The short answer
Paint protection film (PPF) is a thick, clear urethane film that physically absorbs impacts. It's the only one of the two that stops rock chips. Ceramic coating is a thin liquid coating that bonds to paint and makes it glossy, slick and easier to clean, but it's far too thin to stop a chip.
Side by side
| PPF | Ceramic coating | |
|---|---|---|
| Stops rock chips | Yes | No |
| Light scratches and swirls | Self-heals with heat | Some resistance, no self-healing |
| Bug, bird and sap etching | Strong protection | Good protection |
| Gloss and water beading | Good | Excellent |
| Easier washing | Yes | Yes, the main benefit |
| Typical coverage | High-impact panels or the whole car | The whole car |
Which one should you get?
- Worried about rock chips? You need PPF. For most drivers, full front PPF covers the panels that chip.
- Mainly want gloss and easy washing? Ceramic coating alone may be enough.
- Want both? Put PPF on the front of the car and ceramic coating over the film and the rest of the paint. That's the most popular combination, and we offer ceramic coating over film as an add-on when you book.
Does ceramic coating go on top of PPF?
Yes. A coating applied over the film makes it more hydrophobic and easier to clean, and adds a layer of chemical resistance. Apply it after the film is installed, never underneath.