When it comes to car exterior protection, there are no other options better than two standouts that have been well-endorsed over the last couple of years. These are ceramic coating and paint protection film, more popularly known as PPF. While both have certain advantages, one or the other is preferable depending on your priorities, budget, and the amount of protection you want on your vehicle. 

What is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that molecularly bonds with the paint surface of your car. This forms a layer of protection for the shiny and sleek finish of the vehicle. 

In most ways, the ceramic coating works similarly to a deeper, longer-lasting wax for several added benefits to your vehicle’s exterior surface.

• Long-acting protection: Much better than regular wax, with durability from months up to several years, depending on the quality. Require fewer car washes: Hydrophobicity makes the water slide off its surface, making attachment of dirt and grime difficult.
• Easy cleaning: Because of the slippery surface, contaminants like bird droppings, bug splatters, and road grime could easily be wiped off.
• Oxidization prevention: It prevents UV damage, highly responsible for the discoloration and oxidization of your car’s paint over time. In addition, this product will give a high-gloss finish to enhance the appearance of your vehicle with a deep, glossy sheen on the paint. 
• Paint protection: Such products protect your car from tree sap, chemicals, and acid rain.

What is Paint Protection Film (PPF)?

Paint Protection Film, or PPF, sometimes called a clear bra, is a transparent, flexible film made from polymers-usually polyurethane-that adheres to your vehicle’s paint. Unlike ceramic coatings, PPF can be custom-cut and applied to certain parts of the car, including high-impact areas such as the hood, fenders, bumpers, and side mirrors.

Key Benefits of Paint Protection Film

• Self-healing properties: The PPF is manufactured in such a manner that it “heals” minor scratches on its own with the introduction of heat. If your car gets slight scratches, with a little heating from the sun or hot water, the film “heals.”
• Durability: A thicker layer of protection than with a ceramic coating, hence having extra protection against rock chips, debris, and other forms of minor collisions.
• Water-repellent: Water, dirt, oil, and even the residue of insects are repelled.
• Long-term protection: A selection of PPFs would last up to 10 years or even more, as most of the options come with manufacturer warranties.
• Customization: You can wrap your entire car or simply go for those high-risk areas that are very prone to damage.

Few Downsides of Paint Protection Film

PPF will turn yellow or lose its gloss over time, especially with lower-grade films. With a bad installation, paint swirls or air bubbles might appear, so quality professional application is a concern. Another thing is if the paint of your car has already been damaged, PPF doesn’t fix it. You’ll need to have any scratches or chips repaired before its installation.

This post was written by a professional at Cargenixs Detail Center. Cargenixs Detail Center specializes in auto detailing services, paint correction, ceramic coating, window tinting, paint protection film, and vinyl wrapping. Serving our customers since 2015 in Los Gatos and San Jose, we are now expanding into Santa Clara, CA. Our expert team focuses on delivering top-notch services including vinyl car wraps near you, car wash by hand near you, and ceramic car coatings near you. We take pride in using the highest quality products and techniques to ensure your vehicle looks its best. For meticulous care and exceptional results, trust Cargenixs Detail Center for all your car detailing needs in San Jose, CA, and Santa Clara, CA. Click here to learn more!