Most car owners end up spending a lot of time and money to maintain the look of their car. Keeping your car’s exterior top-notch is not just about the appearance but also keeping its resale value intact. Even if you wash and wax your car regularly, you might still end up with scratches, fading of the color, and stains over time. That’s where protective products like PPF (Paint Protection Film) and Ceramic Coating come in. But which one to pick for better results?
PPF Vs. Ceramic Coating
Your car deals with several challenges daily like— scratches, rock chips, damage from UV rays, bird droppings, and whatnot. Luckily, to maintain your car’s beautiful showroom shine there are protectors to protect your car and maintain its looks for a long time.
The two most common choices for protecting your car’s paint are Paint Protection Film (PPF) and Ceramic Coating.
What is a Paint Protection Film or PPF?
Paint protection film or PPF also called a clear bra, is like a transparent layer made of a special material called thermoplastic urethane that is applied on the exterior or the painted surface of your car.
It protects your car from—
- Chips and scratches from rocks and debris on the road.
- Swirl watermarks after washing the car.
- Stains from acidic chemicals.
- UV rays from fading.
It is especially applied on the areas that might have a higher chance of getting hit, like— the hood, fenders, and front bumper. But you can also apply it on the entire surface of your car if needed.
Car owners usually use this film to keep their new or expensive cars safe from damage and maintain the lustrous look of it. The interesting fact about PPF is its self-healing properties. Even if it gets a little scratch or a mark, it can fix itself over time. It also works as a UV protector for your car which can prevent the paint from fading away or turning yellow over time.
What is Ceramic Coating
Ceramic Coating is a liquid polymer that is applied on top of your car’s paint. After application, it tends to become a clear, hard coating that protects your car from any further damage. Also, applying a ceramic coat makes it shiny and lustrous which most car owners love.
Normally with time, the paint of a car starts to fade away because of the UV rays from the sun. Therefore, applying Ceramic Coating can help prevent the sun rays from damaging your car’s paint and making it look old.
It also protects your car from other things like bird droppings and hard water spots. And the best part is, your car will always look shiny like you have just got it waxed.
PPF Vs. Ceramic Coating— Pros & Cons
Paint Protection Film
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Ceramic Coating
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
PPF Vs. Ceramic Coating— Similarities
- Leaves a transparent finish.
- Stops the paint from fading and oxidizing.
- Chemical resistant.
- Protects the car paint from UV rays.
- Guards against acidic substances.
- Increases the vehicle’s value.
PPF Vs. Ceramic Coating— Differences
Even though Ceramic Coating and PPF have certain similarities, they also have some differences as well which are equally important to take into consideration.
| Paint protection film or PPF | Ceramic Coating |
|
|
PPF Vs. Ceramic Coating—Which One’s Better
Choosing between Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating can be a little tricky because both are equally good for your car. To make it easier, here’s a list of things to consider when choosing the one for your vehicle.
Aesthetic Appeal
Both PPF and Ceramic Coatings enhance the appearance and color of your car without compromising on any personal touches that you’ve added to it. However, Ceramic Coating is often chosen for its shinier appearance, over PPF. At the same time, PPF wins the toss when it comes to preventing paint from fading or turning yellow over time.
Maintenance
PPF and Ceramic Coatings both reduce the effort that is normally required to maintain your car’s paint. However, Ceramic Coating is a little easier to maintain because of its hydrophobic properties. It allows you to wash off the dirt easily, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning or the application of wax.
Level of Protection
Both methods work great when protecting your car’s paint from road damage. Where PPF has self-healing properties and can safeguard against a wider range of issues, Ceramic coatings offer protection mainly against minor scratches.
If you want the highest level of protection, especially in areas prone to damage, PPF might be the better choice.
Cost
When thinking about Ceramic Coating vs PPF, it’s important to think about your budget. It is always a better idea to compare the cost of getting them applied to what you might normally spend during the entire lifetime of your car.
Ceramic Coating is on the costlier side than PPF. But remember, a good paint job can anyways cost between $1000 and $3500. Therefore, a one-time Ceramic Coating is better to invest in than to risk a big bill later for a new paint job.
Longevity
The higher price of Ceramic Coating is justified by its longer lifespan as compared to PPF. While Ceramic Coating can last for years or the entire life of your car, PPF may require reapplication at least once or twice, with a lower application cost.
Get the Best Paint Protection for Your Car at Bravo Protection
When you’re choosing between Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating, think about your car’s size, the kind of protection you want, and how much money you can spend. Keeping your car’s paint safe is crucial to keep it away from scratches and to maintain its look.
At Bravo Protection, we know how important it is to take care of your vehicle’s paint, and that’s why we provide various solutions to protect it as per your requirements. We use top-notch products and the most reliable installation methods, guaranteeing long-lasting protection for our customers.
Reach out to us today to avail the paint protection services you desire!