Between road salt, sand, and sub-zero temps, Stillwater drivers need a plan. Here’s a simple head-to-head so you can choose the right protection for how—and where—you drive.
The contenders (quick definitions)
- Wax/Sealant: Short-term shine and water behavior. Lasts weeks to a few months.
- Ceramic Coating: Semi-permanent layer that boosts gloss, chemical resistance, and wash ease for years with proper care.
- PPF (Paint Protection Film): A thicker, self-healing urethane film that absorbs impacts (chips, minor abrasions) better than coatings or wax.
How they handle Stillwater realities
1) Road salt & chemical grime
- Ceramic: Excellent resistance; grime releases faster, reducing etching risk.
- Wax: Good initially but breaks down quickly in winter.
- PPF: Film surface is resistant; often paired with a ceramic topper for easier washing.
2) Rock chips on Hwy 36 & river roads
- PPF: Best choice—physical impact resistance.
- Ceramic: Not impact protection; pair with PPF.
- Wax: No impact defense.
3) Wash time in freezing temps
- Ceramic: Shorter wash times and less scrubbing; hydrophobics help.
- PPF: Easy to clean, even better when coated.
- Wax: Fine at first, but durability fades mid-winter.
4) Longevity
- Ceramic: Multi-year when maintained.
- PPF: 5–10 years depending on film quality and care.
- Wax: Weeks to months.
Best combos for Stillwater drivers
- Commuter Setup: Ceramic coating on paint + glass; topper every 8–10 weeks.
- Highway/Truck Setup: PPF on hood/bumper/rockers + ceramic everywhere else (including over PPF).
- Work & Recreational Vehicles (RVs, boats, equipment): Ask about durable ceramic systems (we install ROAR Coatings where heavy-duty performance is needed).
Care plan that actually works here
- Rinse after storms.
- Hand wash every 2–3 weeks.
- Dry with plush microfiber.
- Apply ceramic-safe spray topper periodically.
- Annual decon/inspection to keep performance high.
FAQs
Can I coat over PPF?
Yes—coating over PPF adds slickness and easier cleaning.
Is ceramic or PPF better for winter?
They do different jobs. For chips: PPF. For wash ease and chemical resistance: ceramic. Many Stillwater owners choose both.
What about wheels and glass?
Coating them makes winter cleanup much easier and reduces salt staining.
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