Aegis: Rethinking Thin-Film Ceramic Coatings for the Next Generation

 “Aegis is the perfect fit for the instrument panels on our research boats. Durable, non-fading and very easy to keep looking brand new.” — Yale Smith, Master Boat Fabricator. Smith Root Inc.

In the world of industrial paint and coatings, innovation rarely comes fast—or easy. But for Aegis, a family-owned business founded by Chris and Rebecca Sicilia, innovation didn’t just emerge from a lab. It was born from frustration, necessity, and a keen understanding of the limitations in the thin film ceramic coating space.

Aegis began as an idea in 2018, shaped by decades of generational expertise in surface finishing. Chris and Rebecca, both deeply rooted in a family tradition of coatings, saw a glaring market gap: while thin film ceramic coatings were gaining popularity for their durability, heat resistance, and aesthetic finish, many products on the market fell short when it came to scalability, UV resistance, or customer support.

Some coatings performed beautifully in controlled environments but weren’t feasible for repetitive production. Others scaled better but came with trade-offs—variability in quality, customer service breakdowns, or failure in outdoor applications. The Sicilia’s knew there had to be a better way….

“Aegis Technical Coatings has top notch quality and customer service! Setting the new standard for coatings.”

The Long Road to Launch

Between 2019 and 2020, sourcing equipment and raw materials proved challenging. Then came the pandemic, stalling progress further. The early days were marked by trial, error, and persistence. It wasn’t until 2021 that Aegis produced its first pilot batch of coatings for alpha testing.

“We struggled with a roadmap to produce this,” Chris recalls. “Everybody was closed, raw materials were impossible to get, and we had to figure it all out ourselves.”

Through that struggle, the foundation was laid for something better—a new kind of coating, and a new kind of company.

A New Take on Thin-Film Ceramic

At its core, Aegis is a reimagining of what thin-film ceramic coatings can be. Built from the ground up to meet the demands of today’s manufacturers, the company offers high-performance coatings that are UV-stable, scalable, and customer-centric.

One of the most common frustrations with existing thin-film coatings is their sensitivity to sunlight. Many epoxies and ceramics discolor, yellow, or lose gloss when exposed to UV rays over time. Powder coatings are often used as a workaround for outdoor exposure, but they come with their own limitations—especially when tight tolerances are involved.

Aegis coatings, in contrast, are designed to resist UV degradation. According to preliminary QUV testing and customer results in the field, Aegis coatings show little to no color shift or gloss loss, even under prolonged sunlight exposure. That opens the door to applications in industries that have traditionally avoided thin films for outdoor parts—such as marine, aerospace, and sporting goods.

“The sun doesn’t attack the part,” Chris says. “That’s huge. In other systems, you see yellowing or fading quickly. With ours, the color stays stable. That matters when your product lives outside—on a boat, on a dirt bike, in aerospace.”

Built for Production

Performance alone isn’t enough. For many manufacturers, consistency, turnaround time, and ease of application are just as important as lab specs. That’s where Aegis truly shines. Their coatings are designed with production scalability in mind— high performance at a low dry film thickness (as little as 1 mil), with quick cure times and minimal variation across substrates.

This scalability is particularly valuable for companies working with multiple materials. Because Aegis coatings are applied as a liquid, they can deliver consistent color and finish across different metals and plastics without the charging limitations of powder coating. The result is aesthetic consistency and practical efficiency.

And while Aegis may still be a small team, their agility is a strength. With a lean management structure and a deep commitment to customer service, they’re able to pivot quickly, solve problems, and give clients the kind of hands-on attention that larger companies often struggle to maintain.

“If we make a mistake—and we may, we own it,” Chris says. “We’re in this for the long haul with our customers. We want to be the partner they can count on.”

“We’re very impressed with the results. It’s clear that Aegis uses top-tier materials and processes by meeting our customers expectations on challenging applications requiring durability, corrosion resistance and UV stability. Their commitment to quality makes them a standout in the world of specialty coatings.”

Testing, Transparency, and Trust

One of Aegis’ standout approaches is their commitment to third-party validation. Rather than simply touting internal performance results, the company partners with independent labs to test their coatings against established ASTM standards. Their coatings meet or exceed industry benchmarks in adhesion, impact resistance, gloss retention, and more.

This emphasis on transparency extends to their certification program for applicators. Through a three-step process involving testing coupons, lab evaluation, and direct feedback, Aegis ensures that applicators are trained, equipped, and consistent. Those who meet the standards receive formal certification and are listed as featured applicators on the Aegis website.

“It’s not just about selling a product,” Chris notes. “It’s about building a community of professionals who take pride in their work. We support them. We train them. And we listen to them.”

Rooted in Service

From first inquiry to delivery, Aegis prioritizes communication and care—a value shaped by the Sicilias’ family legacy. Customers praise the company’s responsiveness, honest feedback, and willingness to go the extra mile. Whether answering technical questions on social media or providing direct support during application, the team builds long-term relationships.

That customer-first mindset has already earned the trust of notable industry players. Shops like MASIC Industries, Nevada Cerakote & Laser, and Rookskoatings have offered strong endorsements, not just for the coating’s performance but for the experience of working with Aegis.

Markets and Momentum

Aegis serves sectors including defense, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing, but is especially focused on outdoor and high-UV applications. Marine, fishing, sporting goods, and automotive are key targets for growth.

They plan to expand their color palette, develop new coating technologies, and pursue ISO 9001 certification. “We’re not settling,” Rebecca says. “This is just the beginning.”

The team is already developing next-generation coatings with novel chemistries for extreme conditions—driven by R&D and customer feedback. That ambition sets them apart from competitors reluctant to change.

Made in the U.S., Designed for the World

In an era when domestic sourcing and sustainability matter more than ever, Aegis manufactures all coatings in the U.S. using VOC-exempt solvents. The products meet environmental regulations and are designed for long life cycles—reducing the need for frequent reapplication.

From dirt bike parts in the Arizona sun to sailboat components enduring salt spray, Aegis coatings last. They’ve been tested to 1,000-hour salt spray standards, making them suitable for the harshest environments.

As Aegis moves forward, the vision remains bold but grounded: continue developing world-class coatings, build community through service and certification, and help customers succeed in demanding environments where traditional coatings fall short.

“Our goal isn’t just to be another option,” Chris says. “It’s to be the right option—for applicators, for manufacturers, for anyone looking for something better.”

From humble beginnings to growing momentum, Aegis is proving there’s still room for innovation, integrity, and impact in industrial coatings. And if their trajectory is any indication, they’re just getting started.

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For more information on Aegis Thin Film Ceramic Coating, visit aegisthinfilm.com. Aegis isn’t just a product; it’s a promise of quality and care, revolutionizing the ceramic coating industry one application at a time.