The Auto Protek logo, auto is black colour and protea is blue.
A satin green Lamborghini Huracan STO after getting paint protection film installed in Surrey.

PPF vs Ceramic Coating

For owners of luxury, exotic, supercars, or classic vehicles, preserving the pristine condition of their prized possession is of utmost importance. Two popular solutions stand out: Paint Protection Film (PPF) and ceramic coatings. Both offer significant benefits but come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences is crucial for making the right choice for your vehicle, so here are some insights into PPF vs ceramic coating.  
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A McLaren showing an example of a partial front ppf kit

Partial Front

A great budget option, providing protection to the very front of the vehicle where most stone chips occur.

Completion time: 5-6 hrs.

  • Front bumper + Splitter
  • Partial bonnet
  • Partial front wings
  • Headlights
  • Wing mirrors
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A McLaren with full front paint protection film diagram

Full Front

A level up from the partial protection package, our full front is ideal for the everyday driver. Giving protection to where 70% of chips occur.

Completion time: 24 hrs (1 Working Day).

  • Front bumper + Splitter
  • Bonnet
  • Front wings
  • Headlights
  • Wing mirrors
  • A-Pillars
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A 720s with a track pack shown for reference

Track Pack

For that added piece of mind, helping to protect the most vulnerable areas of the vehicle against stone chips and paint scuffs.

Completion time: 30 hrs (1-2 Working Days).

  • Front bumper + Splitter
  • Bonnet
  • Front wings
  • Headlights
  • Wing mirrors
  • A-Pillars
  • Lower side sills
  • Rear bumper arch partials
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A McLaren displaying a full xpel ppf kit

Full Vehicle

The ultimate protection film package. Our full vehicle ppf kit helps to keep your vehicles paint in like new condition. Great for maintaining resale value and keeping cosmetic costs to a minimum.

Completion time: 2-3 working days.

  • Complete coverage of all external painted surfaces + all exterior carbon
  • Free full vehicle ceramic coating included
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A green Audi RS6, with Xpel Ultimate Fusion Paint Protection Film installed.
ULTIMATE FUSUION™ PPF
Protect against stone chips and scratches with Xpel ULTIMATE FUSION™. A high gloss, optically clear, self-healing paint protection film, with a built in hydrophobic top coat.
A red Ferrari showing  the rear taillights tinted with Xpel paint protection film.
ULTIMATE PLUS™ PPF
The best all round paint protection film Xpel ULTIMATE PLUS™. Utilising heat activated self-healing properties and enhanced durability, all backed with a 10 year warranty.
The front of a satin grey Range Rover sport.
STEALTH™ PPF
Protect that high maintenance, Magno, Frozen, Frosted, and any other matte paintwork. Or you can transform your vehicle's original paint to a satin finish all with Xpel STEALTH™.
The front of a black Rolls Royce Cullinan.
ULTIMATE PLUS™ BLACK PPF

Transform the look of your vehicle with Xpel ULTIMATE PLUS™ BLACK. With a rich deep black colour this self-healing paint protection film is great for adding style to your bonnet, roof, spoiler, or interior.
The interior of a Range Rover Sport, with Xpel paint protection film installed to interior.
RX™ ANTIMICROBIAL INTERIOR PPF

Protect the interior of your vehicle with Xpel RX™. Perfect for all glossy interior surfaces and touch screens. Protecting and restoring, all whilst stoping the spread of germs and bacteria.
The rear of a silver Ford GT, showing the glossy finish of Xpel Fusion Plus paint protection film ceramic coating.
Fusion Plus™ PPF Ceramic Coating

Make life simple with a hydrophobic easy-to-clean surface. FUSION PLUS™ protects against contaminants, UV rays, and bug acids, whilst repelling dirt and providing resistance to light scratches.

Paint Protection Film (PPF)

Advantages:

Superior Physical Protection: PPF provides a physical barrier between your car's paint and the elements. It is a thick, clear urethane film that can absorb impacts from road debris, preventing scratches, chips, and other minor damage. For high-end cars, this level of protection is crucial, especially for those driven regularly or taken on spirited drives.

