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True Cost of Paint Protection Ownership

Table of Contents

paint protection price comparisons over lifetime

Paint Protection Isn’t Just About the Upfront Cost

Most Albertans looking to protect their vehicles only focus on the sticker price. But the real cost isn’t just what you pay today—it’s what you pay over the next 10, 15, even 20 years keeping that protection intact.

If you’ve ever looked into ceramic coatings or PPF, you already know the drill—yearly fees, mandatory maintenance, and costly reapplications. But do you actually know what you’re signing up for? Let’s break it down.

Comparing the Cost of Ownership: Ceramic Coating, Full-Body PPF & Icon Rocklear in Calgary

Ceramic Coating Ceramic Coating Full Body PPF Icon Rocklear
Product Warranty / Lifetime
10 Years
20 Years
10 Years
20 Years

Upfront Cost

$1,200 – $1,700
$1,200 – $1,700
$6,000 – $8,000
$1,997 – $2,597
Annual Fees
$250 – $400
$250 – $400
None
None
Total Cost Over Lifetime
$3,450 – $5,300
$5,950 – $9,300
$6,000 – $8,000
$1997 – $2597
Annual Cost of Ownership
$345 – $530
$297.50 – $465
$600 – $800
$99.85 – $129.85
Monthly Cost of Ownership
$28.75 – $44.17
$24.79 – $38.75
$50 – $66.67
$8.32 – $10.82

Wait… So a “10-Year” Ceramic Coating Only Lasts 6-12 Months?

Yes. That’s the part most shops don’t tell you upfront. Ceramic coatings don’t last 10 or 20 years on their own. With daily driving, they break down in 6-12 months.

So how do they sell you a “10-year” or even a 50-year ceramic coating? By making you come back every single year for another layer, paying maintenance fees to “refresh” the coating and keep your warranty active. It’s in the fine print of the manufacturer warranty – go ahead and read it.

Translation? You’re locked into paying $250-$400 per year for as long as you want to keep it “working.”

The True Cost of Ownership: $8.32 - $10.82 per Month

When you add up the lifetime costs of each option, and spread it out over the lifetime of the product, you get the true cost of ownership.

  • Ceramic Coating (10-Year Cost): Costs $345 – $530 annually, or $28.75 – $44.17 per month.
  • Ceramic Coating (20-Year Cost): Costs $297.50 – $465 annually, or $24.79 – $38.75 per month.
  • Full-Body PPF (10-Year Cost): $600 – $800 annually, or $50 – $66.67 monthly —and you’ll have to replace it in 10 years.
  • Icon Rocklear (20-Year Cost): $99.85 – $129.85 annually. That’s just $8.32 – $10.82 per month.

💡 Less than a tank of gas. Less than a phone bill. Less than a pizza.

🚫 Stop Paying Over and Over. Protect Your Vehicle for Life.

The Choice is Simple: Keep Paying or Pay Once

  • Ceramic Coatings = Locked into maintenance fees for life. All for ZERO protection from rock chips, gravel rash, key scratches, etc.

  • Full-Body PPF = $12,000+ over 20 years.

  • Icon Rocklear = One and Done. No reapplications. No annual fees.

You work hard for your money—why throw thousands of it away every year just to keep your warranty valid?

Get it done once, and you’re covered for 20 years.

Get a Quote & Protect Your Vehicle for Life

Most people don’t realize how much they’ll actually spend over time—until it’s too late. Don’t lock yourself into recurring payments for the next 10-20 years.

One-time investment in your vehicle’s protection
Real-world protection from rock chips, key scratches, gravel rash, tree branches, shopping carts, UV, etc.
No annual maintenance fees to keep the warranty valid
20+ years of protection for the price of a single ceramic coating install

Ready to protect your vehicle for life? Click below to get your quote.

What's your main goal today?

  1. Get a free quote: If you’re considering protecting your vehicle and giving it a showroom finish with world-class coatings like Icon Rocklear or simply protecting your vehicle with PPF (paint protection film), or window tint, click here to request a free quote. Just answer a few quick questions and get an instant quote within minutes!

  2. Work at Tap And Shine: We’re always on the lookout for talented, skilled, and hardworking people. If you or someone you know is considering a career in Calgary’s first and only shop to offer Icon Rocklear, or PPF, window tinting, or ceramic coating, check out our Careers page here.
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