PPF Vs. Ceramic Coating: What To Choose

Whether you just bought a new car or paid to have a fresh coat of paint put on your business vehicle, seeing it shine under the sun is exciting. But keeping its luster can be a challenge and requires protection against harsh weather and road elements that can slowly fade, chip, and scratch away its surface.

If you are considering high-quality paint protection, you need more than a clear coat and carnauba wax. Applying a paint protection film (PPF) or ceramic coating is your best bet to get long-lasting peace of mind. 

But which is best for your vehicle? 

Comparing PPF and Ceramic 

Paint protection options have come a long way since the first Model T rolled off the assembly line in the early 1900s. Back then, black paint was the primary option for protecting a vehicle’s surface because of the linseed oil used in its chemical makeup. Nowadays, you have countless options, but none are quite as durable as PPF and ceramic coating. 

With the boost these products give to luster and improved scratch and fade resistance, it’s never been easier to keep your vehicle’s exterior looking like it’s fresh off the lot. To help you determine which method will provide the best protection, below is a brief overview of each and how they can benefit your car’s paint.

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is a specialized polymer that comes in a liquid form. This type of car paint protection bonds to your car’s surface to create a permanent barrier between it and harsh elements that can scratch, scuff, and fade. This is the perfect method if you want a dependable alternative to waxing or using a liquid sealant. 

You get UV protection, scratch resistance, incredible tolerance to heat, and these additional benefits:

Water-Resistant

One of the most notable features of ceramic coating paint protection is its water-resistant nature. Nothing will stick to your vehicle once applied, including substances like mud, bird droppings, bug splatter, and more! This means less time spent buffing and more time driving. 

Added Sun Protection

One of the biggest threats to your car’s paint is the sun. The extreme temperatures and UV rays we experience are incredibly harmful to vehicle surfaces, both inside and out! However, if you spend a lot of time commuting or taking road trips, ceramic coating can add the extra layer of protection you need to keep your car’s glossy shine. 

These products usually only need one application during your car’s lifetime, so it also adds a level of affordability to its benefits. However, much like PPF, this is not a do-it-yourself project. Ceramic coating in Charlotte, NC, requires professional application by a reputable auto detailer.

The bottom line for ceramic coating your vehicle: 

• Deep, glossy paint appearance;
• Chemical stain resistance;
• Water-resistant;
• Protects against minor scratching and paint chipping.

Paint Protection Film (PPF)

When you call around to different auto detailers to ask about paint protection film, it’s often referred to as clear car bra or PPF for short. In general terms, this product is made of a thick urethane film that has several unique properties making it ideal for protecting your car’s exterior surfaces, including: 

Invisible Barrier

One of the biggest reasons PPF has skyrocketed in popularity is its transparency on a vehicle. You can’t tell it’s on the surface unless you opt for a textured or colored style. PPF is extremely versatile and customizable, so it can complement your aesthetic taste by being completely invisible or stylized. 

Because this product consists of a clear coat layer on top of a thick film with adhesive on the bottom, you also get additional UV ray protection. No more fading!

Self-Heals Most Scratches

No more hours spent buffing and buffing away at scratches on your car! The urethane film in PPF can repair itself with strategically focused heat and is thick enough to prevent scratches from getting through to the paint. 

As you can see, PPF acts like an invisible forcefield for your vehicle’s surface. Even natural hazards like acid rain, bug splatter, mineral deposits, and roadway debris don’t stand a chance against it. Its density allows it to act almost like a shock absorber and return to its original state after being struck. 

The bottom line for paint protection film benefits are:

• Prevent absorption of acidic contaminants and mineral spotting;
• UV ray resistance;
• Absorbs and heals from many chips and scratches;
• Self-healing;
• Comes in a variety of designs, color palettes, and textures.

Which is Better? PPF or Ceramic Coating? 

The answer may surprise you: both. Since PPF and ceramic coating provide different protective features, using them together can boost your paint’s overall longevity and resistance to harmful elements. Rely on ceramic to enhance glossiness and protect a layer of PPF beneath to optimize your efforts to safeguard your car’s beauty and make cleaning easier.