We’ve found naysayers on social media that say all we do is “white-label” since we produce a Graphene product. This article is part one of a two part series. The first part will take a look at what we at Gloss Riders view as an essential discussion: what are the myths promulgated by the car care industry? We focus on the science and what we believe to be true at other car care brands. We are a small company, so our focus has to be on accuracy and making products efficiently at small scale.

Graphene has stirred up excitement (good or bad) across various industries, from electronics to healthcare, and more recently, the car care industry. As a two-dimensional allotrope of carbon, graphene boasts exceptional properties, such as high tensile strength, flexibility, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity. But along with this wave of enthusiasm comes a fair share of myths and misconceptions—especially regarding its application in car care products.

At Gloss Riders, we are committed to dispelling these myths and bringing a scientific approach to detailing. This article will unravel some of the common misunderstandings about graphene and shed light on the actual science behind its use in car care.

What is Graphene?

Graphene is composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb-like structure. It is often described as a “wonder material” because of its impressive combination of properties. For example, it is 200 times stronger than steel and incredibly lightweight. It’s also a superb conductor of electricity and heat, making it useful in applications that range from flexible electronics to battery technology.

But what does this mean for car care? Some companies have claimed that graphene enhances the performance of automotive coatings, particularly in terms of durability, hydrophobicity (water-repellency), and scratch resistance. However, the science behind these claims is often overstated or poorly understood.

Myth #1: “Graphene is a Revolutionary Technology in Car Coatings”

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that graphene-based coatings are a revolutionary improvement over traditional ceramic coatings. While graphene’s potential is undeniable, its specific benefits in car care are still being researched. Many of the coatings marketed as “graphene-based” contain only trace amounts of the material, and there is no clear scientific consensus that graphene coatings are categorically superior to well-formulated ceramic or carnauba wax coatings.

In fact, most coatings that include graphene are hybrids that blend it with traditional silicon dioxide (SiO₂), the primary component in ceramic coatings. These formulations may provide some benefits, such as enhanced slickness or improved hydrophobicity, but the differences are often marginal compared to high-quality ceramic coatings. In many cases, the hype surrounding graphene coatings exceeds the actual performance.

In a 2020 study published in the journal Nanomaterials , researchers found that the mechanical strength of graphene-infused coatings was not significantly higher than that of conventional ceramic coatings. Moreover, the hydrophobic properties—a major selling point for many graphene products—were comparable to traditional coatings. Thus, while graphene can contribute to the overall performance of a product, it is not necessarily a game-changer.

Myth #2: “Graphene Lasts Forever”

Durability is a crucial consideration for any car care product, and the idea that graphene-based coatings can last indefinitely is another common misconception. While graphene itself is extremely durable in its pure form, the coatings in which it is used are not made of pure graphene. These coatings are often dispersed in polymer or silicon-based carriers, and their longevity is largely dependent on how well these carrier systems adhere to the surface and how they resist environmental factors.

Environmental degradation—like UV rays, temperature fluctuations, road salts, and acid rain—can erode even the best coatings over time. As a result, graphene-infused coatings need periodic maintenance and reapplication, just like ceramic or traditional wax coatings.

To date, no peer-reviewed studies have shown that graphene-based coatings last significantly longer than well-formulated ceramic coatings. Claims that graphene offers “permanent” protection should be approached with skepticism unless backed by independent research.

Myth #3: “Graphene Coatings Are Scratch-Proof”

Another common myth is that graphene coatings make your car’s paint scratch-proof. While graphene does have exceptional mechanical strength, that doesn’t mean a thin layer applied to your vehicle can make it invulnerable to scratches.

When infused into coatings, graphene might help improve the scratch resistance slightly, but it cannot prevent scratches from occurring altogether. At best, it offers a small increment of additional protection against minor abrasions. Major scratches—those caused by car keys, branches, or sharp objects—will still penetrate the coating and reach the clear coat or even the paint layer beneath it.

A 2021 study in Surface Coatings Technology explored the mechanical durability of graphene-enhanced coatings and found that, while they performed better in scratch-resistance tests than uncoated surfaces, they were still susceptible to damage under significant mechanical stress. This means that while graphene coatings may offer some improvement in scratch resistance, they do not offer the impervious protection often claimed in marketing materials. This is why you see the car care industry using terms like “may” and “can”

Myth #4: “Graphene Makes the Surface Hydrophobic”

Hydrophobicity—the ability of a surface to repel water—is a key selling point for many car care products. Some claim that graphene coatings create superhydrophobic surfaces, where water beads and rolls off effortlessly. While it’s true that graphene-infused coatings can have hydrophobic properties, graphene itself is not inherently hydrophobic.

The hydrophobicity in most coatings, graphene-based or otherwise, comes from other chemical additives—often fluoropolymers or silanes. Graphene may contribute to making the surface slicker, but it doesn’t inherently make the surface superhydrophobic. It’s more accurate to say that graphene is a supportive material that enhances the overall formulation of the product rather than being the sole contributor to its hydrophobic properties.

A study published in Journal of Applied Polymer Science revealed that graphene’s role in hydrophobicity is more about increasing the surface contact angles (i.e., making water bead up) rather than actively repelling water. The effectiveness of a coating’s water-repellency depends more on how it’s formulated with other hydrophobic agents than on the presence of graphene alone.

Myth #5: “All Graphene Products Are the Same”

Another myth perpetuated in the car care industry is that all graphene-infused products are created equal. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The type, quality, and concentration of graphene used in a product can vary significantly from one brand to another. Some products contain only trace amounts of graphene oxide (GO), which is less effective than pure graphene.

Moreover, some brands may exploit the “graphene” label to market products that contain little to no graphene. Transparency in formulation is rare, and many car care companies do not disclose how much graphene is actually in their products. This is by design. If makers discuss what we put into our products and at what volume our competitors will take advantage. This lack of transparency leads to widespread misinformation and contributes to the myth that all graphene products offer the same benefits.

A Science-Based Approach to Car Care

At Gloss Riders, we are committed to changing the car care industry by making it science-based. We believe in transparency, research, and real results—not hype. While graphene shows promise, it is not a miracle material in car care. It offers incremental improvements in some areas but does not revolutionize the industry the way some marketing claims suggest.

We’re focused on delivering products that are backed by solid research and formulation principles. Our approach integrates the latest scientific understanding with real-world performance, ensuring that you get the best possible protection for your vehicle without falling for overblown marketing claims. Even though our product labels say the coatings last six to 12 months we often tell people to apply more frequently. The reality is we can’t know where you store your car or the conditions.

By combining tried-and-true ingredients like ceramic polymers, SiO₂, and even traditional waxes with cutting-edge materials like graphene, we aim to push the industry forward in a way that’s grounded in science—not hype. After all, at the end of the day, it’s the performance and durability of a product that matters—not the buzzwords on the label.

Graphene is an exciting material with lots of potential, but it is essential to separate the myths from the science when it comes to its application in car care. At Gloss Riders, we encourage customers to focus on well-formulated products with proven results, rather than being swayed by marketing claims. But we also believe that we should objectively review the material in front of them. Through research-driven innovation, we are committed to advancing car care products that work as promised, rooted in science and not speculation

For further reading, consider checking out sources like:

1. Nanomaterials – “Mechanical and Hydrophobic Properties of Graphene-Based Coatings” .
2. Surface Coatings Technology – “The Mechanical Durability of Graphene-Enhanced Automotive Coatings” .
3. Journal of Applied Polymer Science – “Graphene’s Role in Enhancing Hydrophobicity of Automotive Coatings” .