Is PPF better than ceramic coatings?
Quick answer: It depends. Paint Protection Film (PPF) gives superior physical protection against chips and scratches but can be visible and has edges. Ceramic coatings don’t stop impacts, but add gloss, slickness and easy cleaning. Many owners combine both: PPF on high-impact areas, ceramic everywhere.
Ceramic coating and PPF are two very different things. Each have their strengths and weaknesses, which one you choose depends on your needs.
PPF is a clear, self-healing polyurethane film that physically shields your paint from stone chips, scratches, and minor scuffs. It’s essentially a plastic armour layer. If you do a lot of motorway driving, or your car has a low, exposed front end, PPF is unbeatable for that kind of impact protection. It’s thicker than any coating and can absorb the sort of damage that a ceramic coating simply can’t.
PPF is supplied in sheets that are pre-cut to fit each panel of the car. These templates are created using computer software and plotters to match the shape of bonnets, bumpers, wings, and mirrors. The film itself is usually around 150–200 microns thick (as thick as a sheet of paper), which is several times thicker than a layer of paint or clear coat — that’s what gives it such strong impact protection. Because the edges of panels vary in shape, the film is usually cut to stop just short of the edge rather than wrapping around it. This helps prevent lifting but also means you’ll see a fine line where the film ends. Despite what some marketing suggests, PPF isn’t completely invisible; on darker cars especially, the edges can catch the light. Over time, a little dirt can build up along those lines, making them more noticeable. It’s not a fault — just something to be aware of if you want a flawless, seamless look.
Ceramic coatings, on the other hand, are a liquid polymer that chemically bonds with the paint. They don’t stop stone chips, but they do make your car far easier to clean, resist UV fading, add an incredible deep gloss, and repel water and dirt. Think of ceramic coatings as a long-term protective finish that keeps your car looking better for longer.
In fact, many owners use both - PPF on the vulnerable panels, and ceramic coating on top of the film and the rest of the car. That combination gives you the best of both worlds: physical impact protection and slick, hydrophobic, easy-to-clean surfaces.
So, is PPF better? Not necessarily, it’s just better at different things. The right choice depends on your car, you're driving, and how much protection you’re after.
For maximum protection, you could have both. A ceramic coating is flexible enough to be applied over the top of PPF, and will protect areas of your paintwork not covered by the paint protection film.
Both PPF and ceramic coatings are premium products, and neither comes cheap. Having both applied to the same car can easily run into several thousand pounds, which is more than most people are willing to spend. That’s why, in reality, the two tend to compete rather than complement each other. PPF offers the ultimate protection but at a higher price, while ceramic coatings give a more affordable way to keep your car looking glossy, clean and well protected day to day. For most owners, a good ceramic coating ticks all the right boxes, it looks fantastic, lasts for years, and costs a fraction of a full PPF installation.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 13/10/2025 14:05