Ceramics or film on a car: which is better, characteristics and features of operation
Content
Many car owners dream that the body stays bright and shiny longer. But branches, stones from under the wheels and other external factors ...
Many car owners dream that the body stays bright and shiny longer. But branches, stones from under the wheels and other external factors greatly harm the paintwork. Therefore, the question arises how to protect the car. Below we will consider film or ceramics for - which is better.
What are car covers?
To understand what protects better, ceramics or a film for a car, you should understand the types of coatings for the body. Three types of paintwork protection are currently used:
- ceramics;
- anti-gravel film;
- liquid glass.
Types of coatings on the body
Liquid glass is a cheap and short-lived coating. It protects the body, but does not last long. Therefore, motorists prefer the first two methods more.
Film or ceramic features
It is difficult to unequivocally answer which is better - armored film or ceramics for cars. After all, both coatings have a lot of positive aspects.
Appearance
To understand whether it is better to cover the car with ceramics or film, it is important to understand that both coatings still scratch a little from branches and stones. But ceramics are practically invisible on the body. It gives a noticeable bright shine to the paintwork. The film is a little noticeable on the body, especially dirty. But with regular care, both coatings will be almost invisible.
Pollution degree
After studying the reviews of ceramics and film on a car body, you can understand that the latter gets dirty faster. Cars covered with film materials need frequent washing. Cars with a ceramic coating can be washed less often, as it prevents contamination.
car in ceramic coating
A dirty film becomes very noticeable on the body, while this does not happen with ceramics. The sticker may fade and take on an unsightly tint. Often this happens when using low-quality materials or with a very rare body wash.
Security
To make a choice between film and ceramics, you need to evaluate the degree of protection of these products. Both materials protect against scratches and chipped paintwork. But they will not save you from severe damage to varnish or paint. Ceramic processing protects against the appearance of chips at a lower speed than film. In other respects, they are practically equal in this parameter.
Price
Ceramics and film for cars of excellent quality are expensive. But a good film coating is more expensive than ceramic. Before applying it, the car often requires more expensive body preparation. But sometimes even before applying ceramic coatings, the machine needs preparatory work. Their cost depends on the condition of the varnish and paint of the car.
Life time
The cover with premium-class ceramics in compliance with the technology is kept on the body for several years. Films are calculated on average for a year of operation. Of course, materials have already appeared that serve a little more. But their service life is still not as long as that of ceramic coatings.
Film coating on the body
And cheap film coatings can begin to peel off and lose their appearance after a few months of operation. Ceramics, even cheap ones, last longer.
Which is better: ceramics or film - cardinal differences
Ceramics differs radically from film in some respects. It has a longer service life and does not lose its appearance during the entire period of operation. When removed, the product does not damage the paintwork, unlike film materials, especially cheap ones. If chips appear in the first case, restoring the layer will cost less than in the second. After all, the film will have to be glued to the entire element again.
Ceramic treatment is the coating of the body with a liquid composition, and film protection is the application of a sticker. The coating can be polished, but the decals cannot. The only exception is expensive adhesive materials. They can be polished. The ceramic coating is thinner than the film, which does not affect its degree of protection. At the same time, it withstands low temperatures, and the sticker can be deformed in the cold.
Specifics of operation and care
When choosing what is better to protect the car - with a film or ceramics, it is important to know that the latter needs special care. It withstands two- or three-phase washes. The film coating can be washed in any way. At the same time, when covering with ceramics, it is necessary to visit the sink less often.
Body care depends on the type of coating
Vinyl films are not polished. Only expensive polyurethane coatings can be polished. This has to be done every three months. Ceramic materials are recommended to be polished once a year. Their renewal and restoration in case of damage is cheaper and easier. The sticker will have to be re-glued. And it's much more expensive.
What to choose
Definitely do not use vinyl film materials. They practically do not protect the body, are noticeable on it and harm the paintwork. Polyurethane coatings are very expensive. They provide reliable protection, but need frequent washing and polishing. The sticker quickly loses its appearance and is designed for approximately one year of service. The cost of applying to the body will be at least 100 thousand rubles.
Both coatings do not protect against significant surface damage. They scratch. Despite the fact that film chips form at a faster rate than ceramic, it is much more difficult and expensive to restore it. Materials suffer from large stones and similar objects. In the event of an accident, they do not save the paintwork from damage.
The sticker is not frost resistant. Ceramic coating withstands both low and high temperatures. Films do not breathe, unlike ceramics. True, expensive polyurethane is able to pass air.
Therefore, the question of choosing the protection of the paintwork is not easy. Some thrifty owners cover their cars with vinyl decals, as they are even cheaper than ceramic treatments. But later, many of them regret their choice.
Polyurethane film needs expensive maintenance. Therefore, not every driver can afford it. It is usually found on premium cars. It is unprofitable to use in regions with a cold climate. In some localities there are no masters for applying and maintaining such material.
The quality of the coating largely depends on the choice of material and application technology.
Therefore, ceramics became more widespread. It is economical, convenient and invisible. Its maintenance is many times cheaper, not counting the quality wash. But this problem is solvable. Therefore, such materials are found on cars of different models and brands.
Those who want to save money and protect the body can stop at ceramics. But the owners of elite foreign cars do not have to cover them with expensive film. Liquid material is suitable for them. For those who want maximum protection of the hood from chips, it is recommended to combine types of coating: cover part of the body elements with a film, and the rest with ceramics. This method is acceptable.
Customer Reviews
The opinions of motorists in general agree with the opinions of experts. Users of films and ceramics are equally satisfied with the result. But at the same time, drivers know that the sticker is more expensive and there are more problems with it. Perhaps it provides a little more protection, but it is impossible for a layman to notice this.
Both covers have good reviews. But most Russian drivers prefer ceramic coatings. There are also many who cover the body with ceramics, and also stick a film on the hood. Regardless of the choice, it is recommended to cover the car with protection immediately after purchase at a car dealership.
