Ceramic Coating vs. Paint Protection Film
What's the best option for YOUR vehicle?
What does the full-fledged car enthusiast with an enviable collection and the everyday car owner have in common? They both want their cars to look good!
In all seriousness, nothing beats the feeling of owning a gorgeous car and admiring its sleek beauty when light hits it. Unfortunately, it is inevitable that cars lose their shine. That's not the only concern.
Anyone who lives in the Reno and Lake Tahoe area knows this all too well. From hot, dry summers to freezing, snowy winters, the drastic weather conditions and environment can take quite a toll on our cars' paint. That's why protecting your paint is so important. And I am not talking about wax.
Without question, the two biggest classes of products in the world of automotive paint protection are ceramic coatings and paint protection films.
But which should you put on your car to reap the most benefit?
For many of our Ceramic Pro customers, ceramic coatings need no further introduction. After all, they are the most popular offering at our detailing shop.
A brief overview of both products 🤔
(and when it's right to choose one over the other)
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. Once applied, it chemically bonds with the vehicle's factory paint and fills the paint's pores. The result is an impenetrable protective layer and a hydrophobic surface.
Paint protection film (also known as PPF and Clear Bra), is a thermoplastic polyurethane film that is applied to the exterior of your vehicle to prevent scratches, dust and damage from flying debris and rocks. It is often applied to high strike areas like the front bumper but can also be applied to the entire body of the vehicle.
CLICK THE TABS BELOW TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU.
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If scratch protection is your main concern, there is nothing on the market that compares to PPF.
Paint protection films are thicker than ceramic coatings, which gives them greater impact resistance to flying debris such as rocks, leaves and bugs. Some PPFs also have self-healing properties, allowing them to revert to their natural shape after damage.
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UV resistance goes to the ceramic coating.
PPF tends to yellow, discolor or fade when overexposed to sunlight. A ceramic coating, on the other hand, is like sunscreen for your car, protecting the paint from fading due to oxidation. It provides enhanced UV protection that ensures your car's paint stays vibrant.
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In terms of ease of maintenance, ceramic coating takes the prize.
When it comes to hydrophobicity, ceramic coatings come out on top. This has two major advantages for the car owner: (1) It helps keep the car cleaner for longer. (2) It makes the car easier to clean when it's time to wash it.
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A high-quality clear bra will provide 7-10 years of protection! Of course, it must be professionally and seamlessly applied.
A 9H ceramic coating, currently the best on the market, will easily last 5 years if properly applied.Item description
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Nothing beats the gloss and shine of a good ceramic coating like Ceramic Pro provides.
Both paint protection options will help your vehicle retain its luster. Ceramic coatings, however, add a velvety sheen and gloss to your car. PPFs also add gloss, but Ceramic Pro comes out on top for superior shine.
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PPFs are by far the more expensive of the two products.
The cost of both ceramic coatings and paint protection films depends on their quality and the size of your vehicle.
Ceramic Coating vs. PPF: The Verdict 🏅
The final decision on whether to install a ceramic coating or a paint protection film depends on three important factors: Your needs, how long you plan to keep the car, and your budget.
If you want to improve the shine and smoothness of your vehicle and wash your car faster and easier, you should choose a ceramic coating over paint protection film.
If you frequently travel on country roads or highways and your main goal is to protect your vehicle's paint from damage caused by stones, dirt and other contaminants that can leave unsightly scratches, then a PPF may be the best choice!
If you are a used car owner or change your car frequently (because the newest cars are irresistible to you), then it may be better to opt for a ceramic coating rather than a paint protection film, as it costs less but gives you optimal protection for as long as you own the car. Ceramic Pro's ceramic coating, which we prefer, has the added benefit of being listed on your CarFax report. This has a positive impact on the resale value of your car.
What if you want the benefits of both?
This is actually a great and doable option. First, the clear coat is applied to the parts of your vehicle that are most susceptible to stones or scratches from road debris. Once the most vulnerable areas are protected with paint protection film, the ceramic coating is applied to the entire exterior of the vehicle.
Why choose VIP Auto Spa?
VIP Auto Spa/Ceramic Pro Reno is the best choice over our competition because at our roots we are professional detailers, first and foremost. Our professional technicians have the necessary skills to make your car look AMAZING before we freeze it in and protect it.!
All paint protection options include our expert prep before protecting the vehicle. We will do a chemical and manual decontamination, full clay bar treatment, full car polish, all door, frunk and trunk jambs, and polish glass. We then strip and alcohol the entire car before laying PPF or ceramic coating.
Ready to schedule? Have more questions? Call or email us today!
