Many people are interested in car care, and with good reason! Your car is one of your most important possessions, and taking care of it is essential if you want it to last. There are a lot of different products on the market that promise to protect your car from damage, but it can take time to decide which one is right for you. This blog post will compare Ceramic Coating vs. Paint Protection Film and help you choose the better investment for your vehicle!

What is Ceramic Coating?

  Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a vehicle’s exterior. It bonds with the paint and creates a protective layer that is resistant to scratches, UV rays, and other types of damage. Ceramic coating can also make your car easier to clean and keep it looking shiny and new for longer. Ceramic coatings were originally developed for use in the aerospace industry. It was applied to airplane windows to protect them from UV damage and make them easier to clean. The technology was later adapted for use in cars, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years.

What are the Benefits of Ceramic Coating?

#1: Ceramic Coating is Hydrophobic

One of the main benefits of ceramic coating is that it is hydrophobic. This means that water will bead up and roll off your car rather than being absorbed into the paint. This property can help to protect your vehicle from water damage, rust, and stains.

#2: Ceramic Coating is Resistant to Scratches and UV Damage

Another benefit of ceramic coating is that it is resistant to light scratches. The clear coat will help protect your paint from being scratched or damaged by road debris. In addition, the coating will reflect UV rays, helping to prevent fading and sun damage.

#3: Ceramic Coating Makes Your Car Easy to Clean

Ceramic coating creates a smooth, non-porous surface on your car. This surface is easy to clean, and you will not have to worry about dirt and grime trapped in the paint. In addition, the hydrophobic properties of ceramic coating make it easier to remove water spots and stains.

#4: Ceramic Coating Can Help to Preserve Your Car’s Value

If you take care of your car and keep it in good condition, it will retain its value better than a car that is not well-maintained. Applying a ceramic coating is one way to help preserve your car’s value and keep it looking like new for years to come.

Drawbacks of Ceramic Coating

#1: It is pricey

In most ceramic coating companies, there are different levels of ceramic coating, and it depends on what they might call it, starting at a price of $695+, which includes Enhancement Polish (55-65% Scratch Removal), Engine Bay Cleaned, SB3 Solo Application, Rims and tires cleaned, Tires shined, Reported to Car Fax, all the way up to professional ceramic coating which is priced at $2,195+ which includes Full 2 Stage Paint Correction (85-95% scratch removal guaranteed.), Wheels taken off, deep cleaned, inner barrel and faces of rims coated with SB3 Vortex, All Glass Ceramic Coated with SB3 Optic, All Plastics Ceramic Coated, Engine Bay Cleaned and Shined, Full interior detail, 3-layer SB3 TRINITY application, Reported to Car Fax

#2: Ceramic Coating can be difficult to apply

Ceramic coating can be challenging to apply, and it is important to follow the instructions carefully. If you do not apply the coating evenly, it can create streaks or bubbles. In addition, if you do not allow the coating to cure properly, it will not bond correctly with the paint and will not be as effective.

#3: It needs to be reapplied after years

Ceramic coating will eventually break down and need to be reapplied. The exact lifespan of a coating depends on the quality of the product and how well it is taken care of. However, most coatings will last for 3 to 5 years before they need to be reapplied.

What is Paint Protection Film?

  Paint protection film (PPF) is a clear, self-adhesive film applied to a vehicle’s exterior. It is designed to protect the paint from scratches, UV rays, and other types of damage. PPF is also very easy to clean and maintain.

What are the Benefits of Paint Protection Film?

#1: Paint Protection Film is Clear and Invisible

    One of the main benefits of PPF is that it is clear and invisible. This means that it will not change the appearance of your car. In fact, many people can only tell that a car has PPF applied if they know what to look for.

#2: Paint Protection Film is Resistant to Scratches and UV Damage

Another benefit of PPF is that it is very scratch-resistant. The film will protect your paint from being scratched or damaged by road debris. In addition, the film will reflect UV rays, helping to prevent fading and sun damage.

#3: Paint Protection Film Makes Your Car Easy to Clean

PPF creates a smooth, non-porous surface on your car. This surface is easy to clean, and you will not have to worry about dirt and grime trapped in the paint. In addition, the hydrophobic properties of PPF make it easier to remove water spots and stains.

#4: Paint Protection Film Can Help to Preserve Your Car’s Value

  If you take care of your car and keep it in good condition, it will retain its value better than a car that needs to be well-maintained. Its resale value will surely be retained. Applying paint protection film is one way to help preserve your car’s value and keep your painted surfaces looking new for years to come.

#5: Paint Protection Film Installation Comes With Insurance

Most paint protection film companies are secured with insurance for their facilities and the vehicles that they work on. Be sure to ask them before you get them to work on your car just to be safe! 

Drawbacks of Paint Protection Film

#1: It can yellow over time

One of the main drawbacks of paint protection film is that it can yellow over time. This is especially true if it is exposed to UV rays on a regular basis. However, Stek PPF comes with a 10-year warranty against delamination, yellowing, bubbling, and cracking.

#2: It can be difficult to remove

Another drawback of PPF is that it can be difficult to remove. If you ever need to have your car painted or repaired, the film will need to be removed first. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

#3: It can be expensive

Paint protection film can be expensive to install depending on the package; however, this is a smart investment in the protection of your vehicle. Without paint protection film, costs for repairing a paint job from damage can be very expensive.

The Bottom Line

So, which is the better investment? Ceramic Coating or Paint Protection Film? Given the many benefits and drawbacks, the answer needs to be clarified. It really depends on your specific needs and goals. Both are great at keeping your car away from paint correction, rock chips, mild abrasions, and overall protection.  Paint protection film is more expensive to install compared to ceramic coatings, but it is more durable and provides better protection against environmental damage such as chemical stains, scratches, and rock chips. Paint protection film also has a longer life than ceramic coating making it the ultimate vehicle protection method. Ceramic coating is the way to go if you are looking to protect your paint from environmental hazards such as chemical staining, fading, and minor scratching. If you are looking for an affordable paint protection option, ceramic coating might be a better choice.  Have it done by none other than professionals in Ficks Auto Detailing. Their one-stop-shop car detailing for ceramic coating services and paint protection film services are top-notch! At Fick’s Auto Detailing, your car will always look like a new vehicle!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get Ceramic Coating or Paint Protection Film?

The answer to this question depends on your specific needs and goals. Ceramic coating is the way to go if you are looking for the best possible protection for your car. If you are looking for an affordable option that is easy to remove, paint protection film might be a better choice.

How much does Ceramic Coating cost?

The price of ceramic coating varies according to the size of your car and the product’s quality. A standard ceramic coating kit for a compact car will cost between $695+ and $2,195+. Get the greatest offers possible at Fick’s Auto Detailing in Auburn.

How much does Paint Protection Film cost?

Paint Protection Film is first applied to the areas of your car most vulnerable to damage from road debris and rock chips. Most paint protection film companies offer different packages, and some prices start at $1,495, which includes only 1/4 Hood, 1/4 Fenders, and Full Front Bumper. A whole-body paint protection film usually costs around $5,000+, depending on the size of your vehicle.

How long does Ceramic Coating last?

Ceramic coating can last for several years if it is properly maintained. However, it is not a permanent solution. Eventually, the coating will need to be reapplied.

How long does Paint Protection Film last?

Even while PPF can withstand a significant amount of stress over the course of many years, it will, at some point, need to be replaced. The average lifespan of PPF is between 5 and 10 years.