Ceramic Coating vs Paint Protection: Which is Better?

How much do you care about your car? We’re sure you do. That’s why you’re here. To find out which is better, Ceramic Coating or Paint Protection? Let’s find out.

There’s nothing comparable to the feeling of riding a brand new car, the fresh paint, the glossy exterior as it catches the sun. Sadly, cars do lose their sparkle because of natural causes. The sun that gives it that glimmer actually causes bleaching and paint to fade. Watermarks cause a stain, and in just a few years, your car can never be quite the same. If you take the necessary precautions of giving it the right protection, it needs to keep it looking brand new. 

Car Paint Protection

Here we have 2 options – Car Paint Protection Film or Ceramic Coating. Both have gained popularity over the years because everyone wants to preserve the brilliance of their car. But which option should you choose? It’s quite challenging, but here’s a comprehensive comparison of both options so you can make the best decision.

What is a Paint Protection Film (PPF)?

PPF or paint protection film is made from urethane material with a transparent property. It’s sort of like a laminate for your car that can be applied to any surface of your vehicle. PPF can significantly reduce the risks of damage caused by:

• Chemical stains
• Chips and scratches
• Fading from UV rays
• Swirl marks created during washing.
• Hard water spots from mineral deposits
• Oxidation

PPF or paint protection film goes by different names, but the most popular terms are “clear bra” or PPF. This fantastic material is made out of a thermoplastic urethane sheet, which is easy to work with and has self-healing properties, making it indeed the perfect paint protection film for your car. Upon application, PPF is barely visible to your eye. Imagine a transparent film of laminate on your vehicle to protect it from chips and scratches but still to keep your car looking gorgeous. It also protects your car from the sun’s UV rays, like sunscreen. The protective layer protects your car’s paint from fading. Because it is self-healing, the top layer made from elastomeric polymer returns to its natural shape after damage, but try to keep it minor. After all, it is still a layer of film. 

Here at Autodetailing Pro, we have different options and can even customize your car’s paint protection film for a perfect fit.

What is Ceramic Coating?

Okay, now that you know what a Paint Protection Film is, let’s talk about Ceramic Coating.

Ceramic Coating is made out of liquid polymer, that when applied to your car’s exterior, creates a bond with the paint to create a permanent protective coating. Ceramic Coating is an alternative for regular wax that protects against chemical stains, UV, scratches, and heat. Because it’s a permanent layer, it needs to be done by a professional. It only has to be done once, and that’s it! It’s lifetime protection for you and your car.

One of the fantastic things about Ceramic Coating is that it’s hydrophobic. It naturally repels liquid. Not just water, but also mud! It works like magic, really. The liquid would have a hard time sticking on your vehicle when it has a ceramic coating. So it’s gonna be more comfortable to wash your car and remove any smudge or marks. 

Ceramic Coating also works as a permanent UV protection. Just like how sunscreen works to protect our skin from tanning. Ceramic Coating prevents your paintwork from fading because of oxidation. Here’s a summary of its benefits:

• Extra shine
• Additional chemical resistance
• Liquid repellant

Ceramic Coating vs Paint Protection

Upon reading our first few paragraphs, you might think that ceramic coating and paint protection is almost the same. But despite similarities, both have noticeable differences and offer different purposes. Ceramic coatings are thinner than PPF, which has a thicker layer.

Paint Protection Film has a unique chemical composition that has the capability of self-healing. Meaning, with light indentations or abrasions, it returns to its original appearance. Its chemical composition allows it to experience chips, scratches, swirl marks, and water spots without being permanently damaged. 

Ceramic Coating does not have the same unique ability. Trust us when we say that it doesn’t, despite what other companies might say. Ceramic coatings give permanent shine and water repellent properties but don’t prevent damage from rock chips, swirl marks, water spots, and scratches. 

A Ceramic Coating does not have that ability. Despite some manufacturers and installers’ wild claims, Ceramic Coating does not eliminate the risk of rock chips, scratches, swirl marks, and water spots. But what’s nice about a ceramic coating is its water resistance. While they cannot resist intense scratching, it provides hydrophobic properties on each nook and cranny without applying PPF to the entire vehicle. PPF has a small hydrophobic clear coat, but not as strong as Ceramic’s

Which Protection Is Best for My Car?

When you weigh out their similarities and differences, you might think, do I want more scratch protection, or do I want liquid repellent and UV protection? 

Why choose one option when you can do both. Here at Autodetailing Pro, you can install a Paint Protection Film over your car with a permanent Ceramic Coating. Wow, that makes your car super protected against scratches and stains!