Ceramic coating is a popular option for car enthusiasts and those looking to protect their vehicle’s paintwork. It’s a liquid polymer that’s applied to the exterior of a car, creating a protective layer that helps to prevent oxidizing. But this is relatively expensive compared to other types of paint protection.
So, how much does ceramic coating cost?
The cost of ceramic coating for a car can vary depending on various factors, such as the vehicle’s size, the paintwork’s condition, and the type of ceramic coating used. On average, a professional ceramic coating can cost $250-$3000+.
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However, there are reasons behind its high cost. Also, the cost of DIY and professional coating can vary significantly. Let’s explore the key factors that affect the cost of ceramic coating.
What is a Ceramic Coating?
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A ceramic coating is a zinc-based liquid polymer applied to a vehicle’s exterior, creating a protective layer on top of the paint. This layer helps to protect the vehicle’s surface from contaminants such as dirt, dust, and bird droppings.
This coating is known for its durability and longevity, with some coatings claiming to last for years without needing reapplication. They can protect against oxidation, UV damage, and swirl marks.
How Much Does Ceramic Coating Cost? Is it the Most Expensive Car Coating?
A professional ceramic coating service for a car or small SUV can cost around $250-$3000. But with higher-end coatings and larger vehicles costing more.
However, it’s important to remember that the cost of ceramic coating can also depend on the condition of the vehicle’s paintwork before the coating is applied.
If the paintwork requires additional preparation, such as paint correction or scratch removal, this can add to the overall cost. Here is the cost breakdown of ceramic coating:
Cost based on the quality or grade of the ceramic coating:
| Ceramic Coating Installation | Cost Range |
| Entry-level or consumer-grade | $400 – $1,200 |
| Mid-range or professional-grade | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| High-end or premium-grade | $2,500 and above |
Coating cost based on lifespan and size of vehicle:
| Coating Duration | Large Vehicle | Medium Vehicle | Small Vehicle |
| 1 year | $900 – $1,100+ | $800 – $1,000 | $750 – $900 |
| 3 year | $1,700 – $2,000+ | $1,500-$1,800 | $1,300-$1500 |
| 5 year | $2,400 $2,700+ | $2,200 $2,500 | $2,000 – $2,200 |
Cost of light ceramic coating:
| Paint Correction (PC) | Cost |
| Light Coating with 1-step PC | $400-$700 |
| Light Coating with 2-step PC | $800-$1200 |
| Light Coating with 3-step PC | $1500-$2000 |
Combination cost:
| Stage of Polish | Duration | Cost |
| Single stage | 1 year | $700-1800 |
| Single stage | 3 year | $1200-2500 |
| Single stage | 5 year | $1800-3500 |
| Single stage | Lifetime | $3500-6000 |
While coating your car, you can choose to have a layer of ceramic protection applied to other areas, such as wheels, plastic trim, and door jambs. Coating these additional areas has an extra charge. These costs aren’t included in the main cost.
| Additional Area | Cost |
| Wheel face | $100 – $200 |
| Door jamb | $100 – $200 |
| Plastic trim | 100 – $200 |
| Windshield | $75 – $100 |
Why is Car Ceramic Coating So Expensive?
One of the main reasons why car ceramic coating is expensive is the cost of the product itself. Ceramic coatings are made with high-quality materials that are more expensive than those used in traditional wax products.
Additionally, the research and development that goes into creating ceramic coatings are more extensive, adding to their cost.
The product required to coat a car with ceramic coating is typically much higher than wax or sealant. While a 16 oz bottle of wax may only require 5%-10% of its contents to coat a car.
But a ceramic coating may require half or even the entire bottle for one application. This means you’re paying more money for less product regarding ceramic coating.
DIYs vs. Professional Grade Ceramic Coatings Cost
DIY ceramic coating costs less, with an average cost of around $70. However, they typically have a shorter lifespan, lasting between six months and one year.
It doesn’t provide the same durability, gloss, or protection as professional-grade coatings. While the initial cost of a professional-grade ceramic coating may be significantly higher than a DIY kit, it offers several advantages.
Professional coatings have a longer lifespan, with durability ranging from two to five years or even longer. They also provide superior protection against various environmental elements.
DIY Ceramic Coating Process Step By Step
Here’s a step-by-step guide for a DIY ceramic coating process:
Step 1: Clean Car’s Paintwork
Car paint quickly picks up road grime, sand, and dirt. These fragments can damage the glossy appearance of ceramic coating. So you need to clean them first.