Self-Healing Properties: One of the standout features of PPF is its self-healing ability. Minor scratches and swirl marks on the film can disappear when exposed to heat, such as sunlight or warm water. This ensures your car maintains a flawless finish over time, which is particularly important for supercars and exotics, where aesthetic perfection is often a priority.

UV Protection: PPF offers substantial UV protection, preventing the paint from fading or discolouring over time. This is especially important for classic cars or luxury vehicles with custom paint jobs, where maintaining the original colour is essential.

 Complete Coverage: PPF can be applied to the entire car or specific high-impact areas, such as the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors. This flexibility allows owners to tailor the level of protection to their driving habits and the car's usage.

Disadvantages:

Cost: PPF is generally more expensive than ceramic coatings, particularly for full-car applications. This can be a significant investment, especially for larger vehicles or those with intricate designs. However, for luxury and exotic cars, this cost is often justified by the level of protection offered.

Potential for Edges to Lift: Over time, the edges of the film may begin to lift, especially if not installed correctly. This can detract from the car's appearance and may require reapplication or touch-ups.

Limited Lifespan: While PPF can last several years, it will eventually need to be replaced as it deteriorates. Factors such as the type of film, the quality of the application, exposure to harsh conditions, regular driving, and maintenance practices can affect its lifespan. Near the end of its lifespan, PPF can start to turn yellow, creating visible colour differences on cars with partial PPF applications.  

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Ceramic Coatings

Advantages:

Durability: Ceramic coatings are known for their longevity, often lasting several years with proper care. They form a semi-permanent bond with the car's paint, providing a durable, hard layer of protection against contaminants like bird droppings, tree sap, and acid rain.

Enhanced Gloss and Hydrophobic Properties: Ceramic coatings significantly enhance the car's gloss, making the paint look deeper and more vibrant. The coating also repels water and dirt, making the car easier to clean and maintaining its showroom shine with minimal effort. For supercars and exotics, this enhanced appearance is a major selling point.

Chemical Resistance: The ceramic layer protects the car's paint from chemical stains and etching, which can be particularly beneficial in harsh environments. This is especially important for luxury and classic cars that may be exposed to varying environmental conditions.

Disadvantages:

No Physical Protection: Unlike PPF, ceramic coatings do not provide a physical barrier against impacts. While they protect against minor abrasions and contaminants, they won't prevent chips or scratches from rocks or debris. For high-value cars, this might not be sufficient, especially if the vehicle is driven regularly.

Application Complexity: Applying ceramic coatings requires a meticulous process and is best left to professionals. Poor application can result in streaks, high spots, or uneven coverage, which can detract from the car's appearance and may be costly to correct.

Maintenance Requirements: While ceramic coatings reduce the need for frequent washing, they still require maintenance to ensure longevity. Regular washing with specific products is necessary to avoid breaking down the coating prematurely.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Car

For high-end car owners, the choice between PPF and ceramic coating depends on the level of protection and the aesthetic goals desired. PPF offers unmatched protection against physical damage, making it ideal for cars driven frequently or in demanding conditions. On the other hand, ceramic coatings provide a stunning finish with long-lasting chemical protection, perfect for cars that are more of a showpiece or kept in controlled environments.

 

In some cases, combining both solutions—applying PPF to high-impact areas and ceramic coating over the entire car—offers the best of both worlds. Ultimately, the decision should be based on how you use your vehicle and the level of protection you require to keep your investment looking its best.

 

Auto Protek is an expert in both PPF and ceramic coating. Get in contact with us, and we’ll be able to help you decide which product – or combination of products – is the best for your needs and budget.

The Xpel logo with certified installer underneath.
  • Xpel Certified Installers Since 2015
  • Utilising Xpel DAP Pattern Software
  • Fully Insured For Vehicles Valued Up To £2M
  • Enclosed Transportation Available
  • Complementary Wash And Check-Up

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