Pros and Cons of PPF and Ceramic Coating Your BMW
You might be just starting to learn about paint protection film (PPF) or ceramic coating. Maybe youâre wondering if itâs worth getting PPF on your BMW. Whatever research stage youâre at, you probably think PPF and ceramic coating sound pretty great. In fact, almost too good to be true. Rest assured that PPF and ceramic coating are generally extremely wise decisions if you care about how your BMW or other vehicle looks. But each product has some differences and downsides. We teamed up with Chicago-based shop Tinting Chicago and XPEL to share the pros and cons of PPF and ceramic coating so you can make a better-informed decision.
PPF and Ceramic Coating: Whatâs the Difference?Paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating are two completely different products that do similar things. PPF is a transparent urethane layer applied over the vehicleâs paint. It is a physical barrier between the vehicleâs paint and outside elements. On the other hand, ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the vehicle. It bonds with the vehicleâs paint, enhancing its gloss and repelling contaminants.
Pros of PPFThe added protection is the biggest â and most obvious â pro to PPF. Your paint looks better for longer when it has a layer of PPF over it, regardless of the style or kind of PPF. It protects against the obvious things like dirt, bugs, and rocks. But it also allows your factory paint to shine like new forever, thanks to protection from the sun, rain, and everything else. Accompanied by a competent paint correction and detail before installation, your paint will be swirl-less and could even look better than factory paint indefinitely.
Overall, PPF makes caring for your car easier, too. Grime, dust, dirt, and other detritus seem to melt away when you wash your car. Scrubbing is largely a thing of the past. Self-healing abilitiesâlike those found with XPEL PPFâadd another layer of peace of mind. Additionally, PPF typically helps increase the resale value of your vehicle if you decide to change things up.
Finally, PPF also has some less tangible benefits. You can drive your vehicle a little bit harder, knowing you donât have to look at a nose panel chock full of rock chips. You can drive your weekend car more frequently and park a little less carefully at your favorite cars and coffee. With the healing capabilities that XPEL PPF (and some other brands offer), thereâs even more peace of mind.
Cons of PPFThereâs only one obvious con to PPF: itâs expensive. While most drivers wonât need full-vehicle PPFâwhich can run as much as $10,000âeven just a full front end can get pricey quickly. And itâs tough to shop for âthe best priceâ because you donât want to skimp on quality. We recommend using your preferred film brandâs locator on their websiteâlike the XPEL installer locatorâand comparing prices between a few shops before committing.
Some minor notes that could be considered cons. PPF does require regular maintenance, but youâd be doing that anyway if you care about your carâs paint. Serious scratches can still damage the PPF â permanently â but, again, itâs better than damaging the vehicleâs paint. Lastly, there is an aesthetic downside to PPF. Without dismantling your vehicle, seams and lines will be visible â thereâs no way around it. Minor â and I think the protective qualities are worth the trade â but something to note.
Pros of Ceramic CoatingCeramic coating is a great way to preserve your factory paint and keep it looking better than factory. Like PPF, it helps protect your paint against the elements and even the sun. It also makes washing and caring for your vehicle easier. Ceramic coating can even help bring faded paint back to life, adding a lot more shine and sparkle than just a paint correction and detail would.
Cons of Ceramic CoatingWhile less expensive than PPF, ceramic coating is still several hundred (sometimes more) dollars that could be used elsewhere. It lacks the physical protection that PPF does and offers zero ability to self-heal. Ceramic coating is also still prone to swirls, so you need to be careful when washing your vehicle. Similarly, if the ceramic coating isnât installed after a good wash and detail, you will be disappointed by the results. A general rule: the ceramic coating is only ever going to be as good as the installer. Ceramic coating has a generally shorter lifespan than PPF, too. So, youâll definitely have to plan on a re-install, even if youâre following the best maintenance practices.
Both ceramic coating and PPF have plenty of positive attributes. Typically, the experts â like our friends at XPEL and Tinting Chicago â recommend PPF and ceramic coating for the best and longest-lasting results. Ceramic coating over PPF â while far from a budget-minded option â gets you the best of both worlds. Weigh the pros and cons â and how much you value your vehicleâs finish â and make an informed decision.
If you’re interested in PPF and ceramic coating, Tinting Chicago offers the following deal for our readers: 15% off ceramic window tint, 20% off ceramic coating, and with any purchase of PPF get ceramic coating on top of the PPF application for free. Use the code BMWBLOG. Offer valid until December 31, 2024.
First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
Pros and Cons of PPF and Ceramic Coating Your BMW
Pros and Cons of PPF and Ceramic Coating Your BMW
Pros and Cons of PPF and Ceramic Coating Your BMW
Pros and Cons of PPF and Ceramic Coating Your BMW
Pros and Cons of PPF and Ceramic Coating Your BMW
Play online games for free at games.easybranches.com
Guest Post Services www.easybranches.com/contribute