What is the Difference Between Paint Protection Film and Crystal Coating?
2 Answers
Paint Protection Film and Crystal Coating differ in the following aspects: 1. Material and Function: Paint protection film is a high-performance, eco-friendly film with excellent toughness. It can effectively mitigate minor scratches and has self-healing properties. Additionally, it isolates the car's paint from the air, offering protection against acid rain, oxidation, and UV rays. On the other hand, crystal coating forms a thin crystalline layer on the paint surface through the action of high-molecular polymers. This not only enhances the gloss of the car's paint but also provides scratch resistance, easy cleaning, resistance to extreme cold, and anti-static properties. 2. Application Process: Applying paint protection film is relatively simpler compared to crystal coating. Crystal coating demands higher technical expertise and a more controlled environment. It requires thorough cleaning of the car body using clay bars with QD liquid or polishing, followed by degreasing with a degreaser to ensure the effectiveness of the coating. This process is quite complex and typically takes about 2-3 days to complete. In contrast, applying paint protection film involves a comprehensive cleaning of the car body, followed by the use of a heat gun to adhere the film tightly. This process can be completed in just one to two days.
I find this topic quite interesting. Paint protection film is essentially a transparent plastic film applied to the car's paint, providing direct physical protection like a phone screen protector. Last year when my car got scratched by a tree branch, the film's scratches self-healed, leaving the paint completely unharmed – truly amazing. As for ceramic coating, it involves applying a liquid crystalline substance to the paint that hardens into a thin protective layer when dry, offering UV resistance and oxidation prevention. However, its effectiveness diminishes after rain. While PPF is more expensive, it lasts five to six years, whereas ceramic coating is cheaper but requires annual reapplication. If I frequently drove on gravel roads, I'd definitely choose PPF for greater peace of mind.