Car Paint Protection Services

Unfortunately, not in most cases. Main dealers are car sellers with zero interest in protecting your car. All they care about is number crunching, and even when they say they will chuck it in for free, it’s not.

The valeters at main dealers are not given the right amount of time to carry out such work to a high standard, and most are not even trained properly to apply ceramic coatings.

We would advise against having the dealer apply anything to your vehicle and recommend seeking a professional such as ourselves if you want a proper job carried out.

It is a common misconception that a brand-new vehicle is perfect.

The dealership’s usual practice is to do a “make ready” prep before handing the car to the customer. The problem with this is dealerships will always use the fastest and most cost-effective way to prep the car, which inevitably puts imperfections such as swirl marks and scratches into the paintwork.

In most cases, new cars need machine polishing to remove paint imperfections, such as machine buffer trails and sanding marks left behind from the production line, to bring the gloss and clarity to their full potential.

Car owners often choose between ceramic coatings and paint protection films (PPF) for automotive paint protection.

Both options offer robust protection for a vehicle’s exterior but differ significantly in their application, durability, cost, and the level of protection they provide. Understanding these differences can help car owners make an informed decision that best suits their needs.

Durability

Ceramic Coating: Known for its long-lasting protection, a high-quality ceramic coating can last anywhere from 2 to 9 years, depending on the product and maintenance. It chemically bonds with the vehicle’s paint, providing a durable layer that resists environmental contaminants and UV rays.

Paint Protection Film (PPF): PPF offers a physical barrier between the car’s paint and the environment. It’s incredibly durable and can last up to 10 years with proper care. Unlike ceramic coatings, PPF is a thicker, clear film that can absorb impacts from small rocks, road debris, and minor scratches, self-healing minor marks when exposed to heat.

Cost

Ceramic Coating: While the upfront cost can be significant, the investment is often justified by the coating’s longevity and the reduced need for frequent applications. Prices vary based on the quality of the coating and the size of the vehicle.

Paint Protection Film (PPF): Generally, PPF is more expensive than ceramic coatings due to the material cost and the labour-intensive application process.

However, its longer lifespan and physical protection capabilities can make it a cost-effective solution for those looking to protect their vehicle from physical damage over many years.

Level of Protection

Ceramic Coating: Provides excellent protection against chemical stains, oxidation, UV damage, and hydrophobic properties that make cleaning easier. However, it does not offer physical protection against dings, dents, or scratches.

Paint Protection Film (PPF): Offers superior physical protection, shielding the paint from chips, scratches, and stains. Its thickness serves as a barrier against various forms of physical damage. PPF also provides some level of UV protection but is primarily sought after for its ability to protect against physical impacts.

Aesthetic Appeal

Ceramic Coating: Enhances the vehicle’s appearance by adding a glossy, slick finish that makes the colour pop and the surface easier to clean.

Paint Protection Film (PPF): Maintains the original look of the vehicle’s paint by offering a virtually invisible layer of protection. Some PPF options also come with a glossy finish to mimic the aesthetic enhancements of ceramic coatings.

Utilising the best products and safest techniques, we can elevate paint in any condition to a new level of clarity and shine without compromising the paint thickness.

The scratch resistance and hardness of a ceramic coating are often exaggerated; a coated vehicle will still pick up scuffs, stone chips and scratches. Furthermore, improper car washing techniques or automated car washes will still induce marring and swirl marks on your vehicle’s surface.

A ceramic coating is not a substitute for paint protection film, which provides a more comprehensive form of defence against swirl marks, scratches, vandalism, stone chips, and other road debris damage.

Our combined ceramic coating and paint protection film services will provide the ultimate protection for your car!