May 83 min read

Car Coating Guide - PPF, Ceramic Coating, Teflon Coating or Wax?

In the ever-evolving world of automotive care, the significance of protecting a car's exterior cannot be overstated. With advancements in technology, vehicle owners now have access to various options when it comes to car coatings. Among these, Paint Protection Film (PPF), SiO2 Ceramic Coating, Teflon Coating, and Wax Paste stand out for their unique benefits and applications, offering different levels of protection, durability, and finish.

PPF - Paint Protection Film

Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a clear, thick, urethane material applied directly to your vehicle's surface. Its primary advantage is its ability to protect the paint from stone chips, bug splatters, and minor abrasions, effectively acting as a sacrificial layer. PPF is especially recommended for high-impact areas of your vehicle, such as the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors. It is virtually invisible and with new technology it can also self-heal minor scratches when exposed to heat, ensuring your vehicle maintains its pristine condition for longer.

SiO2 - Ceramic Coating

SiO2 Ceramic Coating offers a different kind of protection. This liquid polymer chemically bonds with the vehicle's factory paint, creating a layer of protection that is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. Ceramic coatings are known for their durability, lasting anywhere from two to nine years, and their ability to give the car a glossy finish that is easier to clean. Though it doesn’t provide the physical protection against impacts that PPF does, it excels in protecting against UV rays, chemical stains, and etching.

Teflon Coating

Teflon Coating, often recognized for its use in non-stick cookware, also finds its place in automotive care. When applied to cars, it creates a non-stick layer that can repel water and dirt, making the vehicle easier to clean. However, they are not as durable as ceramic coatings, Teflon coatings can provide a good level of shine and protection at a more affordable price point.

Traditional Wax

Lastly, Wax Paste offers the most traditional form of protection. It requires more frequent application, typically every few months, but can significantly enhance the depth and richness of the vehicle's paint. Wax creates a protective barrier against UV rays and moisture, and though it’s the least durable of the options mentioned, its affordability and ease of application continue to make it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

Conclusion - Which Car Coating is best for you

If you are looking for the best impact resistance against rock chips and scratches. Then Paint Protection Film (PPF) would be the best. However, it is the most expensive option with prices that start at R40000 going up to R90000+ (Proper PPF quality)

If you are looking for a sleek glossy or a show & shine finish with the ultimate ease of cleaning and protection against environmental damage such as bird droppings, UV damage, and harsh chemicals with some scratch resistance then Ceramic Coating is the best option for you with prices from R3000 for a 3-year ceramic to R30000+ For a 9-year professional grade showroom condition ceramic coating.

On a budget but want a coating close to ceramic coating, Teflon coatings are affordable and are durable for up to 6 months. Prevents scratches, and repels dirt. However, they are not very popular in South Africa and may be difficult to find compared to waxes and ceramic coatings

Look for the ultimate depth in colour? Traditional wax still dominates in this sector. medium gloss with maximum depth. A Rich colour that lasts about 3 months. Wax might seem like the cheapest option but it is not the most affordable option considering the type of wax and the number of times the vehicle has to be coated to match the durability of something like ceramic coating. Car wax washes away over time and typically lasts up to 3 months. The main factors for durability are the type of wax used and the environment in which the car is used and parked.