Owning a car comes with an innumerable number or quirks but maintaining the car in mint condition is a daunting task. One of the major concerns is the paint job on the car as it is susceptible to getting scratches. However, one can protect the car from getting scratches.
Different types of coating can help in protecting the car, such as Ceramic coating, Teflon coating and paint protection film. One can apply a layer of these coatings over the car. They work in protecting the vehicle on different levels and understanding how these work can help in choosing the right product for the car.
● Paint Protection Film
Paint Protection Film, or PPF, is a specially made film that one has to wrap around the car’s entire length. There are four layers to the PPF: A clear coat on the top layer, polyurethane in the second layer, acrylic adhesive in the third layer and Polyester release liner in the last layer.
PPF is a very financially viable option because not only does it protect the car from the scratches, it will also self-heal when exposed to some heat. PPF can protect the car from a fair amount of damage like scratches, rock hits etc.
The top clear coat protects the polyurethane from collecting dirt or dust because polyurethane is very porous. When polyurethane comes in contact with dirt, it can cause discolouration and dull the car’s appearance.
● Ceramic coating
Ceramic coating is the process of applying a layer of liquid over the car’s paint. Ceramic layer gives the vehicle a shine. The ceramic layer also protects the car from heat damage and scratches. It is also hydrophobic and thus makes it easier to clean the car.
Only about 30ml of the liquid can cover the whole length of the car. It is a safe and reliable method of protecting one’s car.
● Teflon coating
Teflon coating consists of a substance called Polytetrafluoroethylene, which is also hydrophobic like the ceramic coating. It helps in preventing rusting and wear and tear of the paint.
Teflon has a nonstick property that helps prevent any other substance from getting stuck on its surface. Teflon can be applied to the top layer and also the underbody. It gives an amount of protection to the car, but the car’s appearance after applying the coat will be similar to what the car looks like with a wax-coating after car wash.
Teflon is rubberised when applied on the car to prevent scratches caused by rock chips or any hard substances on its surface.
The best way to protect your car is by adding another layer over it. Not only does this protect it from scratches, but it also makes the paint durable.
On comparing these three options, one can understand that PPF is the most durable and protective. Combining PPF with ceramic can give not only the car good looks but also long-lasting protection.
The optimal way of applying PPF and the ceramic layer is to first place the PPF in vulnerable areas where there is a chance of damage. Over that, if one coats a layer of ceramic, the ceramic will bond with the factory paint over the PPF, giving the car a very finished and polished look, and durable and long-lasting protection.
