Paint Protection Film is an excellent thermoplastic polyurethane coating that secures your car from scratches or dents caused by stone, dirt, dust, bird dropping, or leaves. It is clear and light and safeguards your vehicle without damaging its appeal and showroom look.
Some PPFs have a healing coat which gives them the power to self-heal. Top-quality PPF is resistant to watermarks, oxidation, chemical spots, and rainwater mineral marks.
On the other hand, ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied on your car’s external to develop a semi-permanent layer. Ceramic coating with more silicon dioxide will add a shinier finish to your vehicle.
It comes with hydrophobic features, which don’t allow liquid, dirt, or anything to stick to your car, making it more straightforward for the dirt and unwanted marks to wash off.
Difference between PPF and Ceramic coating
Both are designed to preserve the aesthetics of your car and retain its external paint. Apart from these significant goals, these transparent products reduce damage from oxidation, UV exposure, and acid contaminants.
So, what’s the difference, and which is a better option for you?
Resistance: PPF is thicker than ceramic coating offering better safety against flying debris, bugs, leaves, and bird droppings. So, if a scratch is a major problem for you, PPF is your ideal option.
Hydrophobicity: Here, ceramic coating rules. It repels water, making cleaning your car simpler as there is no dirt in the first place.
UV safety: PPF discolors and fades when exposed to high sunlight. Ceramic coating, in contrast, works like sunscreen for your car, preventing it from fading. It offers better UV safety to your vehicle.
Durability: A PPF can offer protection of 5-7 years when professionally applied and regularly maintained. A ceramic coating provides a life of 4-5 years, depending on the hardness selected.
Gloss factor: Both are designed to preserve your car’s original paint and retain its luster. But ceramic coating adds additional sleekness and gloss to it.
Cost: The cost of both depends on the size of the car and the quality of the coating you choose. However, PPF costs a lot more than ceramic coating.
Verdict
Making the final decision on whether you want PPF or ceramic coating depends on your requirements, how long you want to own the car, and your budget.
If you want a better glossy look and sleekness and want your car to be cleaned quickly and easily, go for ceramic coating. But if you have frequent rides on rough terrains and highways and want to protect your car’s paint at any cost, PPF is the right solution.
The best solution
Ceramic coating and PPF are a great combination and offer UV resistance, impact protection, hydrophobicity, and a great look when teamed together.
So, if you want the best-in-class protection, you can get a ceramic coating over a PPF. So, it will get a little costlier, but if you own a luxury car and wish to keep it protected and with showroom-like elegance, it is worth it.
For better knowledge on this, you can speak to professionals to choose the right option as per your needs.