Types of Car Paint Protection and Which to Choose

We all know about routine oil changes and mechanical inspections, but what about preserving the integrity of your car’s look? Keeping the body scratch and corrosion-free should be high on your car’s maintenance list. To help you decide which car paint protection is right for your vehicle, we’ve put together this insightful guide.

To start, let’s look at some benefits of protecting your car’s paint:

1. Preserve the original paint. Think of all of the daily encounters your car faces: acidic tree saps, bird droppings, UV rays, and road tar.
2. Maintain or increase your car’s value. The first thing a potential buyer will notice is the appearance of the vehicle. Are there scratches, faded color, chipped paint, or corrosion?
3. Make cleaning simple. Paint protection will help minimize the buildup of dust and grime, making it easier to fix scratches.

Now, let’s dive into the different types of car paint protection.

Wax

Getting your car waxed is probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about paint protection. Wax will last between two and four months, depending on weather conditions and how often the car is washed. While it will add an attractive gloss finish to the surface and protect against dirt and grime, your vehicle will still be susceptible to scratches, scuff marks, rock chips, and chemicals.

Paint Sealant

Paint sealants are synthetically engineered to bond to the car’s original paint. Typically, these sealants last between three and six months and offer a high gloss finish. This type of protection is excellent against sap, road chemicals, and UV rays.

Glass Coating

Glass coating, a silicon-based compound, will give your car a sleek, wet look on average for about six months. Besides giving a high-end appearance, this hard, semi-permanent shield will protect against scratches, oxidation, and contaminants.

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds to the car’s surface, forming a two to four yearlong durable shield—and in some cases, up to 10 years. With a ceramic coating, you can easily wash away dirt and grime buildup. It also protects against insect acids, snow, bird droppings, UV rays, sap, road salts, and road chemicals.

Clear Paint Protection Film

A clear paint protection film is made of plastic and is generally only applied to areas prone to rock chips, small scratches, and minor abrasions. It can even be an excellent option for protecting the entire car.

When deciding between a type of protection, consider the surface finish, durability, and longevity. It’s also recommended to talk to a professional to determine what’s best for your car’s needs.

Is Paint Protection Worth it?

Paint protection is an investment in your vehicle. After application, you’ll quickly see why paint protection is worth your time and money, as it will maintain the integrity of your car’s original paint and overall value. However, if you’re unsure about the upfront cost money for a paint protection application, think of how much it will cost to repair scratches and rock chips in the future. Consistent protection application and upkeep will also have your car looking brand new years after purchase.

How is a Paint Protection Applied?

Applying any of the above paint protectors can be done yourself if you have the time, patience, and tools to get the job done. However, it’s best left to the hands of a professional. Detailing jobs will vary on cost, depending on the type of protection used.

While some shops will try to sell you on the most expensive (and often unneeded) package, the team at Total Performance Center will walk you through the options and evaluate the needs of your car. We consider your daily commute, local weather conditions, and other environmental factors to decide which of these options provides the greatest value and is the best deal for your budget. Whether you’re looking to protect your daily driver or track car, Total Performance Center has you—and your vehicle—covered