Compare your options
Car Paint Protection on the Gold Coast: PPF, Ceramic or Both
Paint protection film and ceramic coating solve different problems. This guide compares them side by side, with the prices we charge at our Southport studio.
Side by side
| Feature | Paint protection film (PPF) | Ceramic coating | Both |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A thick, impact-resistant SunTek Reaction film over the paint | Drip 9H, our in-house-formulated ceramic coating, bonded to prepared paint | Film on the panels you choose, ceramic over the whole car |
| Stone chips | Shields paint from stone chips and road debris | Not impact protection; 9H is a pencil-hardness rating | Chip protection where the film is |
| Gloss and washing | Hydrophobic, low-orange-peel finish | High-gloss, hydrophobic; grime washes off easily | Both benefits |
| Stains and UV | Helps protect against UV, bird droppings and bug splatter | Resists bird droppings, bug splatter, sap and UV fading | Both benefits |
| Finish options | Gloss, matte (full car) or colour change | Enhances the existing paint | Any PPF finish plus a coated surface |
| Warranty | 12-Year Manufacturer Warranty, subject to SunTek’s terms | 10-Year Ceramic Coating; ask us for the terms | Each product’s own terms |
| Starts from (inc GST) | $3,300 (Front Half) | $1,320 | $3,696 (PPF Front Half + 10-Year Ceramic package, 20% off) |
Choose PPF if stone chips are the worry
PPF is the impact-resistant option of the two. If you drive the M1 daily, follow trucks and utes, or own a car where a chipped bonnet would hurt, film on the front is the priority.
Front Half covers the bumper, bonnet, front guards, headlights and mirrors for $3,300 inc GST. Track Pack adds the lip, side skirts and A-pillars for $3,850 inc GST. Full Body protects every painted panel from $5,500 inc GST, depending on vehicle size.
Choose ceramic if you want gloss and easy washing
Ceramic coating is about keeping the car looking glossy and making it quicker to clean. Water, mud and grime bead off, and contaminants like bird droppings and bug splatter have a harder time etching the paint.
Every car is prepared before coating, so the price follows the paint condition: from $1,320 inc GST on brand-new or lightly swirled paint, up to $1,485 inc GST for heavily swirled and scratched paint.
Choose both for the complete package
Many customers apply PPF to high-impact areas and then coat the whole vehicle with ceramic. The film handles chips at the front; the coating makes every surface glossy and easy to wash.
The PPF Front Half + 10-Year Ceramic package is 20% off, from $3,696 inc GST.
Packages & Pricing
Where to go next
| Package | What’s included | Price (inc GST) |
|---|---|---|
| All PPF packages | Front Half, Track Pack, Full Body, matte and colour change | From $3,300$3,000 + GST for ABN/fleet |
| Ceramic coating | The 10-Year Drip 9H Ceramic Coating | From $1,320$1,200 + GST for ABN/fleet |
| PPF Front Half + 10-Year Ceramic package | Front Half PPF and the 10-Year Ceramic Coating, 20% off | From $3,696$3,360 + GST for ABN/fleet |
| New car protection | How to protect a car straight from the dealer | From $1,375$1,250 + GST for ABN/fleet |
Common questions
Questions we get asked
Is PPF better than ceramic coating?
They do different jobs. PPF protects against stone chips and road debris; ceramic coating adds gloss, makes washing easier and resists chemical etching. Neither replaces the other.
Can ceramic coating stop stone chips?
No. 9H is a pencil-hardness rating, not a promise that the coating is scratch-proof or immune to stone chips. Choose PPF for impact protection.
Can I get PPF and ceramic together?
Yes. The PPF Front Half + 10-Year Ceramic package is 20% off, from $3,696 inc GST.
Which is cheaper?
Ceramic coating starts lower, from $1,320 inc GST. Front Half PPF is $3,300 inc GST.
What warranty comes with each?
SunTek Reaction PPF has a 12-Year Manufacturer Warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s terms. Our Gold Coast ceramic coating is the 10-Year Ceramic Coating; ask us for its warranty terms before you book.
Can I get a matte finish?
Yes, with Full Car PPF, from $6,050 inc GST depending on vehicle size.
Find the studio
Visit us in Southport
DRIP Automotive Co.
68 Davenport Street, Southport QLD 4215
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, closed weekends
Get directionsGet a price for your car
Start with the PPF or ceramic calculator for an indicative price, or send us your vehicle details and we’ll recommend the right protection.