Ceramic Coat Over Paint Protection Film: Pairing Together for a Better Finish
When it comes to protecting your car’s paint, you want the best possible solution to keep it looking great for as long as possible.
This article explores the benefits of pairing ceramic coating and paint protection film (PPF) for an even more robust finish.
We’ll answer the question of whether you can put ceramic coating over PPF, compare the similarities and differences between the two, look at the benefits of adding ceramic coating to PPF, and discuss the process of adding ceramic coating to PPF.
If you’re unsure about the benefits of using ceramic coating and PPF together, read on!
Table of Contents
Can You Put Ceramic Coating Over Paint Protection Film?
So, can you put ceramic coating over paint protection film?
Yes, you can! It’s quite common to apply ceramic coating over PPF.
Doing so can provide even greater protection for your car’s paint while also making it easier to clean and maintain.
The result is a stunning finish that is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and other types of damage.
Ceramic Coating vs. PPF
Before we get into why ceramic coating and PPF work so well together, let’s briefly review the main purpose of each one separately.
Paint protection film (PPF) is a clear, flexible film that is applied to the surface of your car’s paint to protect it from scratches, rock chips, and other types of damage. PPF was developed to protect military vehicles on difficult terrain, so it’s known for its durability against hard physical elements.
Ceramic coating, on the other hand, is a liquid polymer that creates a hard, protective layer that is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and UV damage. You would apply ceramic coating to your car to provide long-lasting protection, easier maintenance, and a high-gloss shine.
Similarities
Can you put ceramic coating over paint protection film even though they’re quite similar? Absolutely!
Both ceramic coating and PPF are designed to protect your car’s paint from damage.
- Scratch resistance: They are also both highly resistant to scratches and stains, making them ideal for use on high-end luxury cars, sports cars, and any vehicle that needs some extra protection from the elements.
- UV damage prevention: Both ceramic coating and PPF can help prevent damage caused by UV rays and other environmental factors. When used together, they can provide an even higher level of protection for your car’s paint, ensuring it stays looking crisp for longer.
- Water resistance: Ceramic coating also enhances the hydrophobic properties of PPF, making it even easier to clean and maintain your car’s appearance.
Overall, ceramic coating and PPF are complementary technologies that work together to keep your car protected and looking its best.
Differences
While ceramic coating and PPF have similar purposes, they work in different ways.
- Physical vs. chemical barrier: PPF is a physical barrier that is applied directly to the surface of your car’s paint, while ceramic coating bonds to the surface of the paint to create a chemical barrier.
- Thickness: PPF is also thicker than ceramic coating, which means it provides greater protection against physical damage. Ceramic coating is a thin coat that protects against more subtle elements like sunlight and water.
- Levels of water resistance: Another key difference between the two is their level of hydrophobicity. Ceramic coating is highly hydrophobic, which means it repels water and prevents water spots from forming on your car’s paint. On the other hand, PPF is not inherently hydrophobic and may require additional treatments to make it water-resistant.
- Lifespan: Ceramic coatings typically have a longer lifespan than PPF, which may require replacement after several years of use.
- Visibility: PPF is more visible than ceramic coatings due to its thickness, which may be a concern for car owners who prioritize aesthetics. Make sure to use highly-trained professionals to apply PPF and ceramic coatings to ensure a high-quality appearance.
8 Benefits of Adding Ceramic Coating to Paint Protection Film
Not only does ceramic coating help to enhance the durability and lifespan of your PPF, but it can also make it easier to clean and maintain over time.
Whether you’re concerned about preserving the appearance of your car or simply want to keep it protected from the elements, ceramic coating is a valuable investment that can provide a range of benefits.
#1: Helps Your PPF Last Longer
Ceramic coating can help your PPF last longer by providing an additional layer of protection against scratches, stains, and UV damage.
In addition to prolonging the lifespan of PPF, ceramic coating can also reduce the frequency of necessary maintenance to the exterior of your car.
With the added layer of protection, your car will be less susceptible to damage and therefore require less frequent repairs and touch-ups. This can save you both time and money in the long run.
#2: Your PPF Should Be Easier To Clean
Ceramic coating is highly hydrophobic, which means it repels water and makes it easier to clean your car. When applied over PPF, ceramic coating can help to prevent dirt and grime from sticking to the surface, making it easier to maintain your car’s appearance over time.
The smooth surface created by the ceramic coating can help reduce swirl marks and micro-scratches caused by washing and drying your car.
Overall, adding ceramic coating to your PPF can make the maintenance of your car’s appearance much easier, saving you time and money in the long run.
