Is ResistAll a Ceramic Coating?

“ResistAll” is a name you’ll see offered by many car dealerships and F&I (Finance & Insurance) service departments as a paint protection / appearance protection package. The key question: Is it really a ceramic coating? Or is it more like a sealant / surface treatment with “ceramic-type” marketing language? In other words: what you’re getting vs what you think you’re getting.

Below is a thorough look into what ResistAll is, what its marketing says, what components / guarantees it offers, how that stacks up with what real ceramic coatings do, and guidance on whether the cost / trade-offs make it “worth it.”

What is ResistAll?

ResistAll is a brand of appearance protection products made by CalTex Protective Coatings. It offers several tiers of protection for vehicles, usually marketed to new or pre-owned vehicle purchasers, dealers, or through F&I contracts. (CalTex)

Some of the offerings / variants include:

ResistAll NG2 — Exterior & interior protection, nanotechnology, hydrophobic gloss, fabric/leather sealants, warranty coverage (some for up to 7 years) for certain surfaces. (harryrobinsonsallisawford.com)
ResistAll 360 — “Graphene + Ceramic technology” spray-on paint sealant, appears to combine features for improved aesthetics, faster application. (CalTex)
ResistAll Extreme — A higher level protection product, “infused with advanced ceramic technology” per the brochures. The marketing says it “creates a harder surface … stronger barrier between your vehicle’s paint and the environment.” (theacegrp.com)

ResistAll’s marketing also emphasizes:

Protection from environmental damage: UV rays, oxidation, fading, acid rain, insect/bird droppings, tree sap, industrial fallout, etc. (CalTex)
Interior protection: Leather/vinyl sealants, fabric protection against stains, fading, etc. (extreme.resistall.com)
Warranty coverage: Usually several years (for some levels, up to 7 years) depending on the product, and sometimes with “extendable / renewable” features. (harryrobinsonsallisawford.com)

So ResistAll is a multi-level, multi-surface protection suite, with some offerings explicitly mentioning “ceramic technology” or “graphene + ceramic” or “advanced ceramic technology.” But what exactly does that mean? And does it match up to what detailing-professionals consider a ceramic coating?

What “Ceramic Coating” Means in Auto Detailing

To evaluate whether ResistAll qualifies as a true ceramic coating (or close enough), let’s clarify what “ceramic coating” typically entails in the automotive finishing world.

Key characteristics of a high-quality ceramic coating:

Material / chemistry: Generally formulations based on silica (SiO₂), sometimes ceramic hybrids, occasionally with other additives (like titanium dioxide, graphene, etc.). These coatings chemically bond (or strongly adhere) to the clear coat of paint; form a semi-hard or hard layer that resists chemical attack, oxidation, UV, etc.
Durability & hardness: Measured by hardness rating (though “9H” marketing often uses pencil hardness, which is not perfect, but gives some indication), or by how resistant it is to chemical etching, UV, environmental contaminants, etc. In many cases, true ceramic coatings last several years (3-7+), depending on quality, environment, and maintenance.
Hydrophobic / water behavior: Water beading / sheeting is a key feature. Coatings reduce surface tension of water on the paint, reduce how much contaminant sticks, make wash / clean easier, reduce swirl marks, etc.
Gloss / finish enhancement: A good ceramic coat tends to enhance clarity, deep gloss, sometimes “wet look” or mirror-like reflection. It helps protect clarity and color over time.
Proper prep & application: The surface needs to be well prepared (wash, de-contamination, paint correction if needed, clean of old sealants / wax / overspray etc.), applied in good environmental conditions (temperature / humidity), allowed to cure, often multiple layers or top coats for higher performance.
Warranty & performance claims: Many professional ceramic coatings come with warranties, but conditions often apply (maintenance, wash methods, use of certain products, etc.). Also, performance metrics (UV resistance, chemical resistance, hardness, etc.) are sometimes published or at least spec sheets provided.

Does ResistAll Meet the Criteria?

Now, comparing what ResistAll offers vs the typical criteria of ceramic coatings.

