxidation, etching, and environmental fallout.”
According to a 2024 market analysis from ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global graphene coatings market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.5% through 2028.
Although Canada is a smaller piece of that market, growth is apparent locally. The demand for graphene-based products is growing rapidly. Detailing shops in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are reporting a 20-30% increase in graphene coating services in the past year.
The appeal is based on graphene’s unique chemical properties. Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel, thermally conductive, hydrophobic, and resistant to corrosion and UV damage. These properties make it especially effective in Canada’s diverse climate, in which snow, ice, and UV rays all threaten a vehicle’s clear coat.
“ While traditional ceramic coatings have been reliable, the introduction of graphene provides an increased level of performance. It’s also less susceptible to water spotting, which is a big problem in hard water areas, and tends to last longer if applied properly by a professional detailer,” says Birdsall.
As interest in graphene grows, Birdsall stresses that graphene coatings are not a silver bullet. For any protective layer to be successful, he says, it’s mostly about preparation and proper application.
“One of the misconceptions we have encountered is that these coatings are infallible. In practice, surface prep is still important. You must decontaminate the paint, fix any flaws, and use the product under controlled conditions. You’re not going to get the full benefit otherwise,” Birdsall explains.
That expertise gap has created some hesitation in the broader market. Although DIY graphene kits are available, most high-end coatings require a trained applicator as they are precision-applied. This demand has spurred growth in detailing studios that provide premium protective services, particularly in suburban and higher-end urban settings.
Meanwhile, Canadian consumers are becoming increasingly educated. Online forums, social media, and YouTube detailing channels have been used to educate car owners about the science behind graphene and its practical benefits. This awareness is creating a more discerning clientele with questions about paint composition, durability, and after-care.
In turn, manufacturers are streamlining their products directly for Canadian weather conditions. Some have proposed hybrid formulations that incorporate graphene with Sio2 (silicon dioxide), offering claimed benefits of both technologies: hydrophobicity (or water beading) from ceramics, and lower heat retention from graphene.
Environmental considerations are also influencing the discussion. The reduced need for car washes/waxes appeals to the growing market demand for environmentally sound car-care solutions. In areas where water restrictions are increasingly common, longer-lasting coatings can confer indirect sustainability gains.
That being said, Birdsall says the trend is nowhere near its peak.
“We are just scratching the surface as far as the automotive applications of graphene. There is a ton of R&D going on to make these coatings more user-friendly, more durable and more accessible. We’re probably going to have a flood of new products over the next couple of years that keep pushing those boundaries,” he says.
For now, the growing presence of graphene coatings in Canada points to a larger change in the automotive world that focuses more on science and precision instead of preserving the looks of cars. However, as detailers adopt new materials and customers ask for more of their investments, the humble clear coat might soon be the most high-tech layer on the road.
