Paint protection and paint correction is a growing industry and offers drivers several options to choose from. Let’s discuss the Difference Between Paint Protection Films vs. Ceramic Coatings.
The market for paint protection film is worth over $297.15 million. It can be applied to almost any vehicle and help keep its paint job looking its best. It was one of the first paint protection products on the market, but it’s no longer the only one.
The market for ceramic coatings is worth over $9.3 billion. A large portion is tied up in the aerospace industry, but the applications for automobiles are becoming more and more apparent.
These tools both keep paint jobs looking their best and protect them from damage. This is only one of the many characteristics they share, but they also have several differences that may make drivers prefer one over the other.
Read on to learn about Paint Protection Films vs. Ceramic Coatings to determine which one is the right choice for your car.
- What Is PPF?
- What Is Ceramic Coating?
- How Are Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating Similar?
- How Are Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coatings Different?
- Where to Get Paint Protection
Paint Protection Films vs. Ceramic Coatings
What Is PPF?
Paint protection film was invented in the 1950s by the US Department of Defense to protect helicopter blades from flying debris. The first variant for cars was made of black vinyl and created for the Porsche 356 in 1961.
It earned the nickname of “helicopter tape” but entered the automotive market in the 1980s as a way to shine up racecars. It’s now known as a clear bra and is occasionally abbreviated as PPF.
The film is a clear material made of urethane and applied over your car to protect its paint job from bird droppings, acid rain, and also repels water. It’s flexible and molds itself to the curves of your car.
Paint protection film is usually applied to the most vulnerable areas of your vehicle. This could include painted surfaces, and the front bumper, hood, fender, mirrors, rocker panels, and/or rear wheel arch.
What Is Ceramic Coating?
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that bonds to your vehicle’s paint job. It creates a hydrophobic surface that helps dirt and debris slide off and makes the car easier to clean.
Ceramic coating covers your entire vehicle from top to bottom. It resembles a second, stronger clear coat that adds another layer of Ceramic Pro protection.
The best ceramic coating product is Ceramic Pro. It has a hardness above 9H compared to 2H-4H for other options. Extra hardness means extra protection. Find a shop that offers Ceramic Pro in Denver.
How Are Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating Similar?
Paint protection and ceramic coating both protect against UV rays from the sun. In addition to fading your interior, they can cause skin cancer, premature aging and skin damage, cataracts and eye damage, and immune system suppression.
They also both protect against damage such as:
- Environmental hazards
- Chips
- Scratches
- Swirl marks
- Chemical stains or etch marks from acidic contaminants
- Hard water spots
Both are invisible but provide a glossy appearance similar to a new wax job.
How Are Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coatings Different?
Paint protection film and ceramic coatings each have pros and cons that drivers have to consider. In addition to the materials they use, the methods differ in their appearance, properties, longevity, cost, and the process of applying and removing them.
Appearance
Both options protect the look of your car’s paint job, but ceramic coating is more eye-catching and glossy than paint protection film.
This may seem like a purely aesthetic factor, but it could mean more than that. 76% of Americans won’t buy a car if they don’t like its appearance. A lack of paint protection can dramatically affect the resale value of your vehicle.
Self-Healing and Hydrophobic Properties
American families spend approximately 1.5% of their annual income on repairing their vehicles. Protecting the paint job is one of the best ways to lower these costs.
Paint protection film is one of the only “self-healing” methods on the market. It regains its original appearance after being damaged, reducing the number of repairs you’ll need to do.
Ceramic coating will protect your car but doesn’t offer this self-healing quality. You may need to go to the shop to buff out scratches and repair more severe forms of damage.
It’s important to wash your car every 2 weeks for at least 1-2 hours, but protecting your paint can reduce the time you spend on this maintenance task.
Ceramic coating creates a more hydrophobic surface than paint protection film. The surface they create on your vehicle allows water to slide off and makes it easier to clean your vehicle. Paint protection film also creates a hydrophobic surface, but the effect isn’t as strong.
Longevity
Paint protection is an investment in your car, and you want to get a high return on it by having it last as long as possible.
Ceramic coating is so durable that it may still be on your car after you decide to sell it. Paint protection film fades over time. It may need to be reapplied every few years, a factor that affects the total time and money you’ll spend to protect your paint.
Ceramic coatings and PPF (Paint Protection Film) are both popular options for protecting the paintwork of cars, but they have different lifespans. Ceramic coatings typically last longer than PPF, with an average lifespan of around 2-5 years. This is because ceramic coatings strongly bond with the car’s paint, creating a durable and long-lasting protective layer.
On the other hand, PPF usually lasts about 5-10 years, depending on the quality of the film and how well it is maintained. PPF offers protection against scratches, rock chips, and other physical damage, but it can be more prone to yellowing and peeling over time.
Ultimately, the choice between ceramic coatings and PPF depends on the individual’s preferences and priorities regarding longevity and protection.
Removal
Paint protection film is much easier to remove if you need to. For example, if it’s applied to your front bumper and it gets damaged, you can detach them, remove the film, attach a new door, and apply a new film.
Cost
Consider your budget before getting any form of paint protection. Ceramic coating is more expensive than paint protection film due to the rarity of its materials and the complexity of its application. If you can’t afford an expensive job, have a professional apply PPF in Denver.
Complexity
Ceramic coating is a highly complex method of paint protection. It requires specialized environments, specific materials, and more. Contact a local professional to get ceramic coating in Denver.
There are at-home kits for paint protection film. They supply all the necessary materials and are relatively easy to use but rarely provide high-quality results. You should contact a professional for a clear bra in Denver as well.
Where to Get Paint Protection
Paint protection has developed significantly in the last 5 decades from a black film on helicopter blades to a powerful form of protection against everyday hazards. Choosing the right one helps maintain the off-the-lot beauty of your paint job.
Paint protection film is more affordable, less complex to apply, easier to remove, and offers self-healing properties. Ceramic coating lasts longer, looks glossier, and is more hydrophobic, but it costs more.
Pro Tech Auto Shield offers a range of services to protect and repair your car. Contact us today to get the best Denver clear bra, ceramic coating, or paint protection film in Denver.
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