Paint Protection Film (PPF) vs. Ceramic Coating - Which should you go for?

Protecting your car's paint is important for several reasons. First, the appearance of your car is the first impression people will have, and a well-maintained paint job can make a big difference. Additionally, protecting your paint can help maintain the resale value of your vehicle. Environmental elements such as UV rays, salt, bird droppings, and tree sap can damage the paint, and surface protection products like ceramic coatings and paint protection film (PPF) can help prevent this. These products can also protect against mechanical damage from rocks, road debris, and other objects.  

Before we move on, let us explain the differences between PPF and ceramic coating, so that you can see the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which direction you should go for.

Paint protection film, also known as “clear bra” or PPF, is a transparent thermoplastic urethane film that is applied to the painted surfaces and trimmings of a vehicle to protect them from damage caused by rocks, debris, and other environmental elements.

PPF is typically applied to the front bumper, hood, fenders, side mirrors, and other areas that are susceptible to rock chips and scratches, but a full-body film wrap is also an option for those not just wanting to protect the frontal area. The film is virtually invisible and does not affect the appearance of the vehicle, and it could even make your paint pop with deeper finishes and a shinier appearance.

Most major PPF companies also offer, what is called a “self-healing paint” protection film wherein minor scratches and imperfections caused by rock chips and debris can heal when exposed to heat, which helps keep your car looking fresh making you more confident in driving your vehicle.

It is also a popular choice for those who want to keep their vehicle's paint looking new and avoid costly repairs. The film is designed to absorb impacts and prevent scratches, which can save car owners money in the long run.

While PPF can be installed by a professional, there are also DIY kits available for those who prefer to do the installation themselves. However, it is recommended to go for a professional or reputable installer to ensure proper protection and to make sure that the vehicle is in top condition. It is also of note that most major PPF companies also include a ceramic coating on top of the PPF, giving you the best of both worlds.

While PPF has a lot of benefits, here are some things to consider, one of which is price. PPF can be prohibitively expensive, especially for the major reputable brands which could easily cost you six figures. Though, we would avoid cheaper PPFs because they lack the R&D to produce a proper film that won’t damage your paint and turn yellow over time. Another thing to consider is if you do get major damage to your vehicle, you would have to replace the PPF of the area of damage with a new one, which again is also costly.

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle to create a protective layer. This layer is designed to protect the vehicle's paint from scratches, dirt, and UV rays, as well as provide a long-lasting shine.

Ceramic coatings contain nanoparticles that bond to the surface of the paint and create a hydrophobic layer. This means that water and other liquids bead up and roll off the surface of the car, making it easier to clean and maintain.

Unlike traditional waxes and sealants, ceramic coatings can last for several years with proper maintenance. They are also more resistant to chemicals and environmental elements, making them ideal for use in harsh weather conditions.

Ceramic coatings can be applied by a professional detailer or as a DIY project. However, it's important to note that the preparation and application process can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail.

That being said, there are a lot of ceramic coating technologies out there, but there is one notable type of ceramic coating called graphene coating. It features improved performance over the standard ceramic coating due to its carbon-based nanomaterial that was originally used for industrial applications. It is a thin layer of graphite, that if converted to graphene becomes a very thin strong material that is heat resistant and flexible enough for automotive surface protection applications that is also stronger than regular ceramic coating. Due to its heat resistance, watermarks are also less apparent compared to your standard ceramic coating applications.

Of course, there are also negatives to ceramic coating, one of which is maintenance is still required. Don’t believe the marketing jargon that ceramic coating is a lifetime source of protection that can help keep your car clean and protected while avoiding swirl marks. While it does help avoid imperfections and minor scratches, maintenance is still needed as the coating can wear out within three years, meaning reapplication is needed.

Should you have the budget, PPF is the best way to go since it can give you the best protection with the least maintenance making your paint finish look fresh for years to come, but of course, the value of your vehicle is also a strong consideration in which direction you should go for. If you have an expensive premium vehicle then PPF is the smarter option for protecting your investment. If you have a regular passenger vehicle, a ceramic coating would be a great option in keeping your car’s paint maintained and presentable whilst requiring some maintenance.

End of the day, no matter which direction you go, surface protection is still advantageous compared to having no protection at all.