Several people also value the need to keep a car clean, hence the reason they spend a lot of time cleaning their vehicles. The road, however, presents situations that can spoil the outlook of any car’s exterior: stones, debris, ultraviolet radiation from the sun and extreme weather conditions are some of the perils for a perfect gleam. This is where auto paint protection film solutions such as auto paint protection film and ceramic coatings will prove useful. The said technologies provide excellent shields against these conditions; hence, your car model will last a long in excellent condition. In this guide, I will reveal every detail about PPF and ceramic coatings, with a focus on the comparison between the two and the appropriateness of each for various uses.

What is PPF?

Paint Protection Film or clear bra, is a clear urethane-based film applied to the exterior of a vehicle. Initially used as a protective material for helicopters’ rotor blades, PPF continues to grow in various forms and is now a common material for car accessories. The use of the automotive paint protection film provides superlative protection against chips, scratches, and UV rays to keep the first look of the car for many years.

Benefits of PPF

• Superior Protection: The PPF gives the best solution for protection against stone pelts, debris on the road, mild scraping, and most ground pollutants. It can recover from minor scratches and swirl marks with heat exposure and is self-healing. The original paintwork of your automobile is kept intact by its automotive paint protection film that is found on vehicles, against chips, scratches as well as UV attacks.
• UV Resistance: PPF has a high sun protection factor, hence shielding the car paint from fading or being oxidized by the sun.
• Chemical Resistance: It prevents the access of chemicals to the surface of the car, such as bird droppings, bug splatter, and acid rain that can etch the clear coat and paint on the film.

Application Process

To apply PPF, one needs to be very careful and knowledgeable enough about data analysis. 

• Surface preparation: First of all, the vehicle’s surface is thoroughly washed and treated with decontaminant to guarantee proper contact.
• Cutting and Fitting: It is the customization of the PPF that takes the make and model of the car into consideration. High-quality cutting uses different software, plotters, and knives that are accurate.
• Application: Then the film is placed on the body of the car, and it is ensured while being cured that there should be lumps on the body of the car. To finish the work and make the film smooth and firmly fixed, a squeegee is employed.
• Curing: The film is allowed to dry up; after that, it forms a strong layer that sticks to the paint surface and protects it.

Maintenance

PPF requires minimal maintenance. It is very important to wash this part of the car every day or every other day and apply a PPF-friendly sealant once in a while to keep it clear. Do not use rough scrubs or chemical-based cleaners that may scratch the surface of the film.

What is a ceramic coating?

Ceramic coatings are defined as liquid polymer coatings that function chemically on the factory paint of the car and create a shield. 

Advantages of Ceramic Coatings

• Hydrophobic Properties: Ceramic coatings create a surface that does not allow water and other liquids to adhere by sticking to the surface of the treated item but rather, they roll off in droplets. This property enables washing the car without rubbing and, at the same time, keeps the surface of the car clean for a longer period.
• Enhanced Gloss and Shine: Ceramic coating is a great addition to a vehicle because, besides giving out a deep glossy look on the vehicle, it intensifies the color and clarity of the paint.
• Protection against Contaminants: Due to it, you have a hard and quite strong surface that cannot be easily spoiled by such things as bird droppings, bug splatter, and tree saps that would otherwise find their way to etch your paint.

Application Process

Applying a ceramic coating is a meticulous process that involves the following steps: Ceramic coating is quite a complex process and the following are the steps involved in the process: In.

• Surface preparation: Similar to the application of PPF, the surface of the vehicle has to be washed and free from any contaminants. Sometimes, to obtain a flawless surface, a paint correction may be required.
• Application: The ceramic coating is applied to a small area at a time using an applicator pad. The surface is leveled and allowed to adhere to the paint thereafter
• Curing: The surface has to dry; the drying time may vary from several hours to several days, depending on the type of material used.

Maintenance

Ceramic Co. reduces the commercial aspects of cleaning but does not eradicate it in its entirety. Simple washing with water and a pH-neutral shampoo once a week is advised. Occasional treatment with the Si-119 ceramic coating booster would also be beneficial because it enhances the hydrophobic characteristics and the shine of the vehicle’s paint. The ceramic coating for car can be very different; generally varying anywhere between 500 dollars and 2 thousand dollars relying on how big your vehicle is and what grade paint job it has.

PPF and ceramic coatings as one solution

That is why the protection of cars is considered complete when owners use both of the above-mentioned options. When it comes to PPF application, it is best to apply it in areas that are usually exposed to massive force, such as the hood, front bumper, and side mirrors; afterwards, apply a ceramic coating on the whole vehicle. This is a perfect blend that offers the best anti-abrasion guarantee and resistance to environmental aggressors while giving everyone the beauty they will appreciate.

Conclusion

It is always wise to invest in paint protection solutions such as PPF and the application of ceramic coatings for anyone who owns and cherishes his or her vehicle. This knowledge of the enhancements and uses of every solution will allow you to make the best decision in terms of your personal preferences. Regardless of whether it is PPF, ceramic coating spray, or both, you get the satisfaction of a car protected by the harshest elements on the road.