PPF or Ceramic Coating: Which One Should You Do First on a New Vehicle?
Should I get Paint Protection Film (PPF) or a ceramic coating first? Can I add PPF after a ceramic coating?
Purchasing a new vehicle is so exciting! We are here to help you not just take care of the vehicle with detailing, but preserve that vehicle. May that be with PPF, Ceramic Coating or an assortment of both. The answer to the question really comes down to what you value with your vehicle. Both forms of paint protection are effective in their own way.
Ceramic Coatings provide high gloss, easy maintenance for years of protection. PPF will protect better against rock chips. The big question is, do you care about rock chips? Do your driving habits call for that level of protection? Read on to learn our point of view based on what our customers say.
| Feature | PPF | Ceramic Coating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Chip Protection | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | |
| Scratch Resistance | Self Healing | Minimal | |
| Gloss Enhancement | High | High | |
| Easy Cleaning | Excellent | Excellent | |
| Long Term Paint Preservation | Best | Very Good | |
| Long Term Wear | Edges, Removal Later On | Wears Off Overtime, No work needed |
Can You Do PPF After a Ceramic Coating?
In short, Yes you can. Its happened many times before. A customer comes in for ceramic coating and realizes they want PPF on the front end. All the prep work included in a typical PPF Prep process is going to be sufficient for also removing the ceramic coating. Polishing is always included in a PPF service mainly to strip any sealant, coatings from the surface providing better adhesion. So, yes you can do a PPF Service after the vehicle has been ceramic coated, but that coating will have to be removed.
Nature's Symphony
Faces of Humanity
Sands of Time
I Can Only Budget For One or The Other at This Time
If one of your expectations for Paint Protection is protecting againdt rock chips, DO PPF First!! Once you get a rock chip, it'll never be the same. Touch ups are only magnified under a PPF Film. If you don't care about a rock chip here and there, then sure...maybe PPF isnt going to be the best ROI for you. But don't say we didn't warn you!
Vehicles Most Vulnerable From rock chips (PPF Protection)
Some driving habits are going to be far more vulnerale to paint damage. Daily drivers for the highways, certain city streets, mountain drives, sports cars etc are all more vulnerable vehicles for rock chips. If your vehicle never sees the day light and is a museum piece, then no, PPF may not be right for you.
Final Answer: Which Should You Do First?
Always PPF first.
Then ceramic coat when you’re ready.
If you care about:
- Long-term value
- Factory paint preservation
- Avoiding repaint work
- Keeping your car looking new for years
PPF is the foundation. Ceramic coating is the finishing layer
