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In the car aesthetic community, terms like “coating,” “film,” and “wrap” are often used interchangeably by drivers who don’t know much better. However, these are all completely different products that serve similar functions. The average consumer simply understands that they are all aftermarket products that serve to protect the car and enhance its curb appeal, which is true. However, this completely undersells the value of each product and confuses the enthusiast looking to optimize their ride. In today’s post, our luxury car experts offer an in-depth explanation to clarify confusion and offer insight into what’s the best option for you.
Paint protection film was initially created by M3 as a military-grade solution to protecting service war vehicles (helicopters, specifically) from shrapnel and debris damage during World War II. Where rotor blades and vehicle bodies were being significantly damaged, the government needed a strong, durable solution that was light and transparent. Engineers modified the chemical structure of a super strong urethane film to develop a tape that could withstand both the environment as well as artillery assault. Because this new product was inexpensive, flexible, moisture-tight, and resistant to UV damage and corrosive aviation fluids, this film was an instant success. Naturally, the value of this tape was immediately recognized for various other applications including tanks and civilian vehicles. Eight decades later, the PPF of today is barely recognizable from the helo tape of yesteryear. Much less a plastic wrap for cars, today’s films are available in the full-color scale and in a dozen thickness options.
Paint protection film can be purchased and installed as a transparent overlay to function as protective skin for your car or in any shade of every color imaginable for a removable alternative to painting your car. Desired thickness levels are determined by exposure to damaging elements. For instance, a garage-stored car that is used for routine driving in a calm environment is well-protected by a high-gauge PPF, whereas, a work truck that often travels off-road and is exposed to debris assault would benefit from the thicker protective film.
At Jet Black Tint, our PPF options include basic front coverage to complete car coverage and all of our paint protection packages include full-car window tinting.
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The ceramic coating label describes the product as “a chemical polymer solution that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle to protect it from external paint damage. Typically applied by hand, it blends with the paint of your car and creates an additional hydrophobic layer of protection.” In lay terms, that essentially means it is an aftermarket, topical product that is applied directly to the vehicle paint to create a water-proof protective layer. While many car enthusiasts are under the false impression that it is an alternative to paint protection film, ceramic coating, is an alternative to car wax — a semi-permanent wax option, if you will. The purpose of ceramic coating is to prevent dirt, grime, and stain on the paint job.
Similarly to PPF, the ceramic coating does protect vehicle paint from sun fading and corrosive moisture. Unlike paint protection film, however, the ceramic coating won’t protect from scratches, gouges, or dents to the vehicle body. More like sunscreen and less like a shield, the function of ceramic coating is to keep the paint clean and shiny. Ceramic coating wicks away most moisture and environmental pollution and makes cleaning your car a breeze.
At Jet Black Tint, our ceramic coating is available in three different levels that include Cilajet treatment on the car exterior, wheels, and paint correction.
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A car wrap is a large vinyl graphic or decal applied directly to the painted surfaces of your vehicle. They can be as simple as your company logo on a door or completely cover the entire painted surface. Car wraps are available in a kaleidoscope of colors and textures and are able to quickly and easily change the entire aesthetic of your vehicle. Car wraps are available in several finishes including matte, gloss, and satin, and can easily be layered to create just about any look imaginable. Some common car wrap types include:
Transparent – clear vinyl car wrapping is available in matte, satin, and gloss finishes, and is used for protecting the paint while retaining the vehicle’s original color and texture.
Colored – colored wrapping is designed to change the color of your car without repainting. This is the most common type of car wrap and can be removed without affecting the original paint below.
Textured – textured wraps are available for those who want to give their car an entirely different finish, not limited to matt or gloss. We’ve installed every texture from smooth to alligator skin bumps, and everything in between. Most textured wraps are also available in the entire spectrum of opaque colors.
Advertising wraps – vehicle wraps can be customized with patterns, graphics, or a logo. Most often used for advertising, individuals and companies alike often choose to put their brand on their cars with custom wrapping.
At Jet Black Tint, you’ll get to choose from more than 1,000 different colors of car wraps. Your custom wrap is covered by a 10-year warranty so you can invest with confidence.
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There is no one-size-fits-all solution for vehicles. The paint option that is right for one car owner is not the same that is right for the next. Comparing paint protection film, ceramic coating, and car wraps are like comparing apples to oranges and bananas. They each serve their own purpose and come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some things to consider when you are making the decision for your car are what purpose you are hoping the product will serve for your car, your budget, and how long you’ll have the car.
When you visit the experts at Jet Black Tint, we’ll first work to establish your goals and what you want to get from your car and its protective coating. Then we will work with our design team to determine which product is best to get the aesthetic you’re going for. Once you’ve decided, our finance team can help fund your project and our expert technicians will make it a reality. To get your project started, connect with the Jet Black Tint location nearest you and book your appointment today.