PPF (paint protection film) protects a car much better against stone chips and scratches. A ceramic coating generally costs less, and it strengthens the paint, with more resistance to chemicals and water staining. Neither is the better product for every car. IGL recommends a hybrid: PPF on the bonnet, bumper, headlights and side mirrors, and a coating on the rest.
For IGL's current prices, see the ceramic coating price guide.
Ceramic coating vs PPF at a glance
| Ceramic coating | PPF (paint protection film) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Strengthens the paint: more resistance to chemicals and water staining | A film over the paint: much more protection against stone chips and scratches |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Stone chips | Does not have the thickness or elasticity to protect against them | Much more protection |
| Scratches | Does not protect against deep scratches | Light scratches can self-heal; deeper damage means polishing and repairing the top coat |
| Gloss, water behaviour, easy washing | Yes | Yes, PPF adds everything a coating adds |
| Repainted car | Suitable | PPF should not be installed on a repainted car |
When to choose a ceramic coating
A coating is the right call when:
- Your budget is limited. A coating generally costs less, and it still gives the gloss, water behaviour and easy washing.
- The car has been repainted. PPF should not be installed on a repainted car, so a coating is the option left.
- It is a weekend car. If the car is driven only at weekends and the risk of scratches or stone chips is low, a coating is good enough.
The trade-off is the one in the table: a coating does not stop stone chips or deep scratches.
When to choose PPF
PPF is the right call when stone chips and scratches are what you are worried about. It does everything a coating does for gloss and easy washing, and gives much more protection against chips and scratches. If you drive highways every day, such as the NKVE, LDP or Federal Highway, that is the protection a coating cannot give you.
Why IGL recommends a hybrid
IGL recommends a hybrid: PPF on the bonnet, bumper, headlights and side mirrors, and a coating on the rest of the car.
Already have PPF? IGL Shield is a coating applied over existing PPF. See the price guide for details.
IGL's own film: PPF Elite Gloss
IGL has its own PPF, called PPF Elite Gloss, and fits it at the IGL Experience Centre: full body, front-end (bumper and bonnet), partial (any panel), or as a hybrid with ceramic coating. See the PPF Elite Gloss product page for the film itself.
Ceramic coating vs PPF in everyday Klang Valley driving
Heat, monsoon rain and haze are part of daily driving in the Klang Valley, and so are tree sap, bird droppings and highway miles. Which of these worries you most points to the answer. If it is chemicals and water staining, a coating addresses that. If it is stone chips from highway driving, a coating does not, and PPF does.
One check before you decide: is the paint original? PPF should not go on a repainted car. A coating can.
Questions to ask any PPF installer
Before you commit to PPF, get these answers in writing:
- Which film brand and series is being used?
- What warranty comes with the film, and what does it cover?
- Which panels are covered: the front only, or the full car?
- How long will the car be in the shop?
- What is the process if the film is damaged later?
IGL's own answers to the first and third questions: the film is PPF Elite Gloss, and the coverage is full body, front-end (bumper and bonnet), partial (any panel), or a hybrid with ceramic coating.
Frequently asked questions
Does IGL install PPF?
The IGL Experience Centre in Shah Alam installs PPF, using IGL's own film, PPF Elite Gloss.
Can I put a ceramic coating over PPF?
Yes. IGL Shield is a coating applied over existing PPF. See the price guide for details.
Does ceramic coating protect against stone chips?
No. A coating strengthens the paint, but it does not have the thickness and elasticity to protect against stone chips or deep scratches. PPF gives much more protection against both.
Is PPF better than ceramic coating?
For stone chips and scratches, yes. For budget, no: a coating generally costs less. For a repainted car, a coating is the only option of the two, because PPF should not be installed on a repainted car. That is why IGL recommends a hybrid for cars that see real road use.
Can PPF fix itself if it gets scratched?
Light scratches can self-heal. Deeper damage is a repair: it involves polishing and repairing the top coat.
Not sure which fits your car?
Tell us about your car and how you use it. We will point you to an authorised IGL installer or the IGL Experience Centre, whichever suits you. We usually reply within minutes, 7 days a week.
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