Are you concerned about your car? Are you concerned about its exterior appearance? If so, you’ve probably done some research about the products available for protecting and preserving your car’s paint, and you’ve probably noticed some information about two different products: Paint Protection Film (or Clear Bra), and Ceramic Coatings. What are the differences between these two products? What will they do for your car? How can you protect your car’s paint?
Let’s dive into those questions.
What is a Paint Protection Film?
Paint Protection Film is a transparent, urethane material that can be applied to any exterior painted surface on your vehicle. In short, automotive Paint Protection Film preserves the quality of your car’s paint by reducing the risk of multiple kinds of damage, such as…
- Chips and scratches caused by rocks and road debris
- Swirl marks created during washing
- Chemical stains caused by acidic contaminants
- Chemical etch marks caused by acidic contaminants
- Hard water spots from mineral deposits
- Oxidation (fading) from UV exposure
If you want to learn more about the history and technology behind Paint Protection Film, read our introduction to the product.
What is a Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic Coatings are liquid polymers applied to the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The product chemically bonds to the factory paint, creating a layer of protection and a hydrophobic surface. A Ceramic Coating’s hydrophobic properties make it more difficult for contaminants to bond with the paint of your car. For car owners, this has two main benefits.
- It helps keep the car cleaner for longer.
- It makes the car easier to clean when the time does come for a wash.
A Ceramic Coating will also help reduce the risk of certain kinds of damage, such as…
- Chemical stains caused by acidic contaminants
- Chemical etch marks caused by acidic contaminants
- Oxidation (fading) from UV exposure
Find out more about Ceramic Coatings’ benefits and limitations here.
How are Paint Protection Films and Ceramic Coatings Similar?
You can see that both products are designed to keep your car looking like new for longer by protecting and preserving its paint.
In addition to having a common central aim, the two products also have some similarities in terms of performance. Specifically, both products reduce damage caused by UV exposure and acidic contaminants.
In the end, you will add value to your vehicle if you purchase Paint Protection Film or a Ceramic Coating.
How are Paint Protection Films and Ceramic Coatings Different?
Paint Protection Films and Ceramic Coatings are different despite their similarities and serve different purposes.
Ceramic Coatings are thicker than Paint Protection Film. Additionally, Paint Protection Film has a chemical composition that allows it to self-heal; that is, it returns to its original form after receiving an indentation or abrasion. Paint Protection Film can absorb rock chips, small scratches, swirl marks, and hard water spots without being permanently damaged.
Ceramic Coatings do not possess that ability. Ceramic Coatings do not eliminate rock chips, scratches, swirl marks, and water spots, despite the claims of some manufacturers and installers.
However, Ceramic Coatings have their strengths as well, especially when it comes to creating hydrophobic surfaces. There are some Paint Protection Films equipped with a hydrophobic clear coat, but they do not perform as well as full Ceramic Coatings. Additionally, when you apply a Ceramic Coating to your vehicle, you get its hydrophobic properties on every surface without having to apply film to the whole thing.
What’s the best solution? Ultimate Protection for Your Vehicle
So which product is right for your car?
I have good news to share with you. You don’t have to choose one or the other. You can apply both to the same vehicle. Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film are the ultimate form of invisible protection you can purchase for your car.
Here’s how it works.
Paint Protection Film is applied first to the parts of your vehicle that are most likely to be scratched or chipped by road debris. Ceramic Coatings do not offer protection from this type of damage, so Paint Protection Film should be applied to these areas. Front bumpers, hoods, fenders, side mirrors, rocker panels, and rear wheel arches usually fall under this category.
Once the most vulnerable areas are protected with Paint Protection Film, your whole car receives a Ceramic Coating. The coating will bond with both the factory paint and the film already applied to the vehicle. Coating will provide an additional layer of protection against chemical etching and staining when applied over film. As a bonus, it will also keep the film clean and free of contaminants, extending its life.
Anywhere else on the vehicle, whether it is protected by film or not, the Ceramic Coating prevents oxidation and chemical etch marks and stains. Additionally, the hydrophobic surface keeps contaminants from adhering to the surface of the vehicle, resulting in cleaner paint and easier washing. Ceramic Coatings will also increase the gloss of your vehicle’s factory paint due to their smooth surface.
Together the two products will preserve your car’s paint over the long-term, and enhance its appearance on a day-to-day basis.
Drive Protected
If your goal is to protect and preserve your car’s paint so that it looks good every day you drive it, a combination of Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating may be the best choice for you.
Are you ready to drive protected? If so, contact us today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have about how you can protect your car’s paint.
