Tinting
PPF vs Ceramic Coating: Which One Does Your Car Need?
Paint protection film (PPF) is a physical, self-healing film that stops rock chips and scratches. Ceramic coating is a liquid coating that adds gloss, UV and chemical resistance and makes the car easier to wash, but it does not stop rock chips. Choose PPF for impact protection, ceramic coating for gloss and easy maintenance, or both for full coverage.
PPF vs ceramic coating at a glance
| Paint protection film (PPF) | Ceramic coating | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A clear, durable film applied over the paint | A liquid coating bonded to the paint and trim |
| Stops rock chips | Yes | No |
| Self-healing | Yes. Light scratches disappear with heat | No |
| Gloss and water beading | Available in gloss or satin finish | Yes. Super hydrophobic, high gloss |
| UV protection | Yes | Yes |
| Starts at | $1,499 | $900 |
| Warranty | 10 years | 3, 6 or 8+ years depending on the package |
When PPF is the right call
Pick PPF if you drive the highway every day, follow trucks on I-85 or I-26, own a new vehicle you want to keep chip-free, or track your car. Film is the only product that puts a physical barrier between your paint and road debris. Coverage runs from a partial front end to the full vehicle. See the PPF price guide.
When ceramic coating is the right call
Pick ceramic coating if your priority is gloss, UV protection and a car that washes easily. Every ceramic package at Upstate Auto Styling includes a hand wash, iron decontamination, clay bar and a single-stage paint correction before the coating goes on. See whether ceramic coating is worth it for your vehicle.
Why many owners do both
The two products do different jobs, so they stack. The common setup is PPF on the high-impact areas, such as the front bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors, and ceramic coating over the rest of the vehicle. Ceramic coating can also go on top of PPF, which makes the film easier to keep clean.
PPF vs Ceramic Questions — Answered by the Experts
Is PPF better than ceramic coating?
They do different jobs. PPF offers physical protection against rock chips and scratches, which ceramic coating does not. Ceramic coating adds gloss, UV and chemical resistance and makes washing easier. For full coverage, many owners combine both.
Can you put ceramic coating over PPF?
Yes. Pairing PPF with ceramic coating makes upkeep even easier.
Which lasts longer, PPF or ceramic coating?
The PPF we install carries a 10-year warranty. Our ceramic coatings are 3-year, 6-year or 8+ year coatings depending on the package.
How much does it cost to do both?
PPF starts at $1,499 and ceramic coating starts at $900. The total depends on how much of the vehicle you cover with film and which coating you choose. We quote both together.
Not sure which one you need?
Tell us how you drive and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. We’ll recommend film, coating or both and give you a price. Call (864) 707-9991.