Ceramic Coating Calgary
Easy Cleaning + UV Protection. With Clear Expectations.
If you want your vehicle to stay cleaner longer than traditional waxing and wash easier for 6-12 months – ceramic coating is a good option.
Ceramic coatings offer:
- Hydrophobic surface (less grime sticks, easier washes)
- UV protection + reduced oxidation over time
- Needs to be re-applied every 6-12 months to keep the warranty valid ($200-$500 per visit)
If your main goal is protection from rock chips, gravel, or key scratches, ceramic coatings are not engineered for that – and we’ll tell you that upfront.
Trusted, In-House Installs
See Why Albertans Trust Tap And Shine
for Real Rock Chip & Key Scratch Protection
So I decided to try Icon Rocklear at Tap and Shine… and wow.
First thing you notice is the shine. The gloss is insane. The truck looks like it’s been freshly detailed almost two years later. And if you own a black vehicle, you know that’s saying something.
What impressed me more (and what ceramic never nailed for me) is how easy it still is to clean. Bugs, grime, and that gritty film you get from highway driving don’t seem to bond the same way. Most washes are quicker, and even when it’s dirty, it still looks cleaner and glossier than it should. I’m coming up on two years since my install and it still beads pretty nice and looks ridiculously glossy.
The other reason I’m glad I upgraded: peace of mind. I’m not gentle with my trucks - I drive them, I haul, I do road trips, I deal with gravel and construction zones. And Rocklear has held up better than any ceramic coating I’ve ever paid for.
If you’re considering ceramic coating because you want easier cleaning - that’s exactly why I used ceramic for years. But if you want a noticeable step up in gloss, durability, and long-term satisfaction, Icon Rocklear is the first thing I’ve tried that actually feels like an upgrade. And there's no better crew to install it than Devante and team!!! Great work boys!!
What Ceramic Coating Does
Ceramic coatings are designed for UV protection and easier cleaning – longer than traditional waxes.
- Helps water bead and slide off easier
- Adds chemical resistance against road film, bugs, bird droppings
- Keeps paint looking “newer” longer than traditional waxes
What Ceramic Coating Is NOT Built For
- Rock chips from Alberta gravel and highway driving
- Deep impact scratches (keys, sharp contact)
- Full “force-field” protection (that’s PPF territory on high-impact zones)
If you’re mainly worried about rock chips and gravel…
Most Calgary drivers end up choosing Icon Rocklear for full-body protection, PPF for high-impact areas, or a hybrid strategy (Alberta Armour®).
Why Ceramic Coatings Were Once Popular in Calgary
Easier Washing
Dirt and road film don’t cling as aggressively, so maintenance becomes faster and less frustrating.
Most people are unaware that this is temporary - and typically lasts 6-12 months until it needs to be re-applied (otherwise known as "annual maintenance").
UV Protection
A protective barrier that helps preserve paint vibrancy and reduce oxidation over time.
Most people are unaware that your clear coat already does this for free - and for longer - than a layer of ceramic coating will ever last.
Easily Accessible
Most ceramic coatings are a DIY product, and freely available at detailing stores and Amazon.
The easy accessibility allows anyone to start installing it with just a few hours of training.
Icon Rocklear is only available to certified installers, and we're Calgary's only studio that's licensed, trained, and certified to install Rocklear.
Who It's For (and Who Should Skip It)
Ceramic Coating Is a Great Fit If...
- You want easier cleaning and less grime adhesion
- You’re mostly city driving / moderate highway use
- You care about keeping your vehicle clean more often
- You want a protective layer for UV + chemical exposure
- You’re okay thinning your clearcoat each visit (through the process of paint correction)
- You’re okay with paying $200 – $500 per year of the warranty, to get it re-applied (mandatory or the warranty is voided)
Skip Ceramic Coating If Your #1 Goal Is...
- Rock chips, gravel, and highway damage
- Key scratch resistance / impact events (shopping carts, scuffs, etc)
- Increased gloss and shine for 20 years, without the need for an invasive “paint correction”
- Avoiding any thinning of your clearcoat
In these cases, we’ll usually recommend Icon Rocklear, PPF, or a hybrid strategy (Alberta Armour®).
