Ceramic Coatings vs PPF -Paint Protection Options For Your Ride
What are Ceramic Coatings?
To understand the difference between a ceramic coating and paint protection film, it’s important first to know how they work. Ceramic coatings are liquids that fill in all those microscopic gaps on your vehicle’s surface; cracks or imperfections–anything you don’t want water getting into!
They make vehicles hydrophobic so that when moisture gets trapped under them (which happens more easily than usual), instead of pooling up like normal once again, it rolls off quickly without leaving behind any stains this time around.
In addition these days many people apply them not just for exterior protection but also for the interior too
What is Paint Protection Film (PPF)?
The paint protection film, or PFF for short, is comparable to the clear protective cover on your phone in that it serves as a screen.
It’s there to protect you from scratches and stains caused by road debris, but what makes it so unique? As we previously stated, this little layer of magic not only ensures that you will never need another
How PPF is like a Ceramic Coating?
Both PPF and ceramic coatings protect a car’s paint job from the elements, including UV exposure, acid contaminates, mineral deposits, smog, snow, ice, bird droppings, rock chips, and swirl marks from the car washes, and extreme heat.
Fading paint is prevented by PPF and ceramic coated cars, which shield a vehicle’s paint job from mineral deposits oxidation.
Both stop chemical etching marks and water spots caused by minerals in the water, UV exposure, chemical etch marks, acid rain, etc…
Both PPF and ceramic coatings will keep your paint looking brand new for years.
Both PPF and ceramic coatings provide an invisible finish
When it comes to PPF vs. ceramic coatings, most people want to know what sets them apart. You will not lose out by using one rather than the other, or by not applying both to your automobile.
How is PPF is different from Ceramic Coating?
PPF is removable. So, if you scratch your film backing out of the garage, you just need to replace the damaged panel and it’s back to normal. Compare this to ceramic coatings which won’t be coming off without mechanically removing it.
Different materials. While an obvious difference, different materials lead to different installation methods and timelines which affects cost.
A ceramic coating makes your car easier to clean and has hydrophobic properties, but it won’t protect as well as PPF against road debris.
Looks can be different. PPF can come in matte, the ceramic coating provides an unmatched enhancement to gloss.
PPF absorbs scratches and actually self-heals itself and protects the paint underneath.
Should I Purchase PPF or Ceramic Coating for My Car?
This boils down to your budget and demands in the end. PPF is most likely the best option if you want protection from the debris coming in contact with the paint.
Are you searching for a way to protect the clear coat and make your car look better while also making it simpler to clean? Ceramic coatings are a superior alternative.
That said, it’s very common for vehicle owners to get the best of both worlds. Apply PPF to protect the rocker panels, and vulnerable areas of the vehicle (front bumper for example), and then apply ceramic coating across the entire vehicle for better looks and cleaning.
How Does PPF Affect a Car That is Wrapped?
Paint protection film works the same with a vehicle wrap as it does with PPF. Some people who pay for a high-quality car wrap frequently choose to protect it with paint protection film.
This is because a single scratch will still expose the underlying paint, and the wrap can’t seal itself. PPF, self-heals and protects the wrap longer.
Pricing
Paint Protection Film
Paint protection film costs vary depending on a variety of factors. The size of your car, the degree of difficulty in installation, and the type of film you choose are all factors.
PPF costs from $600 to $2000 depending on the make and model of your automobile. However, I’ve seen fees as low as $350 and as excessive as $9000.
Ceramic Coating
Ceramic paint jobs cost more than regular paint jobs because they include extra steps, such as paint correction, polishing, and/or sanding imperfections out of the paint before applying the coating.
The amount of time it takes to complete a ceramic coating varies based on the size of your vehicle, the quality of the coating molecular hardness you choose, and again the prep work that must be done beforehand.
You can expect to spend anywhere from $1500 to $3000 for a ceramic coating on your vehicle. However, I’ve seen prices as low as $1000 and as high as $5000. The cost will vary depending on the amount of paint correction and prep that needs to be done.
Conclusion
When it comes to ceramic coating vs. paint protection film, there is no clear winner. Both have their pros and cons which you will need to weigh out before making a decision.
Ceramic coatings are a liquid coating that is a microscopic layer / protective layer for the whole car including all the glass and trim that leaves an enhanced glossy finish
PPF is an applied film that is extremely resistant to any paint damage, scratches caused by, rocks, bugs and also provides a self-healing, hydrophobic surface.
In the end, it all comes down to what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend. I hope this article has helped clear some things up and we wish you the best of luck in protecting your vehicle.
Don’t forget to bookmark this page and site for future reference, certain features, similar technologies updates, and feel free to share this page with your Facebook groups, garaged obsessed friends.
