Ceramic Coating vs PPF: What Is the Difference and What Do You Need?
It is the question we get asked most: should I go for ceramic coating or PPF? The short answer: they do different things. The long answer helps you spend neither too much nor too little.
Ceramic coating in short
A ceramic coating is a liquid, glass-like layer that bonds to your paint. It makes the paint slick, deeply glossy and water repellent. Dirt, bugs, bird droppings and UV get less grip, and washing is quicker without scratching. A coating doesn't stop stone chips though. The layer is too thin for that.
PPF in short
PPF is a thick, clear film that takes the hit. Stone chips, scratches from bags and minor parking scuffs end up in the film instead of your paint. The film is self-healing: light scratches disappear with heat.
Side by side
- Stone chips: ceramic coating no, PPF yes
- Gloss and depth: ceramic coating strong, PPF neutral (strong with a coating on top)
- Easy washing: ceramic coating yes, PPF with coating on top yes
- Lifespan: ceramic coating up to 6 years depending on package, PPF 7-year material warranty
- Price: ceramic coating from €1,095, PPF front end from €1,995 (ex VAT)
What suits you?
Choose ceramic coating if...
you mostly drive in town or locally, want your car to look glossy all the time and want washing to be easier. For most daily drivers our Business Class package (from €1,595) is the honest recommendation. First Class (from €2,095) is for those who want every inch perfect. Premium Ceramic (from €1,095) is the accessible entry point.
Choose PPF if...
you do lots of motorway miles, have a car with a long nose or wide arches, or paint that is difficult or expensive to repair. For new cars you plan to keep, front-end PPF is a smart investment too.
Or combine them
The best protection is PPF on the vulnerable areas and ceramic coating on the rest of the car. With us, PPF always gets a coating on top. Combine them and you get 15% off the coating package with a front end, or 30% with full body PPF.
FAQ
Can ceramic coating go on top of PPF?
Yes, and we do it as standard. The film stays cleaner, glossier and easier to maintain.
Does the paint need polishing first?
Yes, for both. Coating and film both seal in whatever is underneath. That is why paint correction is always part of our packages.
Still not sure?
Come by our studio on Fermiweg in Utrecht, right on the A2. We look at your car and how you drive it, and tell you honestly what you need. Sometimes that is less than you think. Book a free inspection.
