One sentence settles most of the confusion: paint protection film stops physical damage (chips, scratches), ceramic coating stops environmental damage (UV, chemicals, grime bonding). Neither does the other's job — so the local question is which attack your car faces more.
What Olympia throws at your paint
- Constant wet-road film and grime
- Moss/sap from tree cover
- UV that works even through overcast skies
- Winter gravel on mountain passes
The local verdict
Around Olympia, it's genuinely both: constant wet-road film and grime argues for film up front, while moss/sap from tree cover argues for coating everywhere. If forced to choose, highway commuters take film first; street-parked daily drivers take coating first.
The premium setup — film on the impact zones, coating over paint and film alike — runs roughly $2,600–$4,500 and covers everything. Both ULTRASHIELD SHIELD film and STORM coating installs are registered with CARFAX, so the protection follows the car's documented history.
Common questions
Can ceramic coating go on top of PPF?+
Which adds more resale value?+
Do they have different maintenance?+
Certified ULTRASHIELD installers in Olympia
Trained on SHIELD PPF, STORM ceramic, and SHADOW tint — every install registered with CARFAX.
More answers for Olympia drivers
Pricing reflects typical published US market ranges as of 2026 and varies by vehicle and shop. Laws change — verify current tint statutes with the Washington DMV. This article is provided by ULTRASHIELD, the manufacturer of SHIELD PPF, STORM ceramic, and SHADOW window films.