Workers polishing a car to be prepared for paint protection

Can You Apply Ceramic Coating Over Paint Protection Film?

The short answer to this question is, YES! You can get ceramic coating over paint protection film installed on a car. We’ve had hundreds of car lovers like you inquiring if they can take their car’s paint protection to the next level by applying the ceramic coating and PPF together. This led our R&D team CarzSpa Detailing Studios to create a special formulation of CrystalShield ceramic coating for PPFs. And because it is innovation at its best, we called it the Marvel.

To help you and hundreds of car lovers understand this better before making the decision, our experts have answered the “what, why and how” around this topic. In this blog, we will talk about the similarities and differences between ceramic coating and paint protection films, the benefits of getting them both to shield your car’s colour and shine and how CrystalShield Marvel is exactly what you had manifested for your car.

Table of contents

How do Paint Protection Films (PPF) work?

Originally developed for military vehicles, PPF represents a breakthrough in automotive protection. This advanced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film acts as a sacrificial barrier, absorbing impacts that would otherwise damage your car’s paintwork.

The key characteristics of PPF for cars include:

  • Self-healing properties that minimise visible scratches
  • Protection against rock chips and minor abrasions
  • Ability to maintain paint’s original appearance
  • Durability lasting up to 7-12 years with proper maintenance

Understanding Ceramic Coatings

Ceramic coating is a protective liquid polymer coating made of Slicione Dioxide (SiO2) and resin for car paint protection. Also known as nano coatings, glass coatings and quartz coatings, ceramic coatings are semi-permanent coatings applied on various surfaces to protect them against environmental damage while making them easier to clean and maintain.

This glass-like car coating offers:

  • Extreme hydrophobic properties
  • Superior UV radiation resistance
  • Chemical contamination protection
  • Enhanced surface gloss and smoothness

Similarities in PPF and Ceramic Coatings

Both PPF and ceramic coatings are designed to protect your car’s paint and enhance its appearance. Here are some of the key similarities:

  • Protection against environmental damages: Both PPF and ceramic coatings protect your car’s paint from UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings and other environmental contaminants.  
  • Enhanced gloss and shine: Both products can improve the gloss and shine of your car’s paint, making it look newer for longer.  
  • Increased durability: Both PPF and ceramic coatings can increase the durability of your car’s paint, making it more resistant to scratches and other damage. 
  • Ease of cleaning: Both products make it easier to clean your car, as dirt and grime are less likely to stick to the surface.

Differences Between PPF and Ceramic Coatings

The cost of getting ceramic coating or Paint Protection Film in Bangalore can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your vehicle, the type of PPF or ceramic coating and the chosen coverage area. Here’s a general estimate:

Feature Paint Protection Film (PPF) Ceramic Coating
Protection Mechanism
Physical barrier
Chemical barrier
Primary Protection
Impact damage (rock chips, scratches)
Environmental factors (UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings)
Gloss Enhancement
Minimal
Significant
Hydrophobic Properties
Moderate
High
Self-Healing Properties
Yes (some types)
No
Durability
High (5-10 years)
Moderate (2-5 years)
Application
Professional installation required
Professional installation recommended

Can you apply a ceramic coating over PPF?

Yes, those seeking the ultimate paint protection, can first get the installation of PPF on cars, followed by the application of the ceramic coating on the film. While both PPF and ceramic coating offer excellent protection for your car’s paint, combining them can provide even greater benefits:

Enhanced Protection:

  • Chemical Resistance: Ceramic coating further improves the chemical resistance of PPF, offering superior protection against harsh chemicals, industrial fallout and environmental contaminants.
  • UV Protection: Ceramic coating shields both the PPF and your car’s paint from harmful UV rays, preventing fading and oxidation.  
  • Durability: The combined layers of PPF and ceramic coating extend the overall durability of your vehicle’s finish, ensuring long-lasting protection.

