Self Healing Ceramic Coating vs. PPF
Our self healing ceramic coating and paint protection film (PPF) are two unique safeguards used for vehicle exteriors. The main difference between them lies in their application and coverage.
The self-healing ceramic coating provides long-term protection and enhances the appearance, while PPF is a thicker, transparent film applied to painted panels of the car to guard against physical damage.
Both options offer benefits to preserve the quality and aesthetics of your vehicle.
Self Healing Ceramic Coating and PPF
Our self-healing ceramic coating is based in silicone powder and is an innovation in ceramic coating technology.
It not only acts as a protective layer against environmental contaminants and harmful UV rays, it absorbs and reflects impacts similar to PPF.
There are a couple of advantages in our self-healing coating: price and coverage. It can be applied in places where PPF cannot. Like trim, grilles, and chrome. Overall it’s about half the price of PPF.
Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a thick, transparent film that’s applied to painted panels. It provides protection against physical damage such as rock chips, light scratches, and road debris.
PPF has been around for a while and innovations in its technology have improved its durability and aesthetics. However, the most important factor in a PPF installation is the experience of the technician. Do they remove badges? Do they tuck the edges? The answer to these questions can make or break a PPF job.
Our self-healing silicone coating heals swirls and light scratches, as well as prevents chipping and pitting; however, it is not PPF. PPF is a superior solution to preventing chips. That said, the price of a self-healing coating runs about ½ the cost of PPF and it can be applied to areas that PPF does not cover, like trim and chrome. Additionally, the coating does not fade or turn yellow like PPF.
Investigating Cost Considerations
Certainly cost is a factor in deciding which is the right paint protection solution for you. While PPF offers the best protection against rock chips, it’s also the most expensive of the two solutions. The cost of our self healing ceramic coating is generally half the cost of PPF or less. For a half ton crew cab pickup, a complete full coverage PPF job is approximately $7,000 as of this writing, whereas our self-healing silicone ceramic coating ranges between $2500 – $3500, depending on the level of paint correction and the number of layers of the coating.
Both our self-healing ceramic coating and PPF provide great protection and which solution you choose depends on how you use your vehicle.
Climate Considerations
Ceramic Coating: Our self healing ceramic coating is particularly well-suited to protect against Austin’s climate. It forms a thick layer of protection on the vehicle’s surface, protecting it from UV damage. Swirls and light scratches heal with heat and it offers chipping and pitting protection.
On the other hand, while PPF (Paint Protection Film) is thicker than our self-healing ceramic coating and can withstand a greater impact, it takes a second place when it comes to UV protection. If you’re using your truck or SUV on the ranch or off-road where there’s mesquite, it may be a better solution for you.
Benefits of PPF and Self Healing Ceramic Coating
Hydrophobic Properties
One of the main benefits of ceramic coatings is its hydrophobic properties, meaning it repels water and makes dirt and grime slide off easily. Whereas PPF attracts dirt. A ceramic coated vehicle is easier to keep clean.
Self-Healing Properties
Both PPF and our self-healing ceramic coating heal with heat. This means that swirls and light scratches will disappear over time, or with a heat gun or hair dryer. Even steam can return the finish to its original condition.
Gloss Properties
Our self-healing ceramic coating has higher gloss than traditional SiO2 based ceramic coatings. It leads the field in gloss, out performing PPF. Some of our customers coat PPF with our coatings to achieve higher levels of gloss.
UV Protection
With 100% UV blocking properties, our self-healing ceramic coating is the winner. One disadvantage of PPF is fading and discoloration due to UV rays, which is another reason why most PPF jobs include the coating on top of the PPF.
Deciding the Best Fit for Your Vehicle
If you’re concerned about protecting your car from the hot Central Texas sun and environmental elements, our self-healing ceramic coating might be the best choice for you. It’s offers 100% UV protection and will not fade like PPF.
On the other hand, PPF might be a better option if you’re more concerned about physical damage from gravel or road debris on the ranch or off-roading. Paint Protection Film is a better shield against rock chips, scratches, and other types of abrasions.
The choice between our self-healing ceramic coating and PPF is an important decision that affects your car’s appearance and durability. Contact Dripping Auto Pros at (512) 829-7000 and let’s figure out which one is best for you.
