PPF vs Ceramic Coating
What is the difference between paint protection film and a ceramic coating? That’s a great question and one we often get asked here at SS Customs because the two are so similar oftentimes people aren’t sure which one they should have installed on their vehicle. And while both serve the same purpose, which is to preserve & protect the paint on your vehicle, keeping it looking newer longer, they also differ from one another and bring to the table their own set of benefits.
What Are The Benefits of Paint Protection Film?
Paint Protection Film also known as clear bra or PPF, is a revolutionary paint protection aesthetic that helps protect & preserve your paint while also keeping your vehicle looking newer longer. Because of its special chemical composition it has self-healing properties that extend a multitude of healing capabilities. How does paint protection film heal itself? Self-healing properties mean that when exposed to rock chips, small scratches, road debris, and other abrasive elements like swirl marks, the PPF on your vehicle actually heals itself, essentially erasing the scratches, dings, swirls or chips like they were never even there to begin with. Paint protection films, like those we use from Industry leading manufacturer Xpel, also have a hydrophobic clear coat that helps to combat and repel hard water spots. Additional benefits include reduced UV exposure & oxidation and a resistance to chemical etching & staining.
What Is A Ceramic Coating & How Does It Compare To PPF?
While a ceramic coating also works to preserve & protect the paint of your vehicle, it does not have self-healing properties like those found in paint protection film. Instead, it maintains hydrophobic capabilities that surpass those found in the hydrophobic coat added to paint protection film. In turn, these hydrophobic properties act as a water repellent that makes maintaining your vehicle so much easier. In fact, you will never need to wax your car ever again. These same properties also allow for contaminants like bird droppings or chemical & acidic components to repel off as well! A ceramic coating also adds an incredible amount of gloss and sheen to your vehicle that surpasses any other kind of topcoat.
In a nutshell paint protection films are thicker than ceramic coatings because they are a type of vinyl film. They offer self-healing properties that erase scratches & other marks. Paint protection film can be installed on just high scratch areas, the full vehicle, or even as a partial clear bra installation. Ceramic coatings have incredible hydrophobic capabilities eliminating the need to wax your vehicle while also repelling contaminants. Because a ceramic coating is a liquid polymer the entire vehicle must be coated when installing a ceramic coating. This also lends a luxurious gloss to your vehicle’s finish keeping it looking like you just drove it off the dealership lot.
Combine A PPF & Ceramic Coating For Ultimate Protection
Both types of protective coatings help to preserve & protect your vehicle, but did you know that for the ultimate protection package you can combine the two? That’s right, combining a PPF and Ceramic Coating installation service will leave you with the highest level of protection that can be found, all while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your vehicle. Keep in mind that should you decide to install both or just one, you add excellent protection to your vehicle!