Comparison
PPF or ceramic coating: which do you need?
In short
PPF is a thick, clear film that absorbs stone chips and scratches. A ceramic coating is a thin, hard layer that mainly adds gloss and makes the car easier to keep clean, but it does not stop stone chips. If you want to protect your paint against damage, you need PPF. Many people combine the two: PPF on the front and a coating on top of it or on the rest of the car.
What is the difference?
The difference is in what they stop. PPF is a physical layer of about 0.2 millimetres. A stone hits the film and not the paint. A ceramic coating is much thinner. It bonds to the paint and makes the surface smooth, hard and water-repellent. That means dirt sticks less and washing goes faster. But a stone hitting your bumper at 120 kilometres per hour goes straight through it.
| PPF | Ceramic coating | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Clear polyurethane film | Liquid layer that cures on the paint |
| Stone chips | Yes, absorbs the impact | No |
| Light scratches | Top layer closes up with heat | Slightly more resistant to wash marks, does not heal |
| Gloss and water repellency | Follows the paint, changes little | More gloss, water beads off |
| Chemicals and dirt | Protects the paint underneath | Good resistance to dirt, road salt and UV |
| Lifespan | Realistically five to seven years | Usually two to five years, depending on product and maintenance |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Reversible | Yes, the film comes off | Wears off gradually or is polished away |
Lifespan varies by product. Coating makers and film makers each quote their own figures, so treat them as a guide.
Why are they so often confused?
Because both are called 'paint protection' and both are invisible. In a photo you cannot see the difference. In use you can: after a year of motorway driving, a coated car simply has stone chips in the nose, while the paint under PPF is still intact. The other way round, a coated car stays clean more easily than a car with PPF alone. So each solves a different problem.
When do you choose PPF?
- You drive a lot on the motorway and do not want stone chips in the nose of your car.
- Your car is new or expensive and you want to keep the paint in original condition.
- You want protection in places that often get knocked, such as door sills and the boot loading edge.
You can read more about what PPF does and does not do in PPF: what is it and is it worth it.
When is a coating enough?
- You mainly want a car that stays clean longer and is easier to wash.
- You do not drive much on the motorway and stone chips are not a big problem for you.
- You want extra gloss on paint that is already in good condition.
Can you put a ceramic coating on PPF?
Yes. There are coatings made specifically for film. They make the surface of the PPF smooth and water-repellent, so dirt and insects come off more easily. The PPF does the protective work, the coating makes maintenance easier. Do use a coating that is suitable for film. A coating meant for paint may not bond properly to some films or may affect the self-healing top layer.
A common combination is PPF on the front, where the stone chips land, and a coating on the rest of the car.
How do you look after PPF and a coating?
Both by hand or in a brushless car wash, with a mild shampoo. With PPF, keep the pressure washer away from the edges, because water under an edge can lift the film. A coating actually benefits from regular washing: dirt that stays on for a long time makes the top layer dull. Abrasive polishes are bad for both. On a coating they wear the layer away faster, on PPF they dull the top layer.
What makes sense for a lease car?
With a lease car you often pay for paint damage when you hand it back, including stone chips. PPF on the front prevents that damage and can come off again when you return the car. A coating does not help with that. Do check with your lease company first whether film is allowed.
What about a car that already has stone chips?
Then neither will make them go away. Have existing stone chips touched up first if you no longer want to see them. After that, PPF stops new ones appearing. A coating on damaged paint does make the paint glossier, but the pits remain.
Can a coating go on a wrapped car too?
There are also sealants and coatings for wrap film, including matte film. On matte film, only use a product made for it, otherwise you get shiny patches. You can read more about maintenance in looking after a wrapped car.
What does Wrap Destination do?
Wrap Destination fits PPF from 3M, Avery Dennison and Madico, from just the nose to the whole car. You get a one-year warranty on the fitting. Which protection suits your car and the way you drive is something we discuss when you request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Does a ceramic coating protect against stone chips?
No. A coating is too thin to absorb a stone. For that you need PPF.
Which lasts longer, PPF or coating?
PPF realistically lasts five to seven years, a ceramic coating usually two to five years, depending on the product and the maintenance.
Can I combine PPF and a coating?
Yes. A coating made for film makes the PPF easier to keep clean. Many people choose PPF on the front and a coating on the rest.
Does a ceramic coating need redoing after a few years?
Yes. A coating wears gradually through washing, sun and dirt. After a few years you notice water beads less. Then a new layer can go on.
Is a coating cheaper than PPF?
Yes, a coating costs less than PPF. It also protects less.
Does PPF change the colour or gloss of my paint?
Clear PPF changes little about the look. Matte PPF turns gloss paint satin.
What suits your car?
Tell us how you drive and what you want to protect. We will tell you honestly whether PPF is needed.