Paint Protection Film vs Ceramic Coatings: The difference

There are many different ways to protect your vehicle. The most common is a paint protection film or PPF. Ceramic coating in Atlanta is another option that has become increasingly popular in recent years. While the two may seem similar at first glance, they’re actually quite different and serve different purposes. Read on for more information about what you need to know before deciding which one to choose for your car!
1. Paint Protection Film (PPF Film)
Paint protection film has been common for dealerships and detail shops to utilize the additional protection that the film can provide over paint. Paint protection films are designed to protect your vehicle from rock chips, bug hits, door dings, stone chips, industrial fallout (acid rain), and UV rays. This is achieved by covering your entire car with a liquid layer of polymer that bonds to your paint for clear protection against just about anything. Off-road vehicles are not exempt from needing paint protection, as rocks and various debris can chip the paint on your car or jeep when off-roading.
The main problem that most people see with using paint protection is that it is permanent and cannot be removed. This means that you will need to purchase a new paint protection film kit every couple of years, but the good news is that once you have applied the film, there are no additional costs other than maintenance for rock chips or damage repairs over time.
Paint protection films come in several different types:
- Clear Bra – This is the most common type of paint protection film that people use because it gives you clear visibility in your rear and side windows.
- Color Change – This will change the color of your car once installed, but only if you have a dark-colored vehicle (silver, black, red, etc.). They can also be used to make metallic colors stand out more or camouflage a darker color.
- Reflective – This creates a mirrored effect on the side of your car once applied. These are usually used to create a special design that shows off at certain angles and lighting conditions but reflects and hides it at others.
2. Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coatings are a newer type of paint protection that uses ceramic polymers to bond to your car’s surface and protect it against just about anything. These are generally used to replace paint protection films because they are less permanent, easier to apply, cheaper over time, and give you the same amount of protection. While more expensive upfront than a film kit, the ceramic coating is removable and can be reapplied at any time if you want to change color or add a new design.
You have probably seen these in action when James Bond fires off his gun, and the barrel heats up and glows red. This is because there are special coatings that use infrared paint that show heat signatures. These infrared paints have been in use by the military for years to make sure that their weapons are not damaged from environmental extremes like high temperatures. Ceramic coatings work similarly, as they protect your car’s paint from damage caused by high temperature when driving off the road or going through a car wash where hot water is used to clean cars.
Paint Protection Film vs Ceramic Coatings
Paint protection film in Atlanta will give you the most protection against just about anything, but it is permanent and requires maintenance to reapply every couple of years. If you only drive your car on nice days and in perfect weather conditions, then this may be a fine option for you. Ceramic coatings allow you to remove and reapply the coating as needed but will not protect against everything. Remember that ceramic coatings are more expensive at first but can be applied over paint protection film if you have already applied a kit before. If you love your car or truck, then it is going to cost money to take care of it, and this is an excellent way to protect your paint from damage. Also, keep in mind that ceramic coatings can be used with car wraps to create custom designs on your vehicle. If you are not looking for traditional paint protection but want options like this, then consider having a ceramic coating applied instead of film. We have many years of experience applying both and would love to help you decide which is right for you!