PPF Clear Bra vs. Ceramic Coatings - What's the difference?
Will Russell • July 13, 2025
PPF CLEAR BRA or CERAMIC COATING
How do I Choose?
When it comes to protecting your vehicle’s paint, the two best options are Paint Protection Film (PPF) and/or Ceramic Coatings and at Xclusive Autoworks, we offer both with premium products and expert craftsmanship. And after all these years, I get asked the same question over and over again.. "What is the difference?" ...
PAINT PROTECTION FILM (CLEAR BRA or PPF)
Brands We Install: STEK Dynoshield, STEK Dynomatte, LLumar Platinum, PURE Colored PPF
WHAT DOES IT DO???
- Provides a thick, invisible layer of impact protection
- Defends against rock chips, scratches, road debris, and staining
- Self-heals from light scratches with heat or sunlight
- Available in gloss, satin (stealth), and solid color finishes
WHY CHOOSE LLUMAR OR STEK?
- STEK Dynoshield delivers extreme high gloss and hydrophobic performance with great clarity and long term performance.
- STEK Dynomatte offers a stealth satin finish with self-healing protection. Matches BMW Frozen finishes.
- LLumar Platinum is known for excellent optical clarity and stain resistance. American made film that has been on the market for 10+ years. One of the oldest and most reputable American manufacturers.
💵 Cost:
- Starts around $2200 for full nose coverage
- Full-body wraps range from $6500–$9,500+
- PURE Colored PPF and custom installs range from $7500-$12,000
🕒 Install Time:
- 1–2 days for partial coverage
- 6+ days for full body
🧽 Maintenance:
- Treat the film as if it were paint with the exception of using Carnauba based waxes as these can stain and congest the films.
- Use pH-neutral car shampoo and high quality microfiber towels
- Avoid automatic car washes or high pressure washers
- We recommend applying CQUARTZ Skin on top for added protection & easier cleaning
Ceramic Coating (CARPRO CQUARTZ)
Brands We Offer: CQUARTZ UK 3.0, CQUARTZ Professional, CQUARTZ Skin, CQUARTZ FINEST RESERVE, DQUARTZ PRO
WHAT DOES IT DO???
- Insane Gloss as the coating creates a glass-like protective layer that enhances shine and makes washing effortless
- Easy Washing because CQUARTZ Ceramic repels water, dirt, bird droppings, and UV rays
- Prevents oxidation and chemical staining
- Adds a deep, candy-like gloss that lasts at least 5 years in our experience
WHY CHOOSE CQUARTZ/DQUARTZ?
- UK 3.0: Industry-trusted with over 12 years of testing on the market, and guaranteed to last many many years under heavy abuse.
- CQUARTZ Professional: Exclusive to trained installers, longer protection, strong chemical resistance, high gloss, very hydrophobic
- CQUARTZ Finest Reserve: The most well known flagship coating—only available through certified elite shops. Extreme high gloss and the most hydrophobic coating on the market. Strong scratch and stain resistance. This a product we have helped R&D since 2012 and 500+ of our customers can attest to it's performance.
- Skin: Designed specifically to bond with PPF and vinyl for added durability and flexibility. Adds strong hydrophobics on top of PPF.
💵 Cost:
- Entry-level coatings start at $1,095
- Higher-end professional coatings range from $1,500–$2,500+
🕒 Install Time:
- 1 day for Level One coatings
- 2–3 days for professional-grade multi-layer applications
🧽 Maintenance:
- Wait 5–7 days before washing with any soaps. Water/rain and rinseless wash is okay.
- Wash every 2–3 weeks with pH-neutral shampoo (CarPro Reset is our go-to)
- Avoid tunnel washes and use ceramic-safe drying methods
COMBINE THE TWO FOR THE BEST PROTECTiON
This is without a doubt THE most popular option among our clients!
- PPF on high-impact zones like bumpers, hood, and doors
- CQUARTZ Ceramic Coating on top for extra gloss, slickness, and easier maintenance
This combo gives you the physical protection of PPF with the long-term cleanliness and shine of ceramic.
Still unsure which is right for you? We’ll help you build a protection package that fits your needs, budget, and vehicle. We use only premium films, certified coatings, and never cut corners, OR CARS 😅 —because your car deserves the best.
Xclusive Autoworks Inc. Policy Form 2025 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Taking care of your new custom vinyl wrap on your car is important to ensure its longevity and appearance. Here are some tips that we recommend on how to wash vinyl wrap: Always refer to the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer of the vinyl wrap, as different products may have unique requirements. Every […]
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Cancellation Policy: You will have a scheduled day and estimated time for each scheduled service. If you need to cancel / reschedule within 24 hours of your appointment, you forfeit that service and your deposit. If you know in advance that you will need to cancel a service and inform us at least 24 hours […]
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Specifically designed for previous ceramic coating and paint protection customers Each Package Includes: Exterior two bucket wash Rims degreased/deironized Glass shined inside and outside Tires shined with matte or semi-gloss dressing (non-silicone, no sling) Vehicle dried with warmed air and microfiber finishing towels Something like this on a ceramic coated car can be completed in […]
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THE CARPRO REAL WORLD 2-YEAR WARRANTY ( PROFESSIONAL ) THE CARPRO REAL WORLD 3-YEAR WARRANTY ( FINEST RESERVE ) We believe in real results and honest protection. CARPRO’s REAL WORLD WARRANTY shows our confidence in our coating products and the skills of our certified detailers. At the same time, all our operations are firmly grounded […]
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Satin/Matte/Stealth finish paint protection If you’re in the market to add paint protection to your vehicle but on the edge with getting a vinyl wrap then this is the solution. Matte or satin finish paint protection film is just as thick and protective as the high gloss finishes and will add a unique stealth look […]
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How long until my car can get wet? Whenever we release a vehicle it is fully cured and baked. This means the coating is safe to go outside. We do recommend you wait at least 5 days until exposing the finish to ANY soaps. Water from rain is okay, but no rinsing, washing, or waterless […]
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The most common questions about paint protection film How much does paint protection film cost? “With many factors going into pricing out the cost of paint protection film you can see that shopping around between installers can be very confusing. We understand this and are here to help you through the process of finding the […]
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The Cost of Paint Protection Film With many factors going into pricing out the cost of paint protection film you can see that shopping around between installers can be very confusing. We understand this and are here to help you through the process of finding the right installer. This article is here for people who […]
The post How much does paint protection film cost? What goes into pricing clear bra ppf? appeared first on Long Island Tint, Ceramic Coatings and Paint Protection.
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