Ceramic Coating Costs Calgary
$899
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
None
$999
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$289 per year for the following 3 years (mandatory to maintain the 4 year manufacturer warranty)
$1299
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$319 per year for the following 7 years (mandatory to maintain the 8 year manufacturer warranty)
$1799
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$349 per year for the following 7 years (mandatory to maintain the 8 year manufacturer warranty)
$1049
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
None
$1149
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$329 per year for the following 3 years (mandatory to maintain the 4 year manufacturer warranty)
$1449
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$359 per year for the following 7 years (mandatory to maintain the 8 year manufacturer warranty)
$1949
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$389 per year for the following 7 years (mandatory to maintain the 8 year manufacturer warranty)
$1199
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
None
$1299
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$369 per year for the following 3 years (mandatory to maintain the 4 year manufacturer warranty)
$1599
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$399 per year for the following 7 years (mandatory to maintain the 8 year manufacturer warranty)
$2099
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$429 per year for the following 7 years (mandatory to maintain the 8 year manufacturer warranty)
$1249
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
None
$1349
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$409 per year for the following 3 years (mandatory to maintain the 4 year manufacturer warranty)
$1749
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$439 per year for the following 7 years (mandatory to maintain the 8 year manufacturer warranty)
$2249
Covers:
Includes:
Annual Costs:
$469 per year for the following 7 years (mandatory to maintain the 8 year manufacturer warranty)
Why Choose Tap And Shine for Ceramic Coating in Calgary?
What's Included
A ceramic coating is only as good as the prep and the installer behind it – so we document the process and keep expectations realistic.
Wash + Decon
Remove road film and contamination.
Clay Bar + Iron Removal
Smooth the surface before coating.
Paint Correction (1-stage)
Polish your clear coat to refine gloss and finish quality (polishing thins your clear coat though).
Coating Application
Base coat / top coat system depending on package.
Straight Talk: What You Should Expect
- Ceramic coatings improve ease of cleaning and UV protection.
- Ceramic coatings are not engineered to stop rock chips or deep scratches.
- Warranty/longevity depends on maintenance and real-world driving conditions.
- With daily driving, you can expect a ceramic coating to last 6-12 months.
48+ Years Combined Experience
Lifetime Workmanship Warranty
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Complimentary Uber Rides
Ceramic Coating Calgary FAQs
Longevity depends on conditions and maintenance. With daily driving, you can expect one layer to last 6-12 months in Alberta. We’ll set realistic expectations and explain what’s covered.
Since we started offering and installing Icon Rocklear in 2024, nearly every single person that wanted a ceramic coating switched over to Rocklear because of it’s performance.
Once in a while, we’ll still install ceramic coatings on areas Rocklear cannot go on, like the windows, plastic trim, and interior.
Still Not Sure? Ask Us What Makes The Most Sense For YOUR Driving
Our Services
Unlike ANY other Calgary PPF or Ceramic Coating shop – We’re the FIRST and ONLY shop in Calgary to offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
We stand behind our quality of work and put our name behind our work. Meaning if you’re not happy with our workmanship or service, you simply don’t pay!
Calgary's ONLY Paint Protection Broker – See Why We're the Obvious Choice
Calgary's ONLY PPF + Rocklear installer
Lifetime workmanship warranty
48+ years combined experience
No hassle transport - we Uber you both ways
Trusted by thousands of Calgary vehicle owners
We’re not just another “Calgary PPF and ceramic coatings” shop.
As Calgary’s only paint protection broker, we offer what others can’t — the only two real rock chip defense technologies (PPF + Rocklear). Join the thousands of Albertans who trust Tap And Shine to protect their rides – and their investment.
📍 4509 1 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2L2
🕙 Open Wed-Sun, 10am – 7pm (by appointment only)
📞 Call or Text: (587) 741-1555
We’re located just two blocks southeast of Macleod Trail and 42 Ave SE.
*10 minutes from downtown*
*3-5 minutes from Chinook Mall*