#3: Adds a Layer of Protection to Your PPF
The thin additional layer added by the ceramic coating can help minimize the risk of scratches, stains, and other types of damage, which means your car’s paint will be better protected overall.
This is especially important for cars that are frequently exposed to environmental contaminants like bird droppings, tree sap, and insects. By creating a hard barrier on the surface of your car, ceramic coating can help to minimize the risk of damage, which means your car’s paint will be better protected overall.
#4: Creates a More Uniform Look
Sometimes PPF is thicker than the clear coat, which can make the protected areas look different than the rest of the car.
Adding a ceramic coating to your PPF can help to hide any minor imperfections or swirl marks that may be present in your car’s clear coat. This is because the ceramic coating creates a layer that reflects light differently, giving the surface a smoother appearance.
Furthermore, ceramic coatings have a self-cleaning effect, which helps to remove dirt and debris that can accumulate on the surface, further enhancing the uniform appearance of your car.
The addition of a ceramic coating to your PPF not only provides additional protection but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your car.
#5: Ceramic Coatings Are Hydrophobic
Ceramic coatings are known for their hydrophobic properties, which means they repel water and other liquids from the surface of your car.
This is particularly beneficial in preventing water spots and other types of damage that can occur when water is left to dry on the surface of your car.
The hydrophobic layer created by ceramic coating acts as a barrier, preventing water and other liquids from bonding with the paint or PPF underneath.
#6: Adds UV-ray Protection
While PPF does offer some UV protection, it is not 100% impervious to sunlight. This means your car can still degrade and discolor over time. Fortunately, ceramic coating can help minimize this problem.
When applied to PPF, ceramic coating acts as an additional layer of UV protection, helping to prevent yellowing and fading. This is especially important for cars that spend a lot of time outdoors or in areas with strong sunlight.
#7: Slows Down Potential Staining
Ceramic coatings help resist those small, frustrating stains from insects, bird droppings, and other environmental contaminants.
Ceramic coating slows down potential staining by creating a surface that repels water and prevents substances from bonding to the PPF. This makes it easier to clean and maintain the appearance of your vehicle over time.
#8: Gives a Unique Gloss
Ceramic coatings are well-known for their ability to enhance the gloss and depth of your vehicle’s paint.
When applied to PPF, ceramic coating can also give your car a unique finish that is both glossy and protective. It can make the PPF look even better than it would without the ceramic coating, providing a stunning, high-end appearance.
The Process of Adding Ceramic Coat to Paint Protection Film
If you’re interested in adding ceramic coating to your PPF, the process is relatively straightforward. Here’s what you can expect.
Apply Paint Protection Film to the Most Vulnerable Areas
Most people choose to apply PPF to the most vulnerable areas, such as the hood, fenders, mirrors, and bumpers, but it can be applied over the entire car. This helps to protect these areas from chips and scratches caused by road debris.
Your weekend roadster may not need PPF applied across the entire vehicle, but your off-road custom Land Cruiser might!
Apply Ceramic Coating to the Entire Vehicle
Once the PPF is installed, the ceramic coating can be applied to the entire vehicle.
This includes the PPF as well as any exposed paint surfaces. The car must be thoroughly washed and dried before applying the ceramic coating to ensure the best results.
The ceramic coating will make your car, whether it’s a vintage roadster or a new beach cruiser, shine and stand out for years to come.
The application process is similar to that of applying a traditional wax or sealant, but it requires more care and precision to ensure that the coating is evenly distributed and properly cured.
After the ceramic coating is applied, it needs time to cure before the car can be driven. Once installation is complete, your vehicle needs approximately 12 to 24 hours to cure.
Your detailer will provide you with instructions on how long to wait before washing or exposing your car to water.
Contact Loupe Detailing To Learn How This Dynamic Duo Can Protect & Preserve Your Vehicle
If you’re wondering if you can put ceramic coating over paint protection film, make sure you’re considering how to apply both with the highest quality.
When protecting your vehicle with PPF and ceramic coating, consider contacting Loupe Detailing, a local detailing company in Buffalo, NY. They specialize in paint protection and ceramic coatings and can help you choose the best products for your vehicle.
In addition to PPF and ceramic coating, Loupe Detailing offers a range of other detailing services to keep your car looking its best. From hand washes and waxes to full paint corrections and ceramic coatings, they can help you maintain the appearance and value of your vehicle.
Protect your investment and enjoy your car to the fullest with the dynamic duo of PPF and ceramic coating!