5 Benefits of Doing Both a Ceramic Coating and PPF
Car Paint Protection Film (PPF) helps prevent rock chips, absorbs small scratches with its self healing properties, and prevents swirl marks and hard water spots.
When you’re looking at the best way to protect your car from wear and tear on the road, ceramic car coating and various types of paint protection film (PPF) are often the most popular options. While many car owners choose one or the other, there’s always the question of whether more really might be more. Do you have to choose between ceramic coating and PPF? Or do they offer complementary benefits that could make it worth using both? Can you even use both ceramic coating and PPF?
Let’s take a look at the reasons to use both ceramic coating for cars, why you would use PPF, and whether you should use both ceramic coating and PPF on the same car.
What’s the Difference Between Ceramic Coating and PPF?
Ceramic Coating creates an extra layer of protection over your vehicle’s factory paint by applying a liquid formula that hardens and forms a permanent bond. Unlike other paint protection options like wax or sealant, ceramic coating isn’t going anywhere. It’s only removable by abrasion because it is chemically bonded to the vehicle. It offers great benefits to the car owner, including less maintenance, no waxing (it has a gloss!), scratch resistance, UV resistance, and anti-corrosive, self-cleaning, and liquid repelling properties.
PPF, on the other hand, is similar in that it adds protection, but it is more focused on preventing scratches and chips rather than adding a protective and permanent glossy finish. PPF includes various types of paint protection film, including XPEL paint protection film, which offers self-healing properties over its competitor 3M paint protection film. We also offer clear film, matte film, and fashion film.
Unlike ceramic coating, which is a liquid, PPF is a wrap that goes on your vehicle to provide rock chip and scratch protection. It’s often most focused on areas susceptible to damage, like hood, fenders, front bumper, and mirrors, though the entire car can be wrapped. You can either go with a clear film or change and customize the color of your car.
5 Reasons to Do Both a Ceramic Coating and PPF
While ceramic coating and PPF are similar and offer some of the most protective benefits, there are also differences that translate into even more protection when they’re used together. At Capitol Shine, we use the best ceramic coating for cars over PPF to protect the already-strong PPF. Together, these two offer five benefits that make investing in both a smart decision, particularly if you are concerned with the longevity of your vehicle’s appearance.
1. Even More Durability
Because ceramic coating creates such a strong bond, applying it over PPF creates a hardened shield that is incredibly hard to penetrate. Whether you’re facing the elements or a rogue rock on the highway, the two together are a powerful force.
2. UV Protection
The ceramic coating’s UV resistance can help protect your PPF and help it last even longer. While PPF should not be impacted by the sun, this extra layer of UV protection is an added bonus.
3. Easier Cleaning
Because of ceramic coating’s hydrophobic qualities and PPF’s resistance to pollen, dust and dirt, cleaning your car has never been easier. This helps keep the exterior looking like you just drove it off the lot.
4. Protection from Contaminants
Sticky sap, tar, and other contaminants that often turn up roadside can damage PPF, but they’re no match for car ceramic coating. The impenetrable ceramic coating protects PPF from these stubborn spots and makes them easier to clean.
5. Glossy Finish
Even if you didn’t choose a glossy finish for your PPF, the gloss of ceramic coating will give your car a shiny look. You’ll still get the flat look that you wanted if you choose matte or the vibrant color of a color wrap, but the ceramic coating just adds more polish and gloss.
Ready to Boost Your Vehicle’s Protection?
Whether you’re just starting to look at PPF options, you’re exploring when to add the ceramic coating, or you’re ready to find PPF and ceramic coating installers near you, contact Capitol Shine.