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Paint Protection Options: PPF vs Ceramic & Graphene Coatings

Paint Protection In A Nutshell

  • Both PPF and paint protection coatings add a protective layer to your paint
  • The best option depends on your driving habits and the value of your vehicle
  • The most effective option is a combination of PPF with a ceramic or graphene coating top coat
  • Professional installation is always recommended. Enquire about your provider’s service guarantee

Introduction to Paint Protection Options

When it comes to safeguarding your car’s paint, there are two primary options available: Paint Protection Film (PPF) and paint protection coatings. Each offers distinct advantages, and understanding their differences will help you make an informed decision.

What is PPF (Paint Protection Film)?

PPF is a thin, transparent film applied to your car’s painted surfaces. It acts as a sacrificial layer, protecting your paint from scratches, chips, and other damage. PPF is often considered the most robust option for paint protection. Read the ultimate guide to paint protection film.

Modern PPF, such as the XPEL PPF we use at Tint Haus, include self-healing properties that activate when heat is applied.

What are Paint Protection Coatings?

While PPF is a film cut to fit your car’s panels, Paint Protection Coatings are applied as a liquid. Currently, there are two major paint protection coating options: ceramic coatings and graphene coatings.

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is a liquid sealant applied to your car’s paint. It creates a hydrophobic layer that repels water and contaminants, enhancing gloss and providing a layer of protection. While not as durable as PPF for scratches and chips, ceramic coatings offer excellent protection against UV rays, swirl marks, and fading.

Graphene Coating

Simply put, graphene coatings use the same silica formulations as in ceramic coatings but with graphene particles suspended throughout the formulation. While this may seem to be a small difference, the addition of graphene particles significantly alters the properties of the new formulation and gives it multiple advantages

Read the ultimate guide to ceramic & graphene coating 

Paint Protection Film Vs Ceramic & Graphene Coatings

Feature

PPF

Coatings

Protection

Shields against stone chips, scratches, and common abrasions
Protects against minor scratches, swirl marks, and UV rays

Appearance

Invisible - Unless stealth conversion
Invisible - Increases color-depth, finish and improves water beading

Installation

Requires professional installation
While it can be applied DIY, professional installation is highly recommended

Cost

Full-vehicle PPF is usually between $6,000 - $7,000 (exc. gst)
Professionally installed Full-Vehicle Ceramic coating costs around $1,000 while Graphene Coating is usually $300 ~ $400 more.

Durability

The XPEL PPF we use comes with a 10-Year Warranty against peeling and discolouration
Tint Haus Coatings come with lifetime warranty* against: bird/bat droppings, paint fade, oxidisation, loss of gloss, and tree sap

Similarities and Differences Between Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film

Both ceramic coating and paint protection film (PPF) offer significant benefits when it comes to protecting your car’s paint. However, there are some key differences to consider:

Similarities:

  • Both provide an invisible finish that enhances the car’s appearance.
  • Both help to prevent fading and protect against UV rays and chemical damage.
  • Both make it easier to clean your car and maintain its appearance.
  • At Tint Haus, we offer a 10-year warranty (see details) on both our PPF and Paint Protection coatings.

What is the difference between ppf and ceramic coating?

  • Protection Level: PPF offers superior protection against scratches, chips, and deep abrasions. Ceramic coating is better suited for protecting against minor scratches, swirl marks, and fading.
  • Appearance: Ceramic coating can enhance the gloss and shine of the paint, while PPF maintains the original appearance.
  • Installation: PPF requires professional installation, while ceramic coating can be applied skilled DIY enthusiasts (However, professional application is strong recommended.)

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your driving habits, the environment you live in, and your budget when making your decision.

Choosing the Right Option: PPF vs. Ceramic Coating vs Graphene Coating

When it comes to protecting your car’s paint, you have four primary options: Paint Protection Film (PPF), ceramic or graphene coating and both combined. Each offers unique advantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Who should consider PPF (Paint Protection Film)?

