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Ceramic Coating vs PPF: What’s the Difference Between Paint Protection Films and Ceramic Coatings?

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Paint Protection Film vs Ceramic Coating

PPF vs Ceramic Coating

Do you care about your car? Do you care about the physical appearance of your car’s exterior? If so, you’ve probably done some research about the products available for protecting and preserving your car’s paint, and you’ve probably come across some information about two different products: Paint Protection Film (PPF or Clear Bra, such as XPEL Ultimate), and Ceramic Coatings (such as Opti-Coat Pro+).

What’s the difference between these two products? What will they accomplish for your car? And what will be the best solution for protecting your car’s paint?

Let’s dive into those questions.

What is a Paint Protection Film?

Paint Protection Film is a transparent, urethane material that can be applied to any exterior painted surface on your vehicle. In short, automotive Paint Protection Film preserves the quality of your car’s paint by reducing the risk of multiple kinds of damage, such as…

  • Chips and scratches caused by rocks and road debris
  • Swirl marks created during washing
  • Chemical stains caused by acidic contaminants
  • Chemical etch marks caused by acidic contaminants
  • Hard water spots from mineral deposits
  • Oxidation (fading) from UV exposure

If you want to learn more about the history and technology behind Paint Protection Film, read our formal introduction to the product.

What is a Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic Coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. After application, it chemically bonds with the vehicle’s factory paint, establishing a layer of protection and a hydrophobic surface. The hydrophobic properties of Ceramic Coating make it harder for contaminants to bond with your car’s paint.  This has two main benefits for the car owner.

  • It helps keep the car cleaner for longer.
  • It makes the car easier to clean when the time does come for a wash.

A Ceramic Coating will also help reduce the risk of certain kinds of damage, such as…

  • Chemical stains caused by acidic contaminants
  • Chemical etch marks caused by acidic contaminants
  • Oxidation (fading) from UV exposure

Learn more about the benefits and limitations of Ceramic Coatings, you can read about them here.

Opti Coat Pro | During Application | Mercedes (2)
We install ceramic coating in Charlotte, NC.

How Are Paint Protection Films and Ceramic Coatings Similar?

As you can see, both products serve the purpose of keeping your car looking newer for longer by protecting and preserving your car’s paint.

In addition to this common central aim, the two products have some overlapping performance features. Specifically, both products help reduce damage from UV exposure and acidic contaminants.

In the end, if you choose to purchase Paint Protection Film or a Ceramic Coating, you will be adding value to your vehicle.

Corvette Z06 | After Paint Protection Film | Hood

How Are Paint Protection Films and Ceramic Coatings Different?

Despite these similarities, Paint Protection Films and Ceramic Coatings do have significant differences and serve different purposes.

  • Paint Protection Film is thicker than Ceramic Coatings
  • Paint Protection Film has a chemical composition that allows it to self-heal (it returns to its original form after receiving an indentation or abrasion)
  • These qualities make Paint Protection Film able to absorb rock chips, small scratches, swirl marks, and hard water spots without being permanently disfigured. Ceramic Coating does not have that ability.
  • Despite the wild claims of some manufacturers and installers, Ceramic Coating does not eliminate the risk of rock chips, scratches, swirl marks, and water spots.

However, Ceramic Coatings do have their strength, particularly in terms of the hydrophobic surface they create.

  • Some Paint Protection Films are equipped with a hydrophobic clear coat, but they often do not perform at the same level as a full Ceramic Coating.
  • When you apply a Ceramic Coating to your vehicle you get the benefits of its hydrophobic properties on every surface without having to apply film to the whole vehicle.

Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating | What's the Difference? Venn Diagram

(click image to enlarge)

 

What’s Better? Ceramic Coating or PPF?

So which product is right for your car?

Here’s the good news. You don’t have to choose one or the other. They can both be applied to the same vehicle. The dynamic duo of Paint Protection Film and a Ceramic Coating is the ultimate form of invisible protection you can purchase for your car.

Here’s how it works.

Paint Protection Film is applied first to the portions of your vehicle that will be most susceptible to rock chips or scratches from road debris. Since a Ceramic Coating does not protect against this kind of damage, it’s important to apply Paint Protection Film to these areas. This often includes the front bumper, hood, fenders, side mirrors, rocker panels, and rear wheel arch.

Once the most vulnerable areas are protected with Paint Protection Film, your whole car receives a Ceramic Coating. The coating will bond to both the vehicle’s factory paint and the film that has already been applied. When applied on top of film, coating will provide an additional layer of protection from chemical etching and stains. It will also help keep the film clean and free from contaminants, which will lengthen the life of the film.

Everywhere else on the vehicle, whether protected by film or not, the Ceramic Coating will thwart oxidation and chemical etch marks or stains. Moreover, the hydrophobic surface will make it harder for contaminants to bond to the vehicle, keeping the paint cleaner and making it easier to wash. The smooth surface of the Ceramic Coating will also enhance the gloss of your vehicle’s factory paint.

Together, the two products will preserve your car’s paint over the long-term, and enhance its appearance on a day-to-day basis.

Mercedes AMG | Paint Correction | After | Front three quarters

Drive Protected

So if your aim is to protect and preserve your car’s paint so that it looks stunning every day your drive it, a combination of Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating may be the best fit for you.

If you want to learn more, take a look at this Mercedes AMG GT-S we equipped with Paint Protection Film, or read about the specific benefits of applying a Ceramic Coating to your wheels.

Are you ready to drive protected? If so, contact us today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have about how you can protect your car’s paint.

More To Explore

Ready to Drive Protected?

Exclusive Paint Protection Charlotte – PPF, Ceramic Coating & Window Tinting provides paint protection services in Charlotte, NC, including PPF, ceramic coating, window tinting, and custom wheels.

What Our Clients Say

Here’s just some of what our customers have said about us:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I had paint protection and window tint installed on my car from Exclusive Detail. I could not be happier with the results. From my first interaction with Brian over the phone through to picking up my car it was A+ service. Brian answered every question that I had thoroughly and went over any pros and cons of the options that I had available to me. I receive compliments on the look of my car every where that I go and they want to touch my car (grrr..). I would not hesitate to recommend Exclusive Detail to anyone looking to get any of the services they offer given the results that I’ve seen with my car.”
-Danny B. on Google

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I got my paint protect film done 2 weeks ago, and went back today for the windows tint. Ive been super satisfied with this company. They are professional, punctual and honest. Brian and his team responds promptly to messages and provides fair quotes. I am thoroughly impressed with both the quality of the work, and the fantastic service that I was given. Everyone I spoke to was extremely helpful. I couldn’t be happier with my PPF, and my windows. Highly highly recommended this place!”
-Mason P. on Google

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Brian and his entire staff are very knowledgeable when it comes to protecting your vehicle. They focus on attention to detail, as part of their craftsmanship. On top of the superb job that they provided, on my car, Brian made suggestions that I hadn’t even thought about. He kept me informed throughout the entire process with photos and updates. This was my second go around for paint protection on my car, and the service was like night and day compared to the previous shop. I HIGHLY recommend Exclusive Detail to any potential customer looking for quality, honesty and top notch professional service. l will bring all of my future vehicles to Exclusive Detail for that seal of approval. BEST SHOP, HANDS DOWN!”
-Carlos C. on Google