Ceramic Coatings Vs Paint Protection Films / Clear Bras
From the finance department at the dealership to the flashy ads on your social media account, there is no shortage of information and misinformation regarding ceramic coatings and paint protection films. The lack of industry standards makes it even harder to decide on the best product for you.
The one question we get asked the most… What is better, Ceramic coatings or paint protection film”
Table of contents
What Would Justin Do?
If I were buying a new car today, I would do the hood, front fenders, mirrors, and door cups with paint protection film and ceramic coating on the rest of the vehicle. As a Ceramic Pro Elite Dealer, we now offer all of that and more in our Ultimate Armor Package. The good news is our packages include the paint correction to get your used car ready.
In fact, if you see the Gray Chevy 1500 Diesel in our lot, that is exactly what I did. We also did a partial roof and full tailgate coverage — so I don’t scratch my tailgate with my mountain bikes.
The Advantages of Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coatings will make your paint job pop. Ceramic coatings make it easier to remove bird droppings and bugs and protect your car from UV rays. They provide some increased protection against abrasion but that is not what they are designed to do.
Ceramic coatings mean never waxing again. They make your [paint look amazing and help keep your paint looking amazing.
I Highly suggest checking out our Buyers Guide.
The Advantages of Paint Protection Film
Clear Bras, also known as paint protection film (PPF) provide outstanding resistance to rock chips and scratches. They are self-healing UV resistant, and they have come a long way since the days of that not-so-clear bra. That said, they lack the beauty and ‘pop’ of a ceramic coating. Typically the front fenders, hood, mirrors, and select areas on the back of the car or truck are the primary concern.
We have an article that goes into details about paint protection film.
There are only a few areas on a vehicle that are generally subject to rock chips. Typically there are areas where we load bikes, cargo, rafts, etc. that are also of concern. In a perfect world, we protect the vehicle in the problem areas with a paint protection film and coat the rest of the vehicle with ceramic and a spray ceramic over the PPF. Then, the front windshield is treated with Sharp Shield, your chrome is protected with our Chrome Sealant, and small pieces of film are installed behind all door pulls.
Why Not Put PPF Everywhere?
We have packages that include clear bra paint protection film over the entire vehicle. They are very expensive and very profitable, but in most cases, they are not the best solution for the customer.
- Areas of the vehicle that can’t be protected
- Overkill for most parts of the vehicle
- Limits future detailing options
- Very expensive
- Very time consuming
- There will be flaws
