| Feature | Ceramic Coating | Paint Protection Film |
|---|---|---|
| Stone chip protection | ❌ No | ✅ Yes — primary purpose |
| Scratch resistance | Minor (swirl resistance) | ✅ Yes — self-healing |
| Hydrophobic (water beading) | ✅ Exceptional | Moderate |
| Chemical resistance | ✅ Excellent | Good |
| Gloss enhancement | ✅ Significant | Minimal |
| UV protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Visible on paint | Invisible | Virtually invisible |
| Longevity | Lifetime (Platinum) | 10+ years |
| Starting price (Melbourne) | From $1,800 | From $3,000 |
| Can be combined? | ✅ Yes — PPF + ceramic over the top is the gold standard | |
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds to your car's paint, forming a semi-permanent protective shell. It dramatically increases hydrophobic properties, UV resistance and surface hardness.
PPF (Paint Protection Film) is a thick polyurethane film applied over your car's paint. It physically absorbs impact from stone chips, road debris and minor collisions. Adex PPF is self-healing — minor scratches disappear in the sun.
The best of both worlds — and the choice of Melbourne's most discerning car owners. Apply Adex PPF first for physical impact protection, then layer ceramic coating over the top for hydrophobic properties, enhanced gloss and self-cleaning ability. The ceramic also protects the film itself, extending its life.
This combination is standard for supercar deliveries, new prestige vehicles, and any vehicle where the owner wants the absolute maximum protection available.
Get a Free Proposal →Ceramic coating with Adex's Platinum Experience carries a lifetime warranty. Other tiers offer 5–10 years depending on maintenance. Premium PPF like industry-leading carries a 10-year manufacturer's warranty and often exceeds that in real-world applications. In both cases, proper maintenance and periodic decontamination extends service life significantly.
Consumer-grade ceramic products are available, but professional application ensures proper surface preparation (decontamination, paint correction) and correct curing conditions. A poorly applied ceramic coating can create permanent water spots, high spots and uneven finish that is difficult to remove. Professional application also comes with warranty.
High-quality PPF like industry-leading is optically clear and virtually invisible on the vehicle. There may be very slight differences at film edges, which are minimised through professional installation with edge-tucking. Many customers comment that PPF makes their paint look better than before due to the optical clarity of the film.
For a brand-new vehicle, we generally recommend PPF on high-impact areas (bonnet, front bumper, mirrors, door edges) plus a full-car ceramic coating. This gives you physical protection where it matters most, with hydrophobic and UV protection across the entire vehicle. Budget permitting, a full PPF wrap with ceramic over top is the gold standard.
At Adex Detailing, ceramic coating starts from $1,800 for a standard passenger vehicle. PPF partial protection (full front end) starts from $3,000, while a full vehicle PPF wrap starts from $8,000. Exact pricing depends on vehicle size, paint condition and package selected. Contact us for a free personalised quote.
Our team will assess your vehicle, driving habits and budget, then recommend the best protection package for you — with no obligation.
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