Ceramic Coating Vs. PPF: Learn The Difference
After sinking hundreds of thousands of dollars into your automobile, it’s only natural that you would do your best to maintain that showroom luster it had when you first acquired it. There are many ways to achieve that eye-catching gleam, but by far the most popular ways are ceramic coatings and paint protection films (PPF). Of course, you are probably wondering: ceramic coating vs PPF, which is better? Read on to find out!
What is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is used to provide a clear resilient layer that can protect your car. There are various types of ceramic coating, but A&A offers chrome oxide ceramic coating and aluminum oxide ceramic coating. When applied, the coat will bond with the vehicle’s paint and create a semi-permanent transparent protective coat that will help your car stay clean for a longer duration. Ceramic coatings have hydrophobic properties that protect your car against chemical staining, and fading caused by UV exposure, rainwater, and mud.
This type of coating is a basic form of protection for your automobile, helping keep the paint shiny and protecting against UV damage.
What is Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film (PPF) is made of thermoplastic polyurethane and is applied to your car’s exterior. Like the ceramic coating, PPF is a transparent layer that reduces the risk of damage to your car’s paintwork. PFF can protect your vehicle from debris, chemical stains, wear marks, oxidation from UV light, and general wear and tear. It can even protect your car from key vandalism!
PPF is extremely resilient against acid contaminants such as corrosive rain and grime. This type of protection can also self-repair to a certain extent, such as shallow scratches and other types of light damage.
How are They Similar?
- Protects against environmental exposure
- Maintains the freshness of car paint
- Prevent chemical stains
How Do They Differ?
Most notably, PPF is thicker than a ceramic coating, at around 8 millimeters, while ceramic coatings fall somewhere around 10 to 20 microns. As a result, PPF is better at protecting against physical damage, debris, and scratches. Furthermore, PPF can self-repair to a certain extent whilst ceramic coating cannot.
Last but not least, PPF is better at protecting against acid-based containments, whilst ceramic coatings work better against water stains due to their hydrophobic properties. This means that ceramic coating makes your car easier to clean and ensures it is glossier.
Which One is Better for You?
Why pick one when you can have both? That’s right, you can apply both to your car! However, if you can only choose one, we advise you to apply the PPF first, as protecting your car against physical damage is more expedient than protecting your car against water stains. Once your car is adequately protected against physical damage, you can consider applying a ceramic coating later.
