How Much Does a Ceramic Coating Cost?

How Much Does Ceramic Coating Cost?

Despite the mentioned benefits, there’s one major reason why many car owners choose not to get a ceramic coating; the price. The total cost involved depends on several factors, such as preference and whether it is a professional-grade or DIY ceramic coating. The overall cost is guided by the state of the vehicle’s paint, the size of the car, and who does the job. Coating prices can generally range between $1,200 and $5,000. Ceramic coating for brand new vehicles is usually cheaper than an older vehicle with an unkept car exterior that requires paint correction. 

Break Down the Cost – What Determines the Cost?

Generally speaking, the biggest cost incurred in the ceramic coating is the labor rate since the entire process is very time-consuming. The labor includes preparing the car, ceramic coating application, and coating maintenance.

Preparing the car and the application of ceramic coatings entails approximately 20-30 hours of labor. It involves a vehicle prewash, hand wash, paint correction, panel wipe, polishing of hard-to-reach areas, and ceramic coating application.

The size of the vehicle and the shape of the vehicle’s paintwork matter, determining the number of labor hours spent and the costs involved. Depending on the detailer’s labor rate, this will range between $1,500 to $4,500. Adding to this is the cost of detailing products, averaging a ballpark figure between $300 to $500.

Upkeep for professional ceramic coatings applied is crucial to maintain the integrity of a ceramic coated vehicle, regardless of whether it was professionally installed or DIY ceramic coatings alternative was used. Aftercare product prices range from $50 to $ 75 for a 2-3 months supply bottle. Routine car washes every two weeks are required, with a professional charging $60.

Vehicle size also has a bearing on ceramic coat cost. It plays a role in how much product will be needed and the surface area that requires polishing. A larger vehicle consumes more time and product, increasing labor hours and product purchase costs.

Another factor that determines the amount of ceramic coating is the color of the vehicle. Darker cars generally require more paint correction and polishing to achieve an optimal finish because defects are more easily visible than in lighter colors such as white or silver.

Why Does Ceramic Coating Cost So Much?

Ceramic coating commands a high price due to many factors. It requires great expertise and experience and lasts longer than other car protection options such as sealant and car wax. The professional-grade ceramic coatings are costly. The process of applying a ceramic coating is very time-consuming.

Unlike DIY kits with consumer-grade ceramic coatings, professional coating services are offered in packages that include prep work, product supplies, labor required, and storage of the vehicle post-installation for curing.

Is Ceramic Coating Worth It?

The cost of applying ceramic coating goes well beyond the product's price. Vehicle owners may opt to take on the project by themselves, a task that is not difficult but rather time-consuming and requires great skill. While this saves money, the result is incomparable to a professional detailer's.   

Advantages of Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coatings offer an effective way to add a layer of protection to your vehicle’s paintwork. The various perks include:

Protection

As the main benefit, the ceramic coating offers effective protection from weather elements such as UV rays, acidic rain, oxidation, and pollutants, keeping your car’s paintwork from looking old and dull. Unlike wax or sealant, the paintwork and coating should last more than three years.

Durability

The protection lifespan extends to about five years when properly applied, depending on the vehicle's storage, usage, and maintenance.

Effortless Cleanup

The ease of maintenance offered by professional coatings makes it worthwhile. Washes are simpler due to their hydrophobic properties, which allow contaminants and water to only sit atop the coating. Car washes also do not require the use of harsh chemicals on the clear coat. A simple spray wax works right. Swirl marks are an issue of the past.

Extra Glossy finish

Ceramic coating adds an extra level of gloss and deep shine to a car’s surface, making the car look better than new. Maintaining this fresh and glossy appearance is easy since dirt and debris are easy to remove during car washes.

Abrasion Resistance

High-quality ceramic coatings are hard and at the top of the range in offering resistance to abrasions on the car’s paintwork, significantly reducing minor damage from scratches and road grime. A high-quality product will also not peel or crack over time. This product does not, however, protect the car from deeper scratches.

Welcome To M7B Correction & Auto detailing

Professional ceramic coating is more cost-effective than traditional waxes and polishes and extends the car’s exterior finish in the long run. If you’d love to learn more about ceramic coatings and various offerings, contact M7B Correction & Auto detailing by calling (612) 868-1022 or email mbpaintcorrection@gmail.com or visit https://www.mbpaintcorrection.com