Real Results

The cost of professional ceramic coating in Red Deer can vary considerably depending on the size of the vehicle, the condition of the paint, how much preparation or paint correction is required, and the type of ceramic coating being installed. Local advertised packages currently range from several hundred dollars for basic applications to well over $1,500–$3,000 for more comprehensive packages that include paint correction, longer-term coatings, wheels, glass and trim.

The most accurate ceramic coating quote is based on the vehicle's size, paint condition and the level of protection you're looking for. Vehicles requiring extensive paint correction will generally cost more than a newer vehicle with paint already in excellent condition.

The way we've set up our pricing is Super Simple. You pick your coating (set price per vehicle size), then you pick a polish package to go along with it, if applicable.

A professionally installed ceramic coating can last anywhere from a few years to many years depending on the coating system, surface preparation, vehicle use and ongoing maintenance.

For example, the System X products we work with include different protection levels. We offer System X's Crystal+ with a 2-year warranty, Pro+ with a 6-year warranty, and Max G+ with a lifetime warranty, subject to the manufacturer's warranty requirements and maintenance conditions.

However, the advertised lifespan of a coating and how it performs in the real world are also influenced by how the vehicle is treated. A garage-kept vehicle that is properly washed and maintained will generally be easier on a coating than a daily-driven work truck exposed year-round to winter grime, road contaminants and frequent washing.

Proper preparation before installation is equally important. A quality coating applied over a properly prepared surface will provide much better long-term results than simply applying ceramic coating to inadequately prepared paint.

For vehicle owners who care about maintaining their paint, appearance and ease of maintenance, professional ceramic coating can absolutely be worthwhile.

The biggest advantage isn't that your vehicle suddenly becomes harder to scratch. Instead, ceramic coating creates a durable, hydrophobic protective surface that improves gloss and makes dirt, water and environmental contaminants easier to remove. System X describes its automotive coatings as providing additional gloss and protection over automotive clear coat while helping contaminants release more easily during cleaning.

Ceramic coating can be particularly worthwhile if you:

• Plan to keep your vehicle for several years
• Want to maintain a high-gloss finish
• Drive your vehicle year-round
• Want washing and maintenance to be easier
• Have recently had your paint corrected or polished
• Want longer-lasting protection than conventional waxes or sealants

It may not be the right investment if your primary goal is preventing rock chips or significant scratches. Those require a different type of protection, such as paint protection film (PPF). It's important to note that you can apply ceramic coatings on top of PPF, you can not apply ppf on top of a professional ceramic coating; Nothing sticks.

Not every vehicle requires extensive paint correction before ceramic coating, but every vehicle requires proper surface preparation.

Ceramic coating is transparent. It enhances and protects the surface underneath it, which means existing swirl marks, oxidation, haze, water spotting and other paint defects can remain visible after the coating is installed.

For a vehicle with noticeable imperfections, polishing or paint correction before coating allows us to improve the paint first and then protect the corrected finish.

Even brand-new vehicles aren't automatically defect-free. Transportation, dealership washing, improper drying and previous handling can introduce light swirls or other imperfections before the owner ever takes delivery.

The amount of correction required therefore depends on the individual vehicle. Some paint may only need a light enhancement polish, while heavily swirled or neglected paint may benefit from more extensive correction.

Our objective is simple: get the paint looking the way you want it before putting long-term protection over it.

No. Ceramic coating does not make your vehicle scratch-proof, and it will not prevent rock chips.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding ceramic coatings.

A ceramic coating adds a protective layer over the clear coat and is excellent for improving hydrophobic behaviour, gloss, chemical resistance and ease of cleaning. 

For customers primarily concerned about stone chips on bumpers, hoods, mirrors and other high-impact areas, PPF is the appropriate form of physical protection.

Many owners ultimately use the two technologies together: PPF on high-impact areas and ceramic coating for enhanced gloss, hydrophobic performance and easier maintenance.

Ceramic coating is especially useful through an Alberta winter because it creates a highly hydrophobic surface that makes water, dirt and environmental contamination less likely to cling stubbornly to the paint.

The advantage is that a properly maintained coated surface boasts chemical & salt resistance, and is generally much easier to clean and maintain than an unprotected surface.

The combination of professional preparation, quality ceramic coating and regular maintenance can make it substantially easier to keep a daily-driven vehicle looking its best through our demanding year-round conditions.