Step 2: Decontaminate the Surface
Decontamination means removing iron deposits from the car surface. Tar remover is best for removing iron from the car. However, you can also use clay bar lubricant and clay bar to remove any contaminants from your car.
Step: 3. Polishing
Polish your car before applying the ceramic coating. It helps to remove any type of swirls and scratches from the car and gives a more glossy look.
Step 4: Spray Isopropyl Alcohol
This alcohol mix spray will remove any oil residue from your car. It also helps to form a strong bond between paintwork and ceramic coating. So spray the IPA mix and clean it with a clean towel.
Step 5: Apply Ceramic Coating
Before applying the coating, shake the coating bottle well. Then start from left to right and up to down motions. Wait until it’s dry, but not for too long because the ceramic product will flash after 25-30 seconds.
Step 6: Let the Coat Cure
For optimal curing, leave your car for 13-15 hours in a cool and dry place. Ensure your car is away from rain, humidity, moisture, and dust. Keep the car under the sun for a couple of hours as it helps to cure quickly.
Ceramic Coating Cost: New Vs. Used Car
Generally, brand-new vehicles tend to be cheaper to coat because they require less preparation. The time and effort required for the coating process can significantly affect the cost.
The preparation may involve a thorough wash and decontamination before applying the ceramic coating to a brand-new car where the paint is in relatively good condition. This process can be completed in a shorter time frame, resulting in a lower cost.
On the other hand, used cars often have paint imperfections, swirl marks, scratches, or fading due to regular wear and tear. Preparing the paint surface for ceramic coating on a used car can be more time-consuming and challenging.
The detailer may need additional hours correcting paint, such as polishing and buffing, to address these issues before applying the ceramic coating. Consequently, a used car’s ceramic coating cost is usually higher than a new car’s.
Factors that Affect Ceramic Coating Cost
Several factors can influence the ceramic coating cost for a vehicle. Some key factors can affect the ceramic coating cost:
● Car model
Some vehicles have complex designs or unique features that make the ceramic coating process more challenging and time-consuming. This can increase the cost as it requires additional labor and expertise to coat such vehicles properly.
● Size and Shape of Vehicle
The size and shape of the vehicle are important considerations. Larger vehicles, such as trucks or SUVs, require more ceramic coating products and more labor time, which can increase the overall cost.
● Project Time Frame
The time required to apply the ceramic coating can impact the cost. If you need the coating done quickly, some service providers may charge additional fees for expedited or priority service.
● Additional Services
Paint correction, surface preparation, or paint protection film (PPF) installation may be offered alongside ceramic coating. Opting for these additional services will increase the overall cost.
● Quality of Ceramic Coating
The quality and brand of the ceramic coating product used can impact the cost. Higher-quality coatings often have a higher price tag due to their advanced features, durability, and longevity.
How Much Does Ceramic Pro Coating Cost?
It varies depending on the vehicle size and the package chosen, but the cost of Ceramic Pro coating can range from $100 to $1,500.
Is There A Downside To Ceramic Coating?
Yes, there are potential downsides to ceramic coatings. These coatings can be expensive and difficult to apply. Additionally, they aren’t completely impervious to scratches or damage.
How Long Does Ceramic Coating Last?
Ceramic coating can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years, depending on application quality, maintenance, and environmental conditions.
Is Ceramic Coating Worth It For Cars?
Ceramic coating can provide long-lasting protection and enhanced car appearance. This makes it worth considering for those seeking high-quality paint protection and easier maintenance.
How Much Does Ceramic Coating Cost For A Truck?
The cost of ceramic coating for a truck can range from $1500 to $5750, depending on factors such as the truck’s size and the coating’s quality.
Conclusion
So, how much does ceramic coating cost? Let’s recap one last time.
The ceramic coating costs range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Although ceramic coating may seem expensive, it offers numerous benefits that make it a worthwhile investment. Not only does it provide long-lasting protection, but it also creates a hydrophobic surface that makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
It’s important to note that the cost of ceramic coating should not be the sole determining factor when choosing a coating service. The expertise and reputation of the coating professional, as well as the quality of the products used, should also be taken into consideration.
Hello, I’m Michael Rosales an expert in cars. As a little boy, I have always loved cars. Over the years I became lucky to have the opportunity to work as a car dealer. It was at this stage I became vast in the knowledge of cars, things you need to know when buying cars and how to minimize cost while still getting your dream car.