· Exposed to the elements, the paint job of our cars will slowly loose its lustre. Paint may chip as stones and other debris hits the vehicle when driving and others may carelessly scratch our cars while we are parked someplace. Having just washed it, parking under the wrong tree will have birds soil it again quickly. The thin coating of paint that makes our cars look great is under a lot of stress.
The paint on our cars also serves a very important task: prevent rusting. Without the paint, metal would be exposed and could start corroding very quickly. Adding a layer of ceramic coating or using paint protection film retains the shine of the paint job while protecting the chassis from rusting. As the names suggest, the two methods are different and have therefore distinct advantages. German Motors works with a number of professional partners that are specialised in the keeping the paint of your vehicle intact and your car looking good.
Paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating are both effective ways to protect your car's paint, but they have different properties and benefits. The most obvious is that PPF is thicker than ceramic coating. Thus, it is oftentimes more durable. These films are better at protecting against scratches and stone chips. The PPFs used on cars have some “self-healing” characteristics and they can return to its original shape after being indented or abraded, while ceramic coating cannot.
Ceramic coating on the other hand has Hydrophobic properties. The coating creates a hydrophobic surface, making it easier to clean. Some PPFs have a hydrophobic clear coat, but it's usually not as effective as a full ceramic coating. If the aesthetics of your car are important, then ceramic coating is the way to go as it can make your car look shinier and sleeker. It is, however, more prone to building up of water stains.
Ceramic coating is applied as a liquid or spray by professional service providers. However, due to the application process, the thickness inconsistent may be inconsistent. In Contrast, PPF is a thermoplastic that molds to the shape of your car, so the thickness is consistent. Films can provide long-term protection for at least 5-7 years. Generally speaking, PPF is less expensive than ceramic coating.
Having worked with both, German Motors will be able to consult you on which method is best suited for your vehicle, should you opt to add either. You may also opt to apply both PPF and ceramic coating to your car. For instance, applying PPF to high-impact areas and then applying ceramic coating over it will offer a combination of the benefits.
