PPF vs Ceramic Coating: Which Is Better for Car Paint Protection?

While both options keep your car looking fresh, there are a couple of major differences when it comes to PPF vs ceramic coating. Learn which is right for you.

Americans spend at least 18 days per year in their car. 64% have built a close connection to their vehicle and consider it their friend.

Most humans will do anything they can to protect their friends, even if they're not human. This partially explains why the paint protection market is worth $296.3 million.

2 of the most popular options are PPF or paint protection film and ceramic coating. They both help prevent scratches, fading, and other undesirable effects on your car's paint job.

Comparing the pros and cons of PPF vs ceramic coating helps you decide which one is right for you. Read on as we lay out what they are and why you might choose one over the other.

What Is PPF?

PPF is also known as a clear bra because of its history. It used to be a thick black film that helped protect military vehicles. Later, it became a transparent commercial product. 

Paint protection films are great at preventing damage and corrosion. The best part is that they're self-healing. They can return to their original shape if they get hit by anything.

PPF is also fitting protection against UV rays from the sun. This keeps you safe from the health effects it causes and keeps your car's interior from fading. 

What Is Ceramic Coating?

A car ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that bonds to your car. It first became popular in the 2000s when other products made of similar materials entered the market.

Ceramic coatings also have a clear layer on top of them. This helps improve the appearance of your car's paint job. It makes it look shiny and prevents yellowing and oxidation.

There are also several types of damage that ceramic coats protect against. They include UV rays, minor scratches, and chemical damage.

Ceramic coatings are hydrophobic and repel water. This makes it easier to clean your car and keep it clean longer.

PPF vs Ceramic Coating

Decide what you want to get out of the process when comparing a ceramic coat vs PPF. Do you care most about their aesthetics, protection, cost, or longevity? Looking into how these two options affect these factors differently is one of the easiest ways to decide between them.

Also, remember that you don't always have to choose between a PPF or ceramic coating. You can add them both to get all the benefits they provide. 

Aesthetic Appeal

Both PPF and ceramic coating improve the appearance of your car's paint job. They keep it looking its best without changing its color or any customizable aspects you've added.

At the same time, a ceramic coating would win a beauty contest against a PPF. It creates a shinier coat, and some drivers choose it purely for aesthetics. 

Maintenance

Another thing that PPF and ceramic coatings share is that they reduce the time you'll spend on maintaining your car's paint job. A few washes are enough for both, but one is a bit easier to maintain than the other.

A ceramic coating because of its hydrophobic properties. You won't have to clean your car as often because any dirt can be washed off easily. You also won't have to waste time and money applying wax.

Level of Protection

All methods of paint protection keep a car's paint job safe from damage on the road. This is one of their most important benefits, and it may be the factor that helps you decide which is the best one for you.

Paint protection film's self-healing properties make it quicker at repairing itself from damage than ceramic coating. It's also able to protect against more forms of damage, such as:

• Scratches
• Water swirl marks
• Road hazards and bugs
• Acid rain or contaminants
• Mineral deposits 

Ceramic coating can't protect against all of these issues and can only handle minor scratches. It also isn't self-healing, so you won't see it immediately going back to normal after getting damaged. 

If you want the highest level of protection available, a PPF might be the better choice for you. Consider factors such as where you live and how often your car is exposed to damage. This will help you decide how much protection you need.

Cost

You'll also have to keep your budget in mind when comparing ceramic coating vs PPF. Compare what you'll pay when you get it applied with what you'll spend over the lifetime of your car.

Ceramic coating is more expensive to have installed than its counterpart. What you have to remember is that it's an investment in the lifetime of your car.

Consider the fact that a quality paint job costs at least $1000-$3500. Paying a smaller bill for a one-time application of a ceramic coating is a better option than risking needing to pay this large bill later.

It's also an investment in your car's resale value. You'll earn more when you resell your car if its paint job has been protected from damage for years and looks almost as clean as the day you drove it off the lot.

Longevity

Another reason that the extra cost for ceramic coating is worth it is that it lasts longer than PPF. It can stay on your car for years or even the entire life of your car.

A PPF may have to be reapplied at least once or twice. This takes more of your time and money over time despite the lower initial cost.

Where to Get the Best Paint Protection for Your Car

Paint protection keeps cars looking new and maintains their resale value. It's such a popular service that there are several options on the market today.

Compare two of the most popular, PPF vs ceramic coating, to decide between them. PPF provides better protection and is less expensive but doesn't look as appealing. A ceramic coating looks better and lasts longer but costs more and doesn't stand up to large scratches.

Getting one of these options installed is an important way to protect your car for its entire lifetime. Contact Top Line Tints and Audio and get a free estimate today.