Address:
3583 S. Higuera St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone:
805-541-5533
Email:
micaela@qualitytintingandsigns.com
PAINT PROTECTION VS. CERAMIC COATING
If you care about preserving the appearance of your vehicle and protecting your paint, ceramic coating and paint protection film are both great options for you. Ceramic coating and paint protection film have a lot of similarities but also have some distinct differences. I’m sure you're curious what products will fit your needs and budget, so let’s dive in by defining both products.
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What is Paint Protection Film?
Paint protection film is an 8 mil optically clear film that is applied to the painted surfaces of your vehicles with a slip solution of soap and water. The film is comprised of a urethane material that has a self-healing top coat and comes in both a gloss or matte finish. Because paint protection film is so thick it protects against rock chips and scratches. Some other important features of paint protection are the following:
- Prevents swirl marks created during washing
- Stops chemical stains caused by acidic contaminants
- Blocks hard water spots from mineral deposits
- Prevents oxidation
- Protects against chips and scratches caused by rocks and road debris
- Has a 5-12 year warranty depending on the film and manufacturer
- Typically costs between $5000-$7000 for full vehicle coverage
What is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds to your vehicle’s factory paint. The coating acts as a liquid glass that establishes a layer of protection and hydrophobic properties. Some important features of ceramic coating include:
- It helps keep the car cleaner for longer
- It makes the car easier to clean
- Stops chemical stains caused by acidic contaminants
- Blocks hard water spots from mineral deposits
- Prevents oxidation (fading) from UV exposure
- Has a 3-5 year longevity
- Typically costs between $900-$1500 for a full vehicle coating
How Do the Products Compare?
In general paint protection provides more protection than ceramic coating, but it is considerably more expensive. The paint protection film is substantially thicker and will protect your vehicle from rock chips and scratches whereas the ceramic coating will not. When comparing costs, keep in mind that ceramic coating typically involves an in-depth polish (unless your vehicle is brand new) which will add to the total cost of a ceramic coating job.
Both paint protection and ceramic coating do have a hydrophobic properties; however, the topcoat on ceramic coating typically outperforms that of paint protection film. The hydrophobic topcoat is what makes water and contaminants pool up on your paint’s surface rather than seep into it. It also makes the surface of your paint easier to clean.
What Product is Best for You?
After looking at the benefits and differences of both products, you need to consider what is most important to you when it comes to protecting and preserving your vehicles paint. You’ll also need to consider your budget and how long are you plan on keeping your vehicle.
Is There a Best of Both Worlds Scenario?
Glad you asked, it is very popular to coat a vehicle’s front end with paint protection film and apply ceramic coating to the rest of the vehicle. This gives you optimal protection in the front of the vehicle where it is most susceptible to rock chips and scratches, while providing the benefits of ceramic coating on the rest of the vehicle. This is a more cost effective option compared to coating the full car with paint protection film.
If you have a budget of $6500-$8500 for protecting your vehicle you can apply paint protection film to the entire vehicle and then coat the paint protection with ceramic coating. This optimal option will protect your vehicle against rock chips and scratches while providing the best hydrophobic benefits.
How Do the Products Compare?
In general paint protection provides more protection than ceramic coating, but it is considerably more expensive. The paint protection film is substantially thicker and will protect your vehicle from rock chips and scratches whereas the ceramic coating will not. When comparing costs, keep in mind that ceramic coating typically involves an in-depth polish (unless your vehicle is brand new) which will add to the total cost of a ceramic coating job.
Both paint protection and ceramic coating do have a hydrophobic properties; however, the topcoat on ceramic coating typically outperforms that of paint protection film. The hydrophobic topcoat is what makes water and contaminants pool up on your paint’s surface rather than seep into it. It also makes the surface of your paint easier to clean.
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