Paint protection film is ideal for:

  • Drivers who frequently encounter harsh conditions like gravel roads or flying debris.
  • Those seeking maximum protection against scratches, minor scrapes, and stone chips.
  • Those willing to invest in a long-term solution.

Read our guide to PPF

When is Ceramic Coating recommended?

Ceramic coating is an excellent option for:

  • Drivers who prioritise gloss and water beading.
  • Drivers who want to maximise the appearance of their paintwork.
  • Those seeking a more affordable option compared to PPF.

What about Graphene Coating?

The following should consider graphene coating:

  • Drivers who want the ultimate in scratch resistance and durability.
  • Those seeking a long-lasting, high-performance coating.
  • Those willing to invest in a premium product.

Not sure about the difference between Ceramic coating and graphene coating? Learn more here.

Graphene coating is a newer technology that offers exceptional protection and durability. It’s often considered the most advanced option available. While it is slightly more expensive than ceramic coating, it is significantly more affordable than ppf.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget, driving habits, and desired level of protection. Consider your car’s usage, the environment you drive in, and your aesthetic preferences.

The Ultimate in Paint Protection: PPF With Ceramic/Graphene Coating

Combining PPF and Ceramic Coating

For the ultimate in vehicle paint protection, some car owners opt to combine PPF and a paint protection coating. This provides a robust shield against scratches and chips while maximising your vehicle’s appearance and ease of maintenance.

Our Platinum Protection Package does exactly this. It includes full vehicle XPEL Ultimate Fusion PPF on the paintwork, and 10H Ceramic (or graphene) coating to deliver unparalleled hydrophobicity and gloss levels to ensure the PPF and paintwork remain protected for life.

If you are looking for a total solution, strongly consider this combination.

Paint Protection Examples

Here some gorgeous examples of vehicles that we’ve protected.

What Are The Best Brands For PPF and Ceramic Coatings?

We have put together detailed guides for Ceramic Coating options here and paint protection film brands here.

Best Choices for Each Option

PPF Brands:

  • XPEL PPFKnown for its self-healing properties and durability *Preferred Brand
  • Stek DynoShield Offers excellent protection and a glossy finish. *Preferred Brand
  • 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film
  • Llumar Paint Protection Film

Ceramic Coating:

The Internet is full of low-quality ceramic coating brands at discounted prices. Here are a few gems.

  • Tint Haus 10H Ceramic Coating – toughest in Australia *Preferred Brand
  • Ceramic Pro-  An early Innovator with a popular 9H hardness product
  • Turtle wax ceramic coating – common consumer brand

As always, we recommend professional installation in a dedicated clean zone with curing lamps.

Installer Warranties

Many reputable PPF and Paint Protection Coating installers offer warranties on their work.  This provides peace of mind, ensuring any installation issues are addressed. At Tint Haus, all all our PPF and coating work comes with a 10-year warranties.

Check that your chosen installer has an appropriate warranty on their work before committing.

Installer Reputation

Before entrusting your car to an installer, research their reputation.  Look for reviews, customer testimonials, and ensure they use high-quality PPF and coating brands. 

At Tint Haus, we’ve installed and protected 10,000s of vehicles. Read some of our 5-star reviews on Google.

Why Choose Tint Haus For Your Paint Protection Needs?

We’ve protected hundreds of thousands of vehicles in and around Sydney and even from ACT. The single reason vehicle owners put their trust in us is the Tint Haus Difference.

The Tint Haus Difference

Your car is an extension of yourself. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of car enhancement and protection services from PPF,  ceramic coatings, graphene coatings, window tinting, to interior protection. and paint protection packages. Let us help you create your dream car, inside and out.

We pride ourselves on the level of perfection that we deliver (and that our clients rightly expect).

That is why we built our state-of-the-art facility equipped with incredible lighting along with infrared curing lamps – all to ensure an unmatched level of quality and service commitment.

Take a look at our ppf installations and ppf package results on Facebook and Instagram. which showcase the level of perfection we pride ourselves upon and deliver.

Get in touch to see what paint protection film package is right for your vehicle.

OVER 30 YEARS
EXPERIENCE IN
CAR PROTECTION
& PERFECTION!

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