They solve different problems
Paint protection film is a physical barrier: 8 mils of urethane that absorbs impact. It is the only thing that stops a rock chip. A ceramic coating is a chemical layer a few microns thick: it bonds to the clear coat, makes the surface hydrophobic, blocks UV and stops contaminants from etching. It will not stop a stone.
Pick film if
- The car sees I-95, the Turnpike or I-595 regularly.
- The paint is new and you want it to stay that way.
- It is dark, and chips would show primer.
Pick a coating if
- The car mostly does city miles and lives in a garage.
- Your main complaint is washing, water spots, love bugs and sun fade.
- The paint already has a few chips: correct it, coat it, move on.
Why most of our cars leave with both
Film protects the impact zones; the coating goes over the film and the rest of the car. The coating keeps the film's topcoat from aging in the sun and makes the whole car wash the same. That is why we include a $549 Ceramic Pro coating with every Full Front (from $1,799) and Full Body (from $4,990) install rather than selling it as an add-on.
Cost and lifespan, side by side
| Paint protection film | Ceramic coating | |
|---|---|---|
| Stops rock chips | Yes | No |
| Self-heals swirls | Yes | No |
| Blocks etching / UV | Yes | Yes |
| Easier washing | With coating on top | Yes |
| Typical lifespan | 10+ years | 2 years to lifetime by package |
| Starting price | $899 (Partial Front) | See ceramic packages |
