PPF or ceramic coating — which does your car need?
They solve different problems and aren't alternatives. Paint protection film is physical thickness that stops rock chips and scratches. Ceramic coating is a chemical layer that adds gloss and makes the car far easier to wash, but it won't stop a stone. If your paint is getting chipped on the 401, you need film. If it's getting dull and hard to clean, you need coating.
Side by side
| Paint Protection Film | Ceramic Coating | |
|---|---|---|
| Stops rock chips | Yes | No |
| Stops light scratches | Yes, self-heals | Minor swirls only |
| Adds gloss | Some | Yes, significantly |
| Easier washing | Some | Yes, dramatically |
| Blocks road salt | Yes, physically | Repels it chemically |
| Lasts | 5 – 10 years | Years, with care |
| Our price from | $599 partial front | $299 exterior |
Which one for an Ontario winter
If you're commuting the 401, 410 or 427 through winter, gravel and salt are your actual enemy. Film on the front end — bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors — takes that damage instead of your paint. That's a partial front from $599 or a full front from $999.
Coating doesn't stop a stone. What it does is stop salt and brake dust bonding to the paint, so winter grime rinses off instead of etching in. At $299 for the exterior it's the cheapest meaningful protection you can buy.
The combination most people end up with
Film on the front end, ceramic over everything including the film. The film takes the impacts where they happen; the coating makes the whole car easier to keep clean and adds gloss to both.
If budget forces a choice: new car being driven daily, do the film first — chips can't be undone. Older car that's already chipped, do the coating, because film locks in whatever is underneath it.
Frequently asked
Is PPF or ceramic coating better?
Neither is better — they do different jobs. PPF is physical thickness that stops rock chips and scratches. Ceramic coating is a chemical layer that adds gloss and makes washing far easier but won't stop a stone. Many customers do both: film on the front, coating over everything.
Can you put ceramic coating over PPF?
Yes, and it's a common combination. The coating goes over both the film and the surrounding paint, making the whole car easier to clean and adding gloss to both surfaces.
How much does PPF cost compared to ceramic coating?
Our PPF starts at $599 for a partial front, $999 full front and $2,950 full vehicle. Ceramic coating is $299 exterior and $149 interior. Film costs more because it's hand-cut material and labour-intensive to install.
Does ceramic coating stop scratches?
No. It adds hardness and gloss and helps with very light swirls, but it will not stop a stone chip or a key. Anyone telling you otherwise is overselling. That's what paint protection film is for.
Should I get PPF on a used car?
You can, but the paint should be corrected first — film locks in whatever is underneath, including swirls and chips. We'll tell you honestly whether a car needs correction before film.
Get an exact price for your car
Three shops across Brampton and Etobicoke, open seven days. Tell us your vehicle and we'll come back with a real number.