Paint Protection Film VS Ceramic Coating: What's the Difference?

What’s the difference between PPF and Ceramic Coating?

The two protection layers are different in terms of the materials, level of protection, and their appearance after application.

Difference In terms of Material and application

PPF is a plastic material that protects your car from scratches and other things. 

It is applied by laying the vinyl material on the car's body. Then, the professionals must smooth out any bubbles and impurities. And they use a hot air machine to stick the material to the car’s paint.

A ceramic coat is a liquid polymer applied to your car to protect it from scratches.

It is applied by putting the liquid formula onto an application sponge. Then it spreads to the car’s body. You then let it dry and file it.

In terms of the Level of Protection

The better the quality of the PPF you are using, the more it protects your car. It is resistant to water, chemical stains, and UV rays.

PPF protects your car from scratches, dust, dirt, bird droppings, and leaves. Some PPFs can self-heal. If a small scratch appears on your car, you can apply heat, and the PPF will blend.

But a PPF can only protect your car from minor damage. If someone throws a small rock at your car, the PPF will not protect your car from damage.

A ceramic coating's biggest advantage is that it is slippery. It makes it hard for mud or water-like materials to stick to your car's paint.

Ceramic coating your car will make the washing process easier. You will not be required to scrub hard while washing.

In terms of Appearance

PPF is a material that absorbs dirt rather than repels it. As a result, it will give your car a blurry look. Applying PPF to your car will make it look duller than the original car paint.

A car that has been ceramic coated will have a glossier finish than a car that has PPF. This is because the ceramic coating is applied to repel water-like structures and enhance your car's paint.

What’s better: PPF VS Ceramic Coating

Six common problems that result in damage to your car’s paint. These are UV rays, bird droppings, tree gum, scratches, weather erosion, and acidic rain.

The question is, from which of the six problems are you trying to protect your car?

If you live in the countryside and want to protect your car from rock scratches, dirt, and debris, PPF is a better choice. 

The ceramic coating should be your choice if you usually drive on good-quality roads. The coating can protect your car from mud and other water-like dirt.

Can you layer PPF and ceramic together?

Yes, but the ceramic coating is applied after the PPF is applied.

Can you paint PPF over Ceramic coating?

You can, but you shouldn’t. We mentioned how a ceramic coating has repelling properties. This means it will not absorb or blend with anything that is put above it. Eventually, the PPF will start to peel off a month or two after the application.

Is it worth putting a ceramic coating on PPF?

Yes, you can make the most out of each layer. The drawback of one layer can be improved with the other layer.

There are two ways you can approach this layering process. 

1. You can apply both layers to your whole car
2. You can apply a coating on some parts of your car and layer PPF on the whole car or vice versa

Some car owners will apply PPF only on the parts of their car where it is highly exposed to scratches and debris. Then they will apply the ceramic coating to the rest of the car's body.

You can integrate both layers depending on your budget and needs for maximum car body protection. 

Is there a downside to ceramic coating?

As with any other protective coat, a ceramic coating has its disadvantages. These are:



• It doesn’t protect your car 100%.
• To add ceramic coating, your car needs to be painted perfectly.
• A higher-quality ceramic coating is expensive.
• The ceramic coating process takes a long time.
• The ceramic coating must be put on by a professional to get the best results.

These are the differences that a PPF layer and a ceramic coating have. Choose what is necessary for your vehicle's painted surface.

Are You Looking for Ceramic Coatings of Paint Protection Film PPF? We Can help!

We know that paint correction and paint protection films are certainly important regarding rock chips or other issues that may affect your car's exterior. At The Detail Doc, we specialize in adding the right protective layer for your vehicle.

Contact our team today if you want to know how much paint protection film costs, a company that offers compelling paint protection products and services, and a team that will apply paint protection film.

We are pleased to talk to you about why people apply the ceramic coating to their entire car, how paint protection film can make a difference to freshly polished paint, and the longevity of your vehicle.

Our team is here to answer your clear bra, ceramic coatings, and general paint protection questions.

Reach out to our team today!