top of page

Is Xpel Ceramic Coating Worth the Investment? Pros and Cons to Consider

What is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic Coating is a flexible and thin, 9H nano coating that offers unrivaled gloss, superior hydrophobic protection, and improved scratch resistance with a single-layer application for paint, glass, wheels and calipers, plastic and trim, or upholstery on vehicles. If you are searching for a longer lasting, higher shine producing, and more user-friendly paint protection option, then using a professional ceramic coating is a good replacement for traditional car wax.


Ceramic Coating Being Installed

Why choose an Xpel Product?

XPEL FUSION PLUS™ is the most advanced ceramic coating that is designed to bond with paint protection films like XPEL Ultimate Plus™ to give you the best of both worlds, rock chip and abrasive protection with the gloss, shine and easy cleaning of ceramic coating! 

XPEL FUSION PLUS™ bonds at the molecular level to seal and protect the surface against our harsh Alberta environment, including fall out, UV rays fading your paint, and insects acids etching the finish. Its hydrophobic properties repel dirt and liquids making washing your car a breeze, you’ll save time and money all the while having the best looking paint on the block. Unlike other ceramic coatings, XPEL FUSION PLUS™/XPEL FUSION PREMIUM™ is applied in one coat, and only requires an annual maintenance with XPEL CERAMIC BOOST/XPEL CERAMIC LITE and a decontamination of the paint once a year.


Pros of Ceramic Coating: If you're still unsure about what the product offers, here's a jot list of advantages to ceramic coating your vehicle!


  • Increases Colour Depth and Gloss, making the vehicle look better than it did in the showroom!

  • Assists in maintaining “like new” condition

  • Cuts wash time in half and time in between washes doubles, bug guts come right off (even when stuck to PPF)

  • Protects against 99% of Harmful UV Rays, Oxidation, Insect Acids, Corrosion and other road contaminants such as tar, oil, salts, etc.

  • Prevents discolouration (Paint Fade) from oils, pollution, and other environmental impurities.

  • Repels Water, Dirt, Splash Marks, and Road Grime

  • Leaves paint with a smooth/slick finish

Cons of Ceramic Coating:

Let's take a look at what ceramic coating can't do. Here are the most common complaints you'll hear.


  • It doesn't magically make imperfections disappear. Scratches, swirls, water spots etc. Will all need to be taken out or improved upon with paint polishing, which will usually cost extra. That being said, once it's done and you ceramic coat it, it'll lock that in and stay looking perfect!

Ceramic Coated Black 2019 Land Rover Discovery

See Image Above for Finished Product of Polishing & Ceramic Coating

  • It doesn't turn your vehicle into a tank. Unfortunately, despite some places advertising ceramic coating as a replacement for paint protection film, and claiming it's just as good at protecting against impact such as preventing rock chips. While it helps to a degree, to say it works the same isn't factual. This is why having a product such as Fusion+ that works in tandem with Xpel's Paint Protection line is so handy.

  • Keeping your vehicle clean is important and washing regularly after coating is recommended. Ceramic Coating helps to make that process easier and quicker. With that being said, Drive Through Car Washes, touchless or not, are ill advised if you wish for the maximum longevity of the coating. Most use cleaning chemicals high in pH among other things that can deteriorate the coating.

  • Water Spots/Swirl Marks Are Never 100% Preventable. A waterproof coating doesn't change this. However, water spots are less likely and much easier to clean. Most beads of water will roll right off after washing, which minimizes the likelihood of water spots. It's our recommendation to use a good, clean, drying towel after a wash! The formation of swirl marks on your car is also minimized by ceramic coating however just like water spots, they are also inevitable.


In conclusion, Ceramic Coating stands out as a game-changer in vehicle protection, offering an impressive array of benefits such as enhanced gloss, hydrophobic properties, and extended protection against UV rays and environmental contaminants. Its single-layer application streamlines maintenance, providing a durable, high-gloss finish. However, it's crucial to acknowledge its limitations, including the need for additional steps to address existing imperfections and the fact that it isn't a substitute for impact resistance like Paint Protection Film. Despite these considerations, the overall value of Ceramic Coating, particularly exemplified by advanced products like XPEL FUSION PLUS™, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking lasting aesthetic appeal and long-term protection for their vehicles.

48 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Okotoks Tinting Blog

As a young man I was always looking for a way to customize my car with the best parts and aftermarket products I could afford, to set myself apart from my friends and others in the early 2000's car cu

© Okotoks Tinting 2022

bottom of page