What’s better than the feeling of purchasing a new car, appreciating the fresh paintwork along with the shimmering exterior? But as time passes, cars naturally lose their shine, either covered in watermarks or bleached by the sun. And it never remains the same. But you don’t need to worry, there are a variety of products available in the market that protect and preserve your car’s paint and prevent it from external damage. Here we will discuss the two popular products: Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film (PPF)
What is a Ceramic Paint Coating?
Nowadays, most car owners are familiar with the term ‘Ceramic Coating’. Some of them even take their new car for applying Ceramic Coating before the delivery. Ceramic Paint Coating Kit is a clear coat that comprises a liquid polymer. It is applied to the exterior of a car, and upon application, it forms a chemical bond with the car’s factory paint. As a result, it forms a layer of protection and a hydrophobic surface. The hydrophobic properties of Ceramic Coating make it even harder for contaminants to form a chemical bond with your car’s paint. Furthermore, there are 2 main benefits of Ceramic Paint Coating for Cars:
- It keeps the car cleaner for longer.
- It makes the car easier to clean.
Additionally, it also reduces the risk of certain kinds of damages such as:
- Chemical etch caused by acidic contaminants.
- Chemical Strains caused by acidic contaminants.
- Oxidation (fading) from UV exposure.
What is a Paint Protection Film?
Paint Protection Film (also known as Clear Bra) is a thermoplastic urethane film that is applied to the exterior of a car. Paint Protection Film is transparent, malleable and even self-healing which helps in preserving the quality of your car’s paint for a longer period of time. Moreover, it also reduces the risk of various kinds of damage such as:
- Swirl marks created during washing.
- Hard Water Spots from Mineral Deposits.
- Chemical Strains caused by acidic contaminants.
- Chemical Etch marks caused by acidic contaminants.
- Chips and Scratches caused by rocks and road rubbles.
- Oxidation (fading) from UV exposure.
How are Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film Similar?
Although these two products are notably different in appearance and construction, they are much similar in the protection aspects they offer.
It’s clear that both products are intended to keep your car looking newer for longer by protecting and preserving the car’s paint. Moreover, they also reduce the risk of damage from Acidic Contaminants as well as UV exposure.
In the end, purchasing a Ceramic Coating or a Paint Protection Film will eventually add value to your vehicle.
How are Ceramic Paint Coatings and Paint Protection Films Different from each other?
Despite the basic similarities, Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film do have notable differences and are used for different purposes.
Paint Protection Films are usually thicker than Ceramic Coatings.
Paint Protection Film has self-healing properties, which means it returns to the original form after sustaining an erosion or indentation. This property enables Paint Protection Film to quickly absorb small scratches, hard water spots, rock chips and swirl marks.
A Ceramic Coating lacks these qualities. But, Ceramic Coatings do have their own robustness, especially in terms of the hydrophobic surface they create. However, some Paint Protection Films are provided with a hydrophobic clear coat. But, they often fail to perform like a Full Ceramic Paint Coating. Moreover, Ceramic Coating provides the benefits of its hydrophobic properties on every surface of your car without any need of applying a film.
How Much Do They Cost?
When it comes to cost, Paint Protection Film is probably one of the most expensive Paint Protection products available in the market. Moreover, it’s always installed by a professional and it can cost as much as $5,000 for applying to the entire vehicle.
Whereas, Ceramic Paint Coating is a cost-effective option to consider. It usually costs around $600 for the complete installation. And the best thing is that you can apply a Ceramic Coating to your car yourself without any help from a professional.
Which one is Best for Your Car?
Making the decision of applying a Ceramic Coating or a Paint Protection Film depends entirely on your budget and your needs. If you want to enhance the shine of your car’s paint it is the perfect option. It also reduces the need to wash your car regularly, then Ceramic Coating will be an ideal option for you.
But, if you frequently drive on highways or country roads and want to protect your car’s paint from rock chips along with other road rubbles, then you can consider applying a Paint Protection Film on your car.
Moreover, you can also use a combination of Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film for the protection of your car. The flamboyant duo of Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film is often considered the quintessential form of invisible protection for your car. Both the products when combined together will preserve your car’s paint for a longer period of time. This will eventually contribute to enhancing your car’s appearance on a day-to-day basis.
If you want to learn other ways to take care after your car, click here.
About The Author
