If you care about your car’s paint, you’ve probably done your research on the products available to protect your car against scratches. Maybe you’ve heard about paint protection film or ceramic coatings. These two products are the best option on the market to help car owners protect and preserve their car’s paint. But which one is right for you? What is the difference between the two? Keep reading to find out!
Both paint protection film and ceramic coating have pros and cons to them. You can actually use either of them separately or together, depending on your needs or the level of protection you require for your car, depending on how much you use it.
What Is Paint Protection Film?
Let’s start off with paint protection film. Paint protection film is a transparent coating made from urethane and it can be applied to the exterior painted surface of your car. PPF protects your car’s paint by reducing the impact of different kinds of damage such as chips and scratches caused by road debris, chemical stains, water spots, or oxidation by UV exposure.
PPF was invented for the military to protect helicopters and fighter jets from flying shrapnel. Due to its efficiency, automotive industries began to use the film and it eventually became very popular.
What Is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is made up of a liquid polymer, which is applied to the exterior of your car. It is different from PPF because when it is applied to your car, it forms a chemical bond with your vehicle’s paint coat, thus making it a permanent guard.
Ceramic coating protects your car from scratches and chips and other things similar to what PPF protects your car from. But two main benefits ceramic coating has over PPF are that it keeps your car cleaner for longer and it makes it easier to clean because of its hydrophobic surface.
How Are PPF And Ceramic Coating Similar?
They both provide protection for your car’s paint and keep it looking new for a longer amount of time. Both products reduce damage from UV rays and chemical compounds. The use of either of them will add value to your car, regardless of which one you choose.
How Are They Different?
Both ceramic coatings and PPFs have significant differences in their uses. PPF is a thicker coating that is able to “bounce back” when it has taken any damage to it. If it gets scratched, it can ‘self-heal’ and return to its original form. It can absorb the damage from rocks and other debris easily without being permanently damaged.
Ceramic coating, on the other hand, does not have that same ability. But its strength comes from its hydrophobic feature.
So you can see now that each has its benefits and drawbacks. Still not sure which to choose? That’s alright because they can actually both be applied to the same vehicle.
If you’re ready to protect your car, be sure to go to an automotive shop that is experienced in applying these products, like Landon Graphics in the Edmonton area.