Ceramic Coating — 3 Year
3-year ceramic coating.
A protective layer that cures onto the clear coat, makes upkeep easier, and protects the paint for 3 years.
Starting at
Starting at $895
Final price depends on the vehicle's size and paint condition before treatment.
Typical duration
A full day, including preparation and curing time.
Where
9250 boul. Leduc, Quartier DIX30, Brossard — by appointment
A ceramic coating is a liquid protective layer that, once applied, cures chemically onto the clear coat to form a semi-permanent film. Unlike a wax or sealant that wears off within weeks or months, a properly prepped ceramic coating lasts several years.
The 3-year treatment is a middle option between short-term upkeep and the maximum protection offered by the 5-year coating: it suits drivers looking for durable protection without necessarily going for the longest option available.
Ceramic coating versus wax and sealant
A wax is a natural or synthetic product that sits on top of the clear coat without chemically bonding to it. It wears off quickly, usually within a few weeks, under the effect of washing and weather.
A synthetic sealant lasts longer than wax, often a few months, but it's still a surface-level layer. A ceramic coating, on the other hand, forms a chemical bond with the clear coat and cures into a much more resistant layer, which explains why its lifespan is measured in years rather than weeks.
Hydrophobic effect and UV protection
The hydrophobic effect of a ceramic coating causes water to bead on the surface rather than spread into a film. This reduces how much dirt sticks to the paint and makes washing significantly easier, since most contaminants don't have time to embed themselves.
The coating also acts as a barrier against UV rays, one of the main causes of oxidation and paint dulling over time.
What a ceramic coating doesn't do
A ceramic coating doesn't replace physical protection against impacts. It doesn't prevent rock chips, deep scratches from thrown gravel, or damage from direct contact with a hard object.
It protects the surface chemically but doesn't add meaningful thickness capable of absorbing an impact, unlike a liquid PPF or a rigid paint protection film.
Full preparation is required
A ceramic coating seals in the condition of the clear coat at the moment of application. That's why a full decontamination and, when needed, a paint correction always come before application, so that micro-scratches or contaminants don't get locked in under the protective layer.
Skipping this preparation step compromises both the final appearance and the product's adhesion, which can shorten its real-world lifespan.
- Hand wash and chemical decontamination
- Removal of iron contaminants and tree sap
- Paint correction depending on clear coat condition
- Coating application in a controlled environment
- Curing time before the vehicle is returned
Who the 3-year treatment is for
The 3-year treatment suits drivers who keep their vehicle for an average length of time, or who want serious protection without necessarily going for the longest option. It offers the same benefits of easier upkeep and UV protection as the 5-year coating, over a shorter period.
For vehicles meant to be kept longer, or exposed to more demanding conditions like Quebec's harsh winters with salt and calcium, the 5-year ceramic coating may be a better long-term investment.
Recommended aftercare
Proper aftercare extends the real-world lifespan of the protection. Hand washing remains the recommended method; automatic brush car washes speed up wear on the ceramic layer and can also cause micro-scratches.
Regular rinsing during winter helps limit salt and calcium buildup, particularly for vehicles that frequently travel highway 30 or route 132.
How it works
Step 1
Evaluation
Inspecting the paint and recommending between the 3-year and 5-year treatment.
Step 2
Decontamination
Hand wash and removal of contaminants embedded in the clear coat.
Step 3
Paint correction
Polishing micro-scratches before sealing, if needed.
Step 4
Coating application
Applying the 3-year coating by hand, panel by panel.
Step 5
Curing
Controlled resting period before the vehicle is returned to the client.
Recommended aftercare
- Avoid automatic brush car washes for the entire duration of the coating.
- Prefer hand washing with mild products, without abrasive wax.
- Rinse the vehicle frequently in winter to limit salt buildup.
- Avoid parking under trees to limit contact with sap and bird droppings.
What our clients say
★★★★★
“Amazing job by Carl and his employee! Great price too, and the attention to detail is the best I ever witnessed. Back next year with both my cars. Ceramic 1 year on brand new Nissan Ariya.”
★★★★★
“Excellent service! I had concrete and milk stains baked into the doors and roof of my car and everything was perfectly cleaned. The work was done with great care, even beyond what the service included. I recommend them 100%.”
Frequently asked questions
- What exactly is a 3-year ceramic coating?
- It's a liquid protective layer that cures chemically onto the clear coat and forms a semi-permanent film, offering a hydrophobic effect and UV protection for about 3 years.
- What's the difference between a ceramic coating and a wax?
- A wax sits on the surface without bonding to it and wears off within weeks. A ceramic coating forms a chemical bond with the clear coat and lasts several years.
- Does a ceramic coating prevent rock chips?
- No. It protects the paint chemically but doesn't add enough thickness to absorb impacts. A liquid PPF or a rigid film is better suited against chips.
- Does the paint need to be polished before applying a coating?
- Almost always. The coating seals in the clear coat's current condition: any uncorrected micro-scratches will remain visible for the entire duration of the treatment.
- How do you maintain a vehicle with a 3-year ceramic coating?
- Hand washing is recommended over automatic brush washes, which wear down the protective layer faster. Frequent rinsing in winter also limits salt buildup.
- Why choose the 3-year over the 5-year coating?
- The 3-year treatment suits vehicles kept for an average length of time, or drivers who want serious protection without going for the longest option available.
- How long does applying a 3-year ceramic coating take?
- Usually a full day, including decontamination, paint correction if needed, application, and curing time before the vehicle is returned.
Related services
5-Year Ceramic Coating
Reinforced ceramic protection for new vehicles or long-term ownership.
Learn more →
Liquid PPF Protection
Thick, hand-applied Opti-Shield coating on the vehicle's most exposed zones.
Learn more →
Car Polishing
Restoring depth and gloss to paint, from light maintenance to full correction.
Learn more →
Ready to protect your vehicle?
All evaluations are done on-site, by appointment, at Quartier DIX30.