If you’re looking for a high-quality paint protection option for your vehicle, then the two best choices on offer are PPF and ceramic coatings. These two options vary in terms of the level of protection they provide, the installation cost, and their longevity. In this guide, we’ll directly compare ceramic coatings and PPF so you can decide which is the most suitable for your car.
PPF vs Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coatings are less expensive, quicker to install, and typically have more chemical resistance compared to PPF. However, PPF is the only option which offers abrasion and impact resistance to protect against stone chips and scratches. PPF typically lasts for 10-years+, whereas ceramic coatings usually need reinstalling every 3-7 years depending on the particular coating in question.
Ceramic Coating | Paint Protection Film |
Typically last for 3-7 years | Can last upwards of 10-years |
No stone chip or scratch protection | Provide stone chip and scratch resistance |
Take 1-2 days to install | Take 2-5 days to install |
No self-healing properties | Has self-healing properties |
Installation costs £300-£700 on average | Costs upwards of £1300-£3500 |
Can be applied to paint, plastic, glass, and alloys | Can be applied to paint, gloss plastics, and windscreens |
Can enhance gloss, satin and matte finishes | Available in gloss and satin finishes |
High level of hydrophobic and chemically resistance | Moderate hydrophobicity and chemical resistance |
What is a Ceramic Coating?
What are they made from?
Ceramic coatings are liquid polymers that come in small glass bottles. Typically, the active ingredient is silicon dioxide (also referred to as silica or SiO₂) which is mixed with solvents and carriers that allow the coating to be spread. When the liquid is applied to the surface, it forms a semi-permanent bond, resulting in an hard and invisible finish when cured.
How are they applied?
Ceramic coatings come in a liquid format and are applied as follows:
- The coating liquid is drizzled onto an applicator pad.
- This applicator pad is then used to spread the coating across the surface in a uniform layer.
- The coating is then allowed to bond (this usually takes 15-60 seconds).
- A microfibre towel is used to remove the remaining coating residue.
- The coating is then allowed to cure (harden).
Before a ceramic coating is applied, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated, otherwise it will be unable to chemically bond. It’s also recommended to machine polish the surface before coating in order to remove swirl marks, boost gloss, and cleanse the surface of any previously applied protection e.g. waxes, sealants and other coatings.
What surfaces can they be used on?
Ceramic coatings can be applied to a variety of surfaces including:
- Paint
- Alloys
- Glass
- Exterior plastic trim
- Metal
- Interior leather and plastics
Some coatings are specifically designed for use on certain automotive surfaces, and others can be applied to several different substrates.
What are the pros and cons?
Ceramic coatings offer excellent chemical resistance and hydrophobicity. This means that the car stays cleaner between washes and is easier to maintain. The coating preparation and application process usually only takes 1-2 days to carry out, and the cost is very reasonable considering the level of protection it offers compared to a more traditional wax or sealant. Premium-grade coatings can also last for up to 7-years on properly prepared surfaces which are appropriately maintained. Although ceramic coatings offer a number of beneficial characteristics, they offer very little in the way of abrasion protection, besides some light wash marring resistance.
Pros | Cons |
Excellent hydrophobicity and chemical resistance | No stone chip protection |
Much more durable than waxes and sealants | Not as durable as PPF |
Can be used on many different surfaces | No self-healing characteristics |
What is PPF?
What is it made from?
Paint protection film (PPF) is made from a transparent, polyurethane film which typically measures between 200-250 microns thick. For reference, ceramic coatings usually add between 1-3 microns of protection, and the clear coat layer of paint on an average vehicle is 30-50 microns thick. Due to its thickness and strength, it offers excellent protection against stone chips and scratches. PPF traditionally comes in colourless matte and satin finishes to avoid changing the appearance of the vehicle, but there are also some colour-changing options available.
How is it applied?
Before PPF is applied, the surface must be thoroughly washed, decontaminated, and degreased. In some cases, machine polishing may also be necessary. Once the surface is prepared, the PPF installation steps are as follows:
- The make and model of the vehicle is matched to a database and the PPF sections are then printed and cut if required.
- The film is then peeled, treated and placed down on the panel.
- The film is pressed down and air bubbles are removed using a squeegee.
- Any excess film is cut and the surface is wiped to remove any excess liquid.
