Ceramic vs PPF

Has anyone done a ceramic coating or ppf on their 4runner and recommend one over the other? I know the core differences between the two after doing a fair amount of research but wanted to get feedback from those that have actually done one over the other and how they have held up over time.

 

two completely separate levels of protection. Ceramic coating isn’t going to protect against scratches like ppf

 

Right. I know the differences between the two but I wanted to know about personal experiences from those who have done one over the other and how it's held up over time.

 

I did a 5 year ceramic coat.. more for shine, dust/dirt can be cleaned off easily..
PPF def for scratches/small chips..

both services cost.. If I could I would do BOTH.. but not going to be doing to much trails so I went with ceramic coat.. hope this helps..

 

I had the whole front end of mine wrapped with ppl and then ceramic coated but it's only been a year but seems to be holding up good

 

May I ask what kind of PPF you got? I am considering doing Xpel in spring for the whole front end and grill

 

I have done all of my 4Runner that I bought new and have only used xpel

 

Most installers will do PPF and then a coating on top of the PPF if you desire. My wife has a vehicle that had xpel applied on the forward facing areas and then the whole vehicle was coated with Optimum. I have never waxed or applied sealant to the car and when I wash it looks brand new. Salt and dirt hose off with ease.

I have never had it applied to any truck simply for the fact that I feel it would be destroyed from all the brush and trail rash they encounter.

 

I got ceramic about 3 months ago and I can't tell a difference...maybe I just got some cheap soap or wax but spent like 700 bucks on the entire vehicle. It looked super nice at first but then I just went away. I wanted to do the paper thing but too expensive...so left it alone.

 

Joe how is your Xpel holding up so far? Have you had any issues?

 

personally, ceramic is NOT worth the cost. i had gyeon quartz coating on my previous vehicle.

you still have to wash normally, the paint can still get dirty if the beaded water is not removed in time. dirt will land on the beaded water and dry.

over the counter products from meguiars and turtle wax has improved so much to the point where a wipedown with their ceramic sprays will hold up a few months in most conditions. and those are less than $10.

PPF is a completely different beast. i would love to have my entire vehicle wrapped in one, but a bit out of my price range.

 

I installed a 3M precut bra a few years ago. It still looks good and must be working, I don’t have any chips on the front end yet. It’s a fairly thick film. Around $250 for the kit.

 

I’ve not yet been convinced on the ceramic coating. Personally I think it’s snake oil for vehicles.

I’ve been using the Turtle brand spray wax “Ice” and really like it. It may not last as long as conventional wax, but it’s so much easier to apply than conventional wax.

 

I have been using the Turtle Wax ceramic detailer for the last year or 2. It's pretty amazing, IMO. I'll apply it after a good wash, and the 4Runner will look clean for weeks. If I do go get it dirty, the coating seems to hold up through numerous washes. I was considering an actual ceramic coat until I started using this.

 

Me too. I'm sure ceramic coating provides good protection initially, but I serious doubt the claims of 3-5 years of protection.