Improved Appearance:

  • Gloss Enhancement: Ceramic coating amplifies the gloss and shine of your car’s paint, making it look even more stunning.
  • Hydrophobic Properties: The combined hydrophobic properties of both products make cleaning your car easier and faster, as water beads up and rolls off the surface, taking dirt and grime with it. 
  • Self-Healing Properties: PPF’s self-healing properties are preserved, allowing minor scratches to disappear with heat.

By layering ceramic coating over PPF, you can achieve a truly exceptional level of protection and aesthetic appeal for your vehicle.

Meet CrystalShield Marvel - A Special PPF Coating

Recognising the immense potential of integrated protection, CarzSpa Detailing Studios developed CrystalShield Marvel—a specialised ceramic PPF coating. Marvel isn’t just another product; it’s a technological breakthrough that addresses PPF’s inherent limitations.

Developed under CrystalShield by CarzSpa, the best ceramic coating brand, Marvel adds an extra layer of protection to the PPF. Its excellent hydrophobic properties ensure that water and dirt simply bead up and roll off the surface. It is compatible with both glossy and matte PPFs, without hindering their self-healing properties. CrystalShield Marvel can last up to 5 years on any PPF.

Process of Applying Ceramic Coating over PPF

This is how CrystalShield Marvel PPF coating is applied over a PPF at CarzSpa Detailing Studios:

Preparation:

  1. Thorough Cleaning: The car is thoroughly washed with a pH-neutral car wash shampoo to remove dirt, grime and contaminants.
  2. Degreasing: A degreaser is used to remove any oily residue or waxes from the PPF surface.
  3. Clay Bar Treatment: A clay bar is used to remove any surface contaminants that may remain, ensuring a smooth surface for the ceramic coating.
  4. Panel Wipe-Down: The car is wiped down with an isopropyl alcohol solution to remove any remaining contaminants and prepare the surface for the ceramic coating.

Ceramic Coating Application:

  1. Application: CrystalShield Marvel PPF coating is applied in thin, even layers using a microfiber applicator pad.
  2. Spread and Wipe: The coating is spread across the surface and then wiped off with a microfiber cloth to remove excess product.
  3. Curing: The car is left to cure in a controlled environment, typically for several hours or even overnight, to allow the ceramic coating to bond with the PPF.

Some concluding thoughts

While the best PPF brand you’ve chosen for your car (we know you’ve picked Aegis PPF!) will definitely keep its paint safe from scratches, there’s always the option to level up to the ultimate protection with a layer of ceramic coating on it.

Invest in only the best and get the best of both worlds with the impact resistance of PPF and the hydrophobic, gloss-enhancing properties of ceramic coating with a Marvel PPF coating on your Aegis Paint protection film (PPF). And yes, they’re both available at your nearest CarzSpa Detailing Studio.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does ceramic coating last on PPF?
A good quality ceramic coating formulated specially as a PPF coating will last up to 5 years

2. Should I apply PPF or ceramic first?
Ideally, you must install the PPF on the car first, followed by the PPF ceramic coating application on the film.

3. How do you maintain ceramic coating on PPF?
Wash the car regularly with a PPF Shampoo and not any regular soap or detergent to ensure the coating doesn’t wash off.

4. Which is costly PPF or ceramic?
PPF is priced more than ceramic coating as it offers more enhanced protection like scratch resistance and self-healing for the paint.

5. Which is the best PPF brand in India?
Aegis PPF by CarzSpa is the best PPF brand in India, as it offers polycarbonate TPU films with an online warranty of up to 10 years.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
LinkedIn
Picture of Deepam Sama

Deepam Sama

Deepam Sama is the Vice President of Business Strategy and Development at CarzSpa Detailing Studios, a leading car care company in India. He is a second-generation entrepreneur who has a passion for scaling up businesses and creating innovative marketing strategies. Deepam holds an MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune and a BBA from the Institute of Management, Nirma University. He previously worked in the Sales Strategy team at ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, where he gained experience in developing and executing growth plans.

Turn Your Pasion into PROFESSION

Become a CarzSpa Franchisee & Start earning

Most Popular

Social Media

Newsletter

Get The Latest Updates
On Key

Latest Posts

×