PFAS in Ceramic Coatings and Why You Should Avoid Them Too
You might have heard of PFAS, the so-called "forever chemicals" that hang around in the environment longer than an old Land Rover in a farmyard. They are used in all sorts of everyday products, and sadly, that includes some ceramic coatings for cars.
At washme.ie, we have made a clear decision: no PFAS or PTFE in our detailing range. Here is why you should be just as picky.
What’s the Problem with PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. It sounds like something from a Leaving Cert chemistry exam, but here is the short version:
They do not break down – PFAS remain in the environment for decades, building up in water, soil, animals and eventually, in people.
They are linked to serious health risks – including cancer, hormone disruption and reduced immune function.
They keep piling up – every time PFAS enter the environment, they stay there. It is like letting muck into your garage… it will never leave without a fight.
The EU is already working on a major restriction to phase PFAS out of consumer products, and several countries have started national bans. Ireland, as part of the EU, will be affected, so PFAS-heavy products will become harder to get, and for good reason.
Where Are They Used?
PFAS are widely used to make surfaces water- and oil-repellent, and resistant to heat and wear. You can find them in fabrics, leather, carpets, clothing, paper coatings for food, non-stick cookware, and waterproofing materials like Gore-Tex. The most well-known PFAS is Teflon (PTFE), used on pans and in construction for waterproofing.
In car care, some waxes, polishes, and coatings use PFAS to create an antistatic film that repels dirt and road grime, helping paint stay cleaner for longer. They can also improve the durability of a coating by reducing streaking and surface friction. Despite these benefits, PFAS-based products can be tricky to apply evenly and may require more frequent reapplication to maintain protection.
Why Are PFAS Used in Ceramic Coatings?
In short, because they work. PFAS make water, dirt and oil slide off a surface like rain off a freshly waxed bonnet. That is why they have been popular in car care, giving long-lasting hydrophobic protection and easy cleaning.
But that performance comes at a cost, both to the environment and potentially to our health.
The Good News: PFAS-Free Options Are Here!
We are seeing more and more top-tier brands ditch PFAS without sacrificing performance. Some great examples we stock at washme.ie:
Labocosmetica: Labocosmetica is a leading company in environmental and health protection because it has never used PFAS in any of its products. The brand has always focused its scientific research on using alternative molecules while still achieving excellent performance. From premium ceramic coatings like HPC 2.0, SAM, HPC Pro and Blindo, you get outstanding gloss, superb protection and long-lasting results without the chemical baggage.
EWOCAR: EWOCAR’s coatings are completely free from PFAS and are developed with both durability and user-friendliness in mind. They deliver professional-grade performance while maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility, making them a perfect match for Ireland’s varied weather conditions.
How to Spot PFAS-Free Products
Manufacturers do not have to list PFAS on the front label, so you often will not see them mentioned unless the brand chooses to be transparent. That is why it is important to buy from trusted suppliers who can confirm what is in the bottle.
At washme.ie, we check the technical data sheets and work directly with our suppliers to ensure the coatings we sell are PFAS-free.
Final Word: Shine Without the Guilt
You can have the deep gloss, slick finish and long-lasting protection of a ceramic coating without the hidden environmental and health toll. The brands we carry prove it is possible, and in Ireland’s climate, you need products that work hard without harming the places we love to drive.
If you are curious about switching to PFAS-free coatings, have a look at our range or get in touch. We will point you in the right direction.
