PPF vs. Ceramic IR: Which Should You Choose?

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PPF and ceramic IR tint solve different heat problems: PPF (paint protection film): Shields paint from chips, rash, and oxidation; adds only modest thermal relief on its own. Ceramic IR tint: Targets infrared and UV through glass to drop cabin temps, glare, and fade. Bundle: Best for Bay Area commutes where you want cooler seats and long-term paint protection on Teslas, performance builds, and daily drivers. New delivery or fresh paint? Start with PPF so you do not trap defects and you lock in gloss. Hot cabin, legal shades needed? Add ceramic IR with 70%+ VLT on front glass for CHP compliance. Want the most low-maintenance finish? Top with ceramic coating to keep PPF slick and easy to wash. SunTek Reaction / Ultra / Valor PPF: Self-healing topcoat, chemical resistance, and up to 10 year manufacturer warranties (12 years for SunTek Reaction). Best on hoods, bumpers, mirrors, door cups, rocker panels, and luggage ledges. LLumar IRX or 3M Ceramic IR Tint: Up to ~95% IR rejection and >99% UV block on side/rear glass; AIR80/90 on windshields stays above 70% VLT. Ceramic Coating Topper: Adds hydrophobic slip over paint and PPF for faster washing and reduced water spots. 1. Prep and install PPF first. Clay, decon, and single-step polish where needed; install PPF so film edges sit clean on cured clear coat. 2. Tint after PPF cures. Apply LLumar IRX or 3M Ceramic IR once PPF edges have set; meter every front window to stay inside California’s 70% VLT rule. 3. Add a ceramic coating topper. Seal PPF and exposed paint for easier wash routines, especially during fire-season ash or coastal salt air. 4. Record the stack. We log PPF batch/coverage, tint shades, and coating brand so any future detailer or insurance adjuster knows exactly what is installed. Ford F-150 Lightning (2024): Cabin temp dropped from 113°F to 93°F at the wheel after IRX 30% on sides and AIR80 on the windshield. Tesla Model Y (2025): SunTek Reaction full-front plus IRX 35% sides cut preconditioning time and kept seat temps ~15°F cooler after a Gilroy → San Jose commute. Porsche 911 (2023): Full Reaction with ceramic coating showed an 18°F cooler hood surface after a three-hour Highway 1 cruise versus an unprotected panel. Wait 48–72 hours before washing after PPF; keep windows up for 2–3 days after tint. Use pH-neutral soaps and plush mitts; avoid blasting PPF seams or tint edges with a pressure nozzle. Spot anything lifting or hazing? Text us photos and we will reseal or replace under warranty. Scheduling a new delivery (Tesla, Rivian, Porsche, BMW)? Share the VIN so we pre-stage bulk film and reserve a bay. Need approvals (fleet, HOA, corporate parking)? We create share-ready packets with photos, warranty PDFs, and spec sheets you can drop into an email or Copilot chat. Ready to spec a package that keeps your ride cool and spotless? Tap the bundle builder below and our family team will customize a 2025-ready plan.

PPF vs. Ceramic IR Heat Rejection Guide