Ceramic Coating Vs Paint Protection Film: Everything You Need to Know

Since forever every car enthusiast has been looking for a perfect paint protection solution that not only gives their vehicle a dreamy gloss but also eases their hassle of maintaining it. Cut to years later, the paint protection world is now brimming with advanced products and techniques that claim to offer complete protection for vehicle surfaces. However, there are only two such paint protection techniques that actually deliver satisfactory results for paint protection. Ceramic Coatings and Paint Protection Film have taken the paint protection industry by storm. But there is still a major question that often troubles car owners: Which among the two will be suitable for them? Well, after taking perspectives from several car owners and professional detailers here is a detailed contrast between the two.

What is a Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating aka glass coating / nano coating / 9H coating is engineered to act as a protective/sacrificial layer for the surface beneath. Popularly used by motor enthusiasts, ceramic coating is the most advanced surface protection available in the market that works at a molecular level. Silicon dioxide (Silica for short or SiO2) is the key ingredient in ceramic coatings. Its natural resistance to UV, chemicals, and other anti-weathering properties makes it the perfect raw material for ceramic coating. When applied the coating forms a strong bond with the surface, leaving a glossy surface and no space for contaminants to deteriorate the surface of the vehicle.

The application of ceramic coating adds certain attributes to the painted surface, it not only develops in-depth gloss but also a superior hydrophobic effect that facilitates the self-cleaning property of the ceramic coating. A professional ceramic coating can last up to 3-5 years depending on scientific formulation of the products. Kovalent Coatings are manufacturers of sustainable ceramic coatings like Prolong and Graphene that offer up to 3 and 7 years of warranty on their flagship products respectively. Although it must be noted that these products are not a DIY range and require professional detailers for installation.

What is a Paint Protection Film?

Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a transparent, often self-healing thermoplastic urethane-based substance that is manually wrapped and tucked on the painted surface of a vehicle. It has extreme malleability that makes it a right fit to easily accommodate complex edges and curves of the vehicle surface. The film notably protects the paint from bug splatters, debris, stone chips and minor abrasions. In the current market, PPF is available in a variety of thicknesses that are multi-layered and delivers a self-healing quality which is capable of restoring itself after a scuff or scratch. Similar to ceramic coatings PPF also possesses resistance against UV, bug splatter and other environmental contaminants whilst offering ample gloss.

So, what should be your criteria to decide which among the two is suitable for your vehicle? We have categorised two basic characteristics on the basis of which you can make an informed decision: 

Ceramic Coating Vs PPF (Based on Protection):

In terms of protection ceramic coatings offer a complete protection toolkit for vehicles. There are a range of ceramic coatings specifically designed to suit a surface type, be it paint, glass or leather every surface can be protected. Kovalent Coatings are equipped with a collection of exclusive ceramic coatings that are formulated keeping in mind the needs of professional detailers. All the ceramic coatings by Kovalent Coatings are ingrained with high Silica content and Silicon Carbide which facilitates in the 9H hardness of the coatings. Any professional ceramic coating tends to offer promising in-depth gloss along with protection against UV, chemicals, oxidation, water marring, bird dropping, debris, acidic rain, bug splatter, tree sap and other environmental contaminants.

In contrast to this PPF offers protection against stone chips, debris and minor abrasions. So, for someone who likes to take their vehicles off the road, PPF may come to their rescue. However, there are instances where PPF ends up getting damaged and the cost of reinstallation burns holes in the owner’s pockets. Moreover, instances of PPF turning yellowish due to UV rays within a few years of installation and damaging of paint while removing the PPF have also come into notice. Thus, it is advisable to avoid installing a low-grade PPF for your vehicle.

Ceramic Coating Vs PPF (Based on Affordability):

One of the major reasons why car owners are more inclined towards ceramic coatings is because it offers the best of both worlds. A ceramic coating can give your vehicle an all-round protection for years to come without burning a hole in your pocket. Kovalent Coatings offer a range of ceramic coatings that are backed by science and are also cost-effective. As ceramic coating manufacturers, Kovalent Coatings, eliminate all the middlemen and you get the product that is worth every penny. Comparatively, a hefty amount goes into installing PPF on a vehicle surface. Also, in an instance of a scuff or scratch the damaged PPF, will require reinstallation of the whole panel which is not light on your pockets. As far as ceramic coatings are concerned even a situation of reapplication turns out to be economical.

We sincerely hope our take on ceramic coating and PPF will help you make an informed decision for your investment. You can always find a Kovalent Coatings authorised detailer near you simply by reaching out to us here. Whatever you choose it is necessary to do thorough research before opting for any product. Both Ceramic Coatings and PPF are currently best in the market, just pick the one that matches your lifestyle better.