How Does PPF Differ from Ceramic Coatings?

As for the paint of the vehicle, two of the most common ways to protect it are the application of Paint Protection Film (PPF) and Ceramic Coatings. PPF and Ceramic Coating both provide high-level protection, however, they vary in terms of their ease of use, effectiveness and price. In case you want to protect your vehicle on off-road adventures or in case you want to keep its sheen, being aware of these differences can help you make the right choice. This guide will help you sort out the advantages and disadvantages of PPF and Ceramic Coatings to ensure that you spend on the right one.



What is Paint Protection Film (PPF)?

PPF is a clear plastic film coated with ordinary plastic ethylene-vinyl-acetate and is also known as clear bra as well as Paint Protection Film. It protects the car from wear and tear from normal driving conditions such as rocks, debris, and sunlight. The PPF covers high-risk areas of the car such as the bonnet, bumper, and side mirrors thus surrounded by a tough impact-absorbing shield which also reduces scuffing.

Key Features of PPF:

• Self-Healing: Small scratches on the film will disappear after being exposed to heat.
• Hydrophobic: Water is avoided thus making the car cleaning easy.
• UV Protection: Helps in minimizing this by applying paint on the surface that reflects the sun.
• Thickness: Leaves 6 to 10 mils of protective film that provides some degree of shelter from road abuse.
• Durability: Lasts up to 5-7 years which makes it worthwhile in protecting the car.

What is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic Coating is a liquid polymer that adheres onto your vehicle’s paintwork in the form of a protective layer. It is pertinent to note that, unlike PPF, no additional physical surface thickness is imparted upon the surface by ceramic coatings. Panton, a PPF company, describes it as “a glass-like layer formed that protects bonds to your vehicle, but doesn’t offer much in the way of solid protection.”

Key Features of Ceramic Coating:

• Hydrophobic Properties: The surface is coated in such a way that when water falls in, it beads and then it rolls off the surface reducing water spots and making cleaning eas.
• UV Protection: Protects the paint from the damages caused by the sun.
• High Gloss Finish: It improves the shine of the vehicle and gives it a smoothed and brand new appearance.
• Chemical Resistance: Protects against stains such as bird excrement, acid rain and tree sap.
• Durability: Depending on the care and the environmental conditions, it can last between two to five years.

How PPF Differs from Ceramic Coating

Level of Protection

PPF: PPF provides adequate protection to the surface of a vehicle against stone chips, scratch damage and abrasion by dirt. This is mainly because of its thickness which acts as a buffer zone between the surface of the car and any external threats. PPF is also self-healing which means that very fine scratches can heal when heat is applied to them.

Ceramic Coating: While glass coating has some water repellant properties, it is mostly shielded from bird's: droppings, sunlight, and dust. While it does save against minor scratches, it does not have the bulk necessary to weather gravel or rock chips.

Durability

PPF: Usually, it is for 5 –7 years and even more so when incorporated in other materials. It is suitable for those who drive very often on rough roads or gravel roads since it is strong physically and has self-healing properties.

Ceramic Coating: The longevity of the coating will depend on the owner’s car care routine but will last somewhere from 2 to 5 years. Recoating is required every so often as it is not as tough as a PPF, especially with road debris - hence still some limitations.

Aesthetic Enhancement

PPF: Besides giving added gloss to the car, it is not its sole purpose to put on glamour. Constant use of PPF can make the PPF to obtain a yellowish hue especially for white cars or those that are light in color which can be a downside in aesthetic terms.

Ceramic Coating: This type of coating gives the paint an additional gloss and deepness of color, leaving the car with a polished demeanor. If you are a car lover, this treatment will encourage you to always keep your car in the owning condition. 

Ease of Maintenance

PPF: Reduces seconds required for cleaning by using the films which prevents any dust particles or any such dirt from sticking to the paint surface. Since the film is hydrophobic, washing of the car body can be done with less tension, but foreign substances cannot be completely excluded.

Ceramic Coating: Compared to all other coatings, this is the highest level of stain resistance, since water and dirt do the beading and rolling off the surface. As such, less dirt is deposited on the film whereby the washing intervals will also be lengthened.

Cost

Cost PPF: Because of the thickness and long lasting nature of PPF, it will often cost more than even Ceramic Coating. The expenses depend on the quality of the film and the parts of the car covered, about hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Ceramic Coating: Conversely, a ceramic coating is generally less expensive because it is in the liquid state and gets applied in thin films. The professional-grade ceramic coating will range between $500 to $2,000 depending on the size of the car and the quality of the ceramic coating.

Application Process

PPF: This should be put up by professionals because it is thick and requires detailed application. It is a process that takes long hours or may take days to complete and this depends greatly on the size of the car.

Ceramic Coating: Although this procedure can be done by hired experts, DIY kits are stocked in the market. The procedure is simpler and faster than PPF but it does not produce results as good as the professional installation.

Which is Better: PPF or Ceramic Coating?

The issue is two practices available in the market today, PPF, and Ceramic Coating. One is required to weigh the advantages of each before deciding which one to use.

Use PPF if you drive in off-road conditions on a regular basis or wish to avoid paint scratches and other contaminants completely. Luxury cars that are painted in high-quality paints are at great risks and that is why PPF is the best option for such cars.

Use Ceramic Coating if gloss, environmental contamination and ease of maintenance are your main priorities. It is a cheaper alternative that improves the look of the vehicle and offers fair protection.

For those who want the best of both worlds, combination of PPF and Ceramic Coating is also possible. PPF can be used on the most vulnerable areas like the hood and the bumpers, followed by application of Ceramic Coating all over the car for enhancement of gloss and hydrophobic characteristics.

Summary

This both paints protect - the Paint Protection Film (PPF) and the Ceramic Coating – and have their own distinct prerogatives. PPF offers a more vigorous and physical level protection, any attention and emphasis is to be put on the add-in of gloss and the repulsion action of the water and other dirt. Do bear in mind your individual driving style, finances and the extent of protection you wish to attract.

Natural Image Detailing offers a wide spectrum of PPF and Ceramic Coatings to make sure that your vehicle gets the utmost all around care. Our base shows a phone number (757) 689-8091, and that is the number to contact for understanding which solution you require.