In the automotive world, the argument of PPF vs. ceramic coating often arises. Which one is best? We’re ready to answer that question for you.

 

A recent study showed that more than half of Americans won’t purchase a vehicle if they don’t love its appearance.

And you can’t blame them – driving a clean and sleek car can be good for your mental health!

If you are looking to maintain the showroom shine of your vehicle for as long as possible, you’ve probably stumbled upon the two most used products; ceramic coatings and paint protection films (PPF).

So, what are the primary distinctions between these products? What will they achieve for your vehicle? And which one is suitable for you?

Continue reading to learn more about PPF vs ceramic coating:

PPF Vs Ceramic Coating: What Are They?

Paint protection film (PPF) is a transparent thermoplastic polyurethane material that’s applied directly to your vehicle’s exterior paint for protection. PPFs help maintain the quality of your vehicle’s paint job by lowering the chances of damages. These include scratches, swirl marks, chemical stains, and more.

Ceramic Coating is a chemical polymer applied to a vehicle’s exterior paint. The liquid bonds with your vehicle’s manufacturer paint, creating a hydrophobic surface that makes it more difficult for impurities to stain. The coating also makes it easier to clean and helps keep the car cleaner for longer.

How Are Paint Protection Films And Ceramic Coatings Similar?

Both products aim to maintain your car’s appearance by preserving and protecting its exterior paint. In addition to their core purpose, these vehicle wraps have some comparable features including;

Prevents Damage

Both products guard your car against scratches, swirl marks, chemical stains, and damages caused by rocks. Ceramic coating helps enhance the hardiness of your vehicle’s paint, making it more unsusceptible to marring damages. It can also guard against chemical etches marks.

Some PPFs have self-healing film technology that enables minor scratches to heal over time. They achieve this via elastomeric polymers which revert to their original shape after damage.

Prevents Fading

Both products protect your car’s exterior paint from harmful UV rays. Ceramic coats hinder oxidation, thus preventing the yellowing and fading of your paint. PPFs also help protect your car’s exterior from exposure to the sun which oxidizes the paint thus causing yellowing and fading.

If you are looking for UV protection, both of these options are ideal.

Improves Appearance

Both products improve the appearance of your vehicle making the paint job look brighter and richer. The car also becomes glossier and the hydrophobic coating helps keep your car looking cleaner between washings.

How Are Paint Protection Films And Ceramic Coatings Different?

Despite the similarities stated above, paint protection films and ceramic coatings have notable dissimilarities. Consider the following differences:

UV Protection

If paint protection films get exposed to excessive sunlight for a long time, they tend to discolor or turn yellow. On the other hand, ceramic coatings act like sunscreen for your car, offering enhanced UV protection even when exposed to excessive sunlight. As a result, this protects your car’s exterior paint from fading due to oxidation and ensures your car remains vibrant.

Impact Resistance

Paint Protection Films are thicker than Ceramic Coatings, which gives them a better impact resistance against debris like stones, sticks, insects, and more. PPFs also have a chemical composition that enables them to self-heal and return to their original shape after undergoing damage.

Durability

Durability is a critical factor when comparing ceramic coating and paint protection films. The high-quality ceramic coatings offer 2-5 years of protection, depending on the hardness you choose. On the other hand, paint protection films offer 7-10 years of protection.

The Gloss Factor

Both these products help protect your car’s exterior paint and help maintain its shine. However, ceramic coatings add extra glow and luster to your vehicle, for a smoother shine. PPFs also add gloss, but it does not surpass the shine that ceramic coatings provide.

Hydrophobicity

Paint protection films don’t provide any hydrophobic features and you won’t notice any indications of water resistance. Unfortunately, this implies that with just a PPF wrap, your vehicle is more susceptible to damage from water spots and improper washing techniques.

On the other hand, ceramic is hydrophobic, thus guarding your car against the impurities commonly found in water. It forms a chemical bond with your vehicle’s paint and offers an enduring layer of protection. As a result, the water never directly damages your car’s exterior paint.

Additionally, ceramic coatings have a self-cleaning feature that allows dirt and impurities to roll off the car’s coated surface with ease.

This feature makes cleaning and drying much more effortless.

Cost

The cost of both ceramic coatings and paint protection films varies based on the size of your car and the quality provided. Normally, ceramic coatings cost between $1500 to $5750, depending on the durability and grade of the coating you select.

PPFs are costlier than ceramic coatings and usually range from $1,300 to $7,000. The prices of this vehicle wrap normally alter depending on the grade of PPF and parts of your car to be covered.

Get Ultimate Protection For Your Vehicle

PPF vs ceramic coating – which product is right for your car?

Paint protection film has significantly evolved in the last decade from a black film on chopper blades to a powerful form of protection against vehicle damages. It guards your exterior paint against scratches and rock chips.

On the other hand, the ceramic coating offers glossiness and makes washing the car much easier as it is hydrophobic by nature.

Ultimately, if you’re seeking to protect your car’s exterior and are willing to spend a little, you really can’t go amiss with either option and CoaterZ  can help you decide!

If you have any additional questions about PPF and ceramic coating or desire to schedule an appointment, contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!