Ceramic Coating Criteria	Does ResistAll Meet It?	Notes / Gaps / Uncertainties
Use of ceramic/hard/silica/graphene material	Partially yes. Some ResistAll levels are advertised as using “advanced ceramic technology” and in some cases “Graphene + Ceramic” (e.g. the 360 product). (CalTex)	Marketing claims are present, but detailed specs (e.g. % SiO₂, layer thickness, hardness, lab test results) are not publicly clear. It’s not obvious how “hard” the coating layer is relative to high-end ceramic brands.
Durability / Warranty	Yes-Middle. Several levels of ResistAll include multi-year warranties (some up to 7 years). Interior + exterior surfaces. (harryrobinsonsallisawford.com)	The warranty likely has conditions—maintenance, wash protocols, exclusions. Also, warranties are often managed via dealers / agents, not the manufacturer directly. Also, performance vs time (how much gloss, how much protection remains at year 5 or year 7) is less well documented publicly.
Hydrophobic / finish enhancement	Likely yes. Marketing states hydrophobic gloss, easier clean-up, high gloss finish, water beading etc. (CalTex)	But effect magnitude and durability over time (especially under harsh exposures: road salt, UV, chemicals) may be less than top-tier ceramic coats. User reviews are mixed; some buyers report degradation of appearance over time.
Proper surface prep & application infrastructure	Partially yes. Being a dealership / F&I product, they often offer spray-on applications so application time is less. Products like ResistAll 360 are described as “spray-on sealant” etc. (CalTex)	Spray-on might mean thinner layers, less rigorous correction/prep, potentially lower control over thickness or curing. Also, environmental / installer variation matters. Buyer often depends on dealer execution.
Visible physical protection (against scratches, chips)	Limited. ResistAll seems more about environmental protection (UV, fading, stains, chemical damage) than preventing rock chip damage or heavy physical abrasion. Some warning about coverage of “paint overspray”, tree sap, etc. (Speck Hyundai of Tri-Cities)	Without being thick or impact-resistant, it’s unlikely to match the chip protection of paint protection film (PPF) or thicker ceramic coatings.
Transparency of performance specs	Moderate. Some brochures emphasize “100 times stronger than steel of equal thickness” etc. (milnesford.com) However, lab data and independent testing seem scarce or not widely published.	Buyers should ask for spec sheets: hardness, chemical resistance, expected gloss retention, degradation over time, etc. Marketing tends to use qualitative claims without detailed measurements.

Key Differences: ResistAll vs High-End True Ceramic Coatings

To see how ResistAll stacks up, here are differences that tend to arise when comparing a mid-/upper level protection product like ResistAll vs what top dedicated ceramic coating detailers offer.

Thickness of the coating layer: High-end ceramic coatings are often applied in thicker layer (multiple coats, proper bonding), giving more “buffer” before wear. ResistAll, especially spray-on applications, may apply thinner layers, which can wear off faster.
Hardness and resistance to chemical etchants: Premium ceramic coats often have published testing against chemical etchants (bird droppings, acid rain, bug splatter, etc.), and many resist these well. ResistAll claims similar protection but may not have third-party verified data.
Longevity under harsh environments: Hot sun, strong UV, road salt, industrial fallout, etc., degrade coatings faster. Good ceramic coatings are formulated for resilience; spray-on sealants / lighter coatings may degrade faster in such environments.
Finish and gloss retention: Premium coatings tend to maintain deeper gloss longer. On darker paints, gloss is more noticeable. Where ResistAll promises high gloss, but over time some users report decline.
Warranty conditions and maintenance requirements: True ceramic coatings often require you follow strict wash protocols, avoid abrasive tools, use certain pH-safe cleaners, reapply top coats if needed. ResistAll warranties likely have similar requirements, but dealership level products sometimes rely heavily on customer following “rules” (which many may neglect).

Pros & Cons of Getting ResistAll

If you are considering buying the ResistAll package (or having it applied), here are advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

More protection than nothing: For many buyers, whatever you get is better than bare paint—extra UV protection, stain resistance, gloss enhancement.
Dealer convenience / bundling: ResistAll is offered via dealerships, often as part of a package. Buyers may get easy installation at delivery, sometimes financing of the protection cost, etc.
Interior + exterior coverage: Many variants of ResistAll cover more than just paint; they offer fabric/leather protection, stain resistance, etc. So value might be more than just paint protection.
Warranty backing: Having a warranty (multi-year) is a strong plus, assuming warranty is meaningful and the provider is responsive.
Marketing appeal / resale perception: Having “ResistAll protection” or “advanced ceramic protection” on sale documents can offer perception of premium care, which might help resale or trade-in value.

Cons

Unclear vs premium ceramic coatings performance: You may not get the same hardness, gloss retention, chemical resistance, or protection vs high-end ceramic coatings. Especially over longer time or harsh environment.
Possibly thinner layer / spray-on vs thicker professional coats: Spray-on ease may come at expense of thickness or less precise application.
Cost vs benefit depends on usage: If you rarely drive, store the car indoors, or live in mild climate, the protection may offer diminishing returns compared to its cost.
Warranty fine print & exclusions: As with many protection plans, the warranty may have exclusions (weather damage, stone chips, neglect, wash protocols, etc). If you don’t follow rules, you may not see promised protection.
Potential for fade in performance over time: Over years, protective traits (hydrophobicity, gloss, stain resistance) will degrade; you may need top-ups, or replacement protection, which adds cost.

Real Buyer / User Feedback & Common Questions

From what is available (dealership ads, forums, Reddit threads, etc.), people ask or report:

Buyers sometimes report that dealership insisted “ResistAll is ceramic coating” or “like ceramic” and quoted warranty of 7 years. But after 1-2 years, they see gloss fading or minor staining. (Reddit)
Some ask if paint chip protection is part of ResistAll; often it is not—rock/stone chip protection is generally outside of what a coating/sealant like this can do. Damage from debris is still possible.
Questions around how often maintenance is required to keep appearance and function (wash protocols, avoiding automatic washers, using mild cleaners). Many users report that failing to follow maintenance greatly reduces the lifespan / effectiveness of the protection.