It’s important that this process is only attempted by a trained PPF installer, otherwise it will lead to issues such as peeling and bubbling. PPF also needs to be installed indoors, and in the correct temperature range to ensure it adheres properly. After installation, the PPF should be allowed to cure indoors overnight.
What surfaces can it be used on?
Paint protection film, as the name suggests, is typically applied to the paintwork. It can be applied to all the exterior paintwork, or just high-impact areas such as the bonnet, front bumper and front wings. PPF can also be applied to the windscreen and clear coated exterior plastics e.g. piano black trim commonly found on B-pillars and wing mirrors. PPF cannot be applied to alloys, metal or textured plastic trim.
What are the pros and cons?
The main benefit of PPF is that it offers protection against stone chips and scratches. Although not indestructible, it’s the best option that the detailing industry has on offer. In the event of minor abrasion, the PPF can be treated to heat which will cause it to “self-heal”. If the impact or abrasion is more significant, the PPF can be removed and replaced, leaving the paintwork underneath unaffected in most cases. The main downsides are that it is more expensive, harder to install, and not as chemically resistant or hydrophobic as a ceramic coating.
Pros | Cons |
Protects against stone chips | More expensive than a ceramic coating |
Can self-heal in the event of minor abrasion or be replaced after heavier impact | Time-consuming and difficult to install (requires training and experience) |
Lasts 10+ years | Not as chemically resistant or hydrophobic as a ceramic coating |
Comparing the Differences
In this next section, we’ll compare PPF and ceramic coatings head-to-head, highlighting their pros and cons.
Appearance
A ceramic coating can boost the gloss levels and depth of colour. It will also provide a richer finish when applied to matte and satin finishes, without changing the look of the vehicle beyond this. PPF is virtually invisible when applied by a professional who will take care to wrap the edges of the panels where possible. The transparent film comes in both satin or gloss finishes, which can either be used to change the appearance of the vehicle, or keep it exactly the same.
Abrasion & Impact Protection
PPF offers protection against stone chips and scratches, unlike a ceramic coating. Although a coated surface is typically slightly harder than conventional clear coat paint, it can still be scratched and marred by something as simple as poor wash technique. PPF, although not indestructible, is the only option which offers shielding against impact and abrasion.
Durability & Longevity
Both PPF and ceramic coatings can last for many years, but PPF lasts longer. Most premium paint protection film lasts for upwards of 10-years before it needs to be removed and replaced. Ceramic coatings usually last between 3-5 years, but can last for up to 7-years if properly maintained.
Surface Characteristics
Ceramic coatings have the edge over PPF when it comes to chemical resistance and hydrophobicity. These are desirable traits which help to keep the vehicle cleaner between washes, and easier to maintain.
Installation Time
The ceramic coating installation process typically takes 1-2 days to complete, depending on the level of paint correction required beforehand. PPF takes longer, with front-end only installations usually taking 2-3 days, and full coverage packages generally taking anywhere from 4-7 days depending on the size of vehicle and the complexity of its design.
Coverage Options
With a ceramic coating package, all the exterior paintwork will be treated and there is often also the option to have the alloys, glass, and plastic trim protected too. With PPF, you have the option of having partial or full coverage depending on your budget and requirements. PPF can’t be applied to alloy wheels, or textured black plastic trim.
Cost
Ceramic coatings are less expensive compared to PPF. Ceramic coating packages usually start at £300, whereas PPF installation usually starts at £1300-£1500 and only includes front-end coverage. To have the whole vehicle protected with PPF, the package will usually cost upwards of £3500 depending on the size of the car.
Can You Use PPF & Ceramic Coatings Together?
To get the best of both worlds, you can actually use both a ceramic coating and PPF on the same vehicle. The PPF is always applied first as the base layer, providing the impact and abrasion resistance. Then the ceramic coating is applied on top, to boost the gloss, provide more chemical resistance, and make the vehicle easier to maintain. This combination offers an incredible level of protection.
PPF & Ceramic Coating Installation in Merseyside
Here at PAC Detailing & PPF, we offer a range of paint protection film and ceramic coating services in Southport, Merseyside. As trained PPF installers, we have access to premium Pyramid Car Care PPF which offers incredible abrasion resistance and optical clarity. We also use high-quality ceramic coatings from Gtechniq and Performance PPL offering up to 7-years of protection. Please visit our ceramic coating and PPF service pages for more information, or get in touch using one of the methods below.