Acquiring a new vehicle is an exciting endeavor, though it involves numerous decisions. The list of choices grows as you progress through the car-buying process. When it comes to protecting your investment, it is essential to ensure that you receive value for your money. The best way to achieve this is by asking questions and conducting thorough research when it comes to paint protection and ceramic coatings.
There is a wide range of products available, from high-quality to economical options. Striking a balance that fits your budget can be challenging. Paint protection film and ceramic coatings are not inexpensive and are expected to last for a considerable period.
Paint protection and ceramic coatings can vary in terms of durability and cost. While the expertise of the installer is crucial, this discussion will focus primarily on the products themselves.
Paint protection film
There are numerous brands that sell paint protection film, with some of the more prominent ones being XPEL, 3M Scotchgard Pro, SunTek, LLumar, and STEK. Most shops in the Seattle area offer at least one of these brands. I have provided links for you to explore each one in more detail if you so choose. These brands’ paint protection films typically range between 6 and 8 mils in thickness. The industry standard for thickness is between 6 and 8 mils, with high-quality films tending to be around 8 mils.
This thickness range is considered optimal for providing effective protection against scratches, rock chips, and other environmental damage while maintaining flexibility and ease of installation. Generally, the thinner the film, the easier it is to install, but its longevity and durability decrease. Conversely, the thicker the film, the more challenging it can be to install, but its longevity and durability increase. This variation in thickness and installation difficulty can be a factor that contributes to the price of the product.
Warranty’s
Each paint protection film (PPF) brand offers its own warranty, typically covering discoloration, cracking, or markings in the film. Most brands provide warranties ranging from 5 to 10 years, although there are exceptions that fall outside this range. This is why it is important to know which film the shop you are considering uses. Generally, the thicker the film, the longer the warranty, and conversely, the thinner the film, the shorter the warranty.
Paint Protection: Impact on appearance
Different brands of paint protection film (PPF) can exhibit varying levels of gloss; however, when applied correctly, the film is generally imperceptible. Many individuals worry that applying protection to the front end of the car will result in a visual discrepancy with the back. This concern underscores the importance of visiting the shops you are considering and examining examples of the desired application. While photographs can be helpful, seeing the results in person is always preferable.
I have extensive experience with XPEL film and can speak more confidently about their products. We have applied PPF to the full fronts of numerous vehicles without any noticeable difference in appearance between the front and back. When visiting a shop, they can typically apply a test strip to your car so you can see the results firsthand.
For instance, a Chevrolet Silverado received PPF on the front and rockers, a Honda Type-R had PPF applied to the front and rockers, a Porsche received PPF on the front and rockers, and a Rivian had PPF applied solely to the front.
Paint Protection: Over The Years
Applying Paint Protection Film (PPF) to the front of a vehicle helps maintain a pristine, scratch-free appearance. Over the years, depending on how the car is cared for, the rest of the vehicle may begin to show signs of wear, such as scratches or paint oxidation. This difference becomes more noticeable when only the front of the car is protected with PPF. Consequently, many individuals choose to pair PPF with a ceramic coating.
Ceramic coatings provide an additional layer of protection, enhancing the overall durability and appearance of the vehicle’s paint. This combination helps to ensure that the entire car remains well-protected and aesthetically pleasing. It is advisable to consult with a reputable shop to understand the best options for your vehicle and to see examples of their work. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results for your car’s protection and longevity.
Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer typically applied to the exterior of a vehicle. It forms a clear protective layer that bonds with the paint or paint protection film. The science behind ceramic coatings can be quite interesting; I have linked an article here that delves into the science of most ceramic coatings. While each brand may vary in its formulation, much of the information remains applicable.
One of the primary benefits of ceramic coatings is their hydrophobic nature, which repels water and other liquids, making the vehicle easier to clean and helping it stay cleaner for longer. Additionally, ceramic coatings are resistant to UV rays, oxidation, and chemical contaminants. Many ceramic coatings also enhance the vehicle’s glossiness.
Paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coatings each have their advantages. When deciding which is best for you, consider asking the following questions:
How much money are you willing to spend?
Ceramic coatings typically cost significantly less than PPF. However, you can pair a full front PPF application with a ceramic coating. Most shops can cover as much or as little of the vehicle as you want, so targeting high-impact areas might make more sense for your budget.
Is the car going to be hand-washed or taken through a car wash?
If you have a ceramic coating, it is not advisable to take your vehicle through a car wash, as the chemicals used can wear down the coating more quickly. Additionally, you cannot be certain of the cleanliness of the cars that went through before yours or if small rocks and dirt might get wiped onto your car. While it is generally acceptable to take a vehicle with PPF through a car wash, hand washing is always recommended.
How often do you drive your car, and do rock chips bother you?
If your vehicle is a daily driver and rock chips are a concern, PPF might be the better option.
For further reading on the science of ceramic coatings, you can refer to this article.