May 16, 2022

Can You Put a Ceramic Coating over Paint Protection Film

red car parked near the garage

Ceramic Coatings offer an excellent solution to protect your car against the harmful factors in nature. However, some people are confused about whether ceramic coatings can be applied over PPF- and we're here with answers!


What is Paint Protection Film (PPF)?

Paint protection films are thin, thermoplastic urethane films that protect your paint from water and dirt. Sometimes they come in colors too! The film provides a protective layer over your paint surface against minor scratches and road debris - don't dent your car, thinking PPF will protect your car paint.


PPF has military origins but is quite popular with civilian and commercial vehicles because of its self-healing properties - shallow scratches heal themselves.


Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is another paint protection product similar to PPF in its function. The difference comes in its application. A ceramic coat or nano-coating is a microscopic layer of liquid polymer with hydroponic properties - making cleaning easy.



The nano-coating hardens like glass and brings out the shine in your paint - it also protects against swirl marks.

car with ceramic coating

What Do They Protect The Paint From?

Both ceramic coatings and paint protection films do a fantastic job protecting your paint. But, from what exactly?


Harsh Elements

Yes, you read that right. Both ceramic coating and PPF offer protection from the elements. UV rays cause paint damage. The same case applies to acid rain.

Do you park under a tree to protect your car from the sun? Tree sap and bird droppings cause chemical stains bad for your pain - unless you cover your entire vehicle with coating particles and protection film.


Fading paint

Can't you keep your car looking good forever? or can you? Well, car paint fades when exposed to the elements. Extreme heat eats away your clear coat and fades the color - and paint correction is expensive and takes time.


Even DIY ceramic coating - and PPF prevent fading paint compared to paint sealants or car wax. Ceramic coating is made from an inorganic metal oxide that hardens when buffed.


Dull looking paint

What does glass do? Shine. And that is what ceramic coating does to your vehicle's paint. It adds a brilliant shine to freshly polished paint - ceramic coating applied after paint correction looks great.


Difference Between Ceramic Coating and PPF

Although ceramic coatings and paint protection films protect your paint from UV rays, bird droppings, and rock chips, they are quite different products. PPF is a vinyl material, while nano-coatings are a liquid polymer.


Installation techniques for the two are quite different. Application of PPF involves stretching the vinyl substance on the car's exterior and using a hot air machine to remove any bubbles.


While the crystal layer is hard, PPF is a much softer material - which explains the self-healing properties of PPF.


In addition, the two materials work using different principles. Ceramic coatings have hydrophobic properties - they repel water and dirt. You'll find it easy to clean off bug splatter and dirt in ceramic coatings compared to PPF. PPF tends to absorb dirt worse than non-paint protection.


Ceramic can provide paint correction for microscopic imperfections. The nano liquid seeps into the tiny imperfections and creates a glossy look. PPF, on the other hand, produces a blurry or fuzzy appearance.


Should You Put a Ceramic Coating Over a Paint Protection Film?

While the two products offer paint protection individually, they each have strong points. If you use works, you can transition to a durable ceramic coating or a more expensive pain protection product like PPF.


With an ultimate layer of protection on your car, combine Ceramic coating and PPF to get the best from both worlds. You'll get the best protection in the automotive industry against excessive heat and UV Damage. Plus, both are chemical resistant.


So, should you put a ceramic coating over PPF? The answer is a definite yes.


Expert Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film Service

If you're looking for professional paint correction, high-quality ceramic coating, and paint protection film installation in St. Charles, IL, get in touch with Elite Performance Detailing. We have a team of high-skilled professionals that will treat your car like it is theirs. Call (224) 388-1128 to talk to our team or book an appointment online.

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