Ceramic Coating vs Paint Protection Film

Both protect paint, but in different ways. Here is what each one does, what it does not do and how many owners combine them.

What a ceramic coating does

A coating is a thin, hard layer that makes the paint slick and glossy. Water beads, dirt rinses off and the shine lasts, but it is thin, so it does not stop rock chips or deep scratches.

What paint protection film does

Film is a thick, clear urethane that takes the rock chips, scuffs and light scratches. Many films heal light swirls with the sun’s heat. It is the better answer for the front of a vehicle that sees highway miles.

Using both

Many owners fit film on the bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors and coat the whole vehicle, film included. The film takes the impact and the coating makes the whole car easy to wash.

Before either goes on

Both need healthy paint and a clean surface. Paint with chips or swirls should be corrected first, because both products lock in what is under them.