What to Ask / Check Before Buying ResistAll

If you are a buyer considering ResistAll, here are key questions and checks to help you determine if what you get is close to a ceramic coating or just a lighter protection package.

Which variant / level are you buying? (e.g. ResistAll NG2, ResistAll Extreme, ResistAll 360) Each likely has different materials, warranties, and performance.
Request performance specs:
- What is the hardness (pencil hardness, scratch resistance)?
- What is the expected gloss retention over time (e.g. % gloss after 1 year, after 5 years)?
- Does it really have ceramic or graphene content, and in what proportion?
Application method and thickness of coating: Spray-on? Hand-applied? How many layers? What is the film thickness or layer thickness?
Warranty details: What is covered, what exclusions exist, what maintenance is required, who honors claims, what proof you’ll need.
Maintenance recommendations: What wash products are allowed / disallowed; how to maintain hydrophobicity; top-ups or reapplications needed if any.
Environmental challenges: Depending on your climate (sun, salt, snow, UV, industrial pollution), how well people in your area say ResistAll performs over time.
Cost vs similar ceramic coatings: Compare ResistAll cost + warranties vs independent detailer ceramic coatings (brands with known testing). Sometimes you might get better or comparable performance for similar price with a premium ceramic coat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is ResistAll really a ceramic coating?
ResistAll includes products that claim to use ceramic or graphene-ceramic technology, but it isn’t always the same as a dedicated professional ceramic coating applied by detailing shops. Some packages are closer to advanced paint sealants with ceramic additives, while others do contain ceramic-style chemistry.

Q2. How long does ResistAll last?
Depending on the package, ResistAll is marketed with warranties of up to 7 years. Real-world durability depends on your driving environment, how well the vehicle is maintained, and whether the dealership followed proper prep and application steps.

Q3. Does ResistAll protect against rock chips and scratches?
No. Like most coatings, ResistAll is primarily for environmental and chemical protection (UV rays, fading, sap, stains, etc.). For true rock chip resistance, you’d need Paint Protection Film (PPF).

Q4. How is ResistAll applied?
It’s usually applied at the dealership during vehicle prep. Many of the products are spray-on formulas designed for faster application, unlike professional ceramic coatings which require careful multi-step prep, correction, and curing.

Q5. What surfaces does ResistAll cover?
ResistAll isn’t just exterior paint — it can include fabric, leather, and vinyl protection, plus stain and UV resistance for interiors, depending on the package.

Q6. Can I apply a ceramic coating over ResistAll?
In most cases, yes, but the surface would need to be stripped and prepped properly first. If you plan to upgrade to a professional ceramic coating, let the detailer know ResistAll was applied so they can prep accordingly.

Q7. Is ResistAll better than professional ceramic coatings?
It depends on your expectations. ResistAll is convenient and bundled with dealer warranties, but professional ceramic coatings tend to offer thicker layers, better gloss retention, and more proven durability when installed correctly.

Q8. How much does ResistAll cost at the dealership?
Prices vary, but many buyers report dealership quotes of $600–$1,200 for ResistAll packages. That’s often close to what independent detailers charge for an entry-level professional ceramic coating.

Q9. Does the ResistAll warranty really cover paint damage?
Yes, but with conditions. The warranty may cover environmental damage like fading, etching, or stains, but usually not chips, scratches, or neglect. Always read the fine print before signing.

Q10. Is ResistAll worth it for used cars?
It can help preserve the condition of a used car, but its value depends on paint condition, cost, and warranty terms. If the car’s paint already has defects, a professional correction plus coating may provide better results.

Conclusion

So, is ResistAll a ceramic coating? The short answer: ResistAll does use ceramic and even graphene-ceramic ingredients in some products, but it isn’t always equivalent to a dedicated, professional-grade ceramic coating.

What you’re really buying with ResistAll is:

Dealer convenience (applied before you take delivery).
Multi-surface protection (paint, fabric, leather, vinyl).
Warranty coverage against certain types of environmental damage.

However, ResistAll’s spray-on application, thinner layers, and marketing language mean its real-world performance may not match premium ceramic coatings that are applied with meticulous prep, multiple layers, and long cure times. If your goal is maximum gloss, proven chemical resistance, and durability over 5–7 years, a professional ceramic coating may be the better investment.

That said, if you value the warranty peace of mind, don’t want to schedule extra appointments, and prefer a bundled solution at the dealership, ResistAll can still add worthwhile protection—especially when compared to doing nothing at all.

In the end, the decision comes down to expectations and priorities:

For ease, warranty, and all-surface coverage, ResistAll fits the bill.
For maximum durability, proven performance, and enthusiast-level gloss, a dedicated ceramic coating from a reputable detailer will likely outperform it.

Either way, protecting your car’s finish is a smart move, and whether through ResistAll or a pro ceramic coating, your vehicle will stay cleaner, shinier, and better protected for years to come.