When it comes to the care of your car, it’s normal to want to make decisions that will benefit its appearance. If you’re going to be spending money on its detailing and protection, it only makes sense that you want to go with the option that will best serve your vehicle.
When it comes to maintaining the body of your car, there are several options to select from. However, the two most popular choices are paint protection film and ceramic coating. But which one should you go with? Let’s take a look at what each one offers.
Understanding Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating
Paint Protection Film
Paint protection film is an invisible coat of polyurethane material that is applied to the exterior of your vehicle. 3M paint protection film, for example, is a popular choice when it comes to protecting your car. The goal of PPF is to preserve the quality of your car’s paint by reducing the risk of damage from such things as rocks and debris from the road, swirl marks that are a result of washing, and hard water spots from mineral deposits.
Ceramic Coating
A ceramic coating, meanwhile, is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds with your vehicle’s paint, thus offering it a layer of protection and a hydrophobic surface. These hydrophobic properties will make it more difficult for debris to stick to your car, allowing it to stay cleaner for longer. It also helps make your car easier to wash when the time comes.
Similarities
The similarities between these two options are fairly extensive, considering how different their compositions are. They both invisibly work to protect your car, particularly from oxidation from UV exposure and chemical stains and etch marks caused by acidic contaminants. This allows your car to look like a brand new car for much longer.
Differences
Paint protection film is thicker than ceramic coatings. This allows it to essentially heal itself after being inflicted with a scratch or rock chip, therefore prolonging the physical structure of your car. In terms of choosing which option will provide long-term preservation, PPF is the way to go.
Ceramic coatings, however, are great for enhancing the day-to-day appearance. While it may not protect your car from dings and scrapes as well, it will keep it looking shiny and clean while also protecting the colour of the paint.
Ultimately, there is no wrong decision. How you hope to preserve your car and what you want out of a protective layer is completely up to you!
