When it comes to car and boat care, preserving the exterior of your vehicle is very important. Paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating are two high-tech options at Conforti Auto & Marine Detailing, a local expert in this field. Both of these choices offer better safety, but they are different in important ways and offer different benefits. Understanding these details can help you choose the best choice for your vehicle: paint protection film or ceramic coating?
What Is Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film, sometimes called a “clear bra,” is a clear thermoplastic urethane film that is applied to the outside of a car. PPF was first made for military use, but it is now widely used in the marine and car industries because it is so protective.
Benefits of Paint Protection Film
PPF does a great job of protecting the exterior paint from being damaged. It keeps the paint from getting scratches, chips, and dings from rocks, road debris, and other environmental dangers.
One thing that makes high-quality PPF stand out is that it can actually fix itself. With time and heat from the sun or a heat gun, small scratches and lines will look like they never happened.
The PPF material is made to last longer and handle tough environments. It won’t yellow or crack, so it will protect your car for a long time.
And finally, because PPF is clear, it keeps your car’s original color and shine.
What Is Ceramic Coating?
The exterior of your vehicle can be covered with ceramic coating, a liquid polymer. It forms a chemical bond with the factory paint, which creates the protective coating. This coating is usually made from silicon dioxide (SiO2) which provides a shiny finish that repels water.
Benefits of Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating provides your car with a deep, glossy shine that makes it look like new. It intensifies the color and gives a showroom-like shine that lasts for years.
One of the best things about ceramic coating is that its hydrophobic properties don’t let water or other liquids stick to it. This makes it easier to clean your car because dirt and grime are less likely to adhere to the surface.
Ceramic coating also does a great job of blocking the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The paint stays vibrant because the coating stops oxidation (which often leads to faded looking paint).
Lastly, ceramic coating is resistant to chemical contaminants like salty air, bird droppings, and so much more, all of which can damage paint over time.
Main Differences Between PPF and Ceramic Coating
Even though PPF and ceramic coating are good at protecting things, they are best used for different reasons and needs.
Protection
PPF is mostly used for protecting the most vulnerable areas of your vehicle’s exterior. It works best on parts that get hit and scratched a lot, like the front body, hood, and side mirrors. Ceramic coating, on the other hand, protects a larger portion of your car while enhancing the shine of the original paint.
Application
Paint protection film must be carefully cut and fitted to the shape of the vehicle, before being applied by a professional. For ceramic coating, which also needs to be done by a professional, liquid polymer is carefully applied and left to dry.
Maintenance
PPF doesn’t require much special care. In fact, minor scratches will usually repair themselves when exposed to heat. Ceramic coating makes the car easier to clean, but it may need to be maintained from time to time to make sure its protective qualities stay strong.
Appearance
PPF is virtually invisible, so the car’s original appearance does not change. Ceramic coating, on the other hand, gives the car a shiny finish that makes it look like new.
Contact Palm Harbor’s Top PPF and Ceramic Coating Specialists
Still have questions about paint protection film or ceramic coating? Reach out to us or request a free quote today!
You can’t go wrong with either option as both are excellent ways to protect your car. When you choose Conforti Auto & Marine Detailing, you can be sure that your cars, RVs, motorcycles and boats will get the best care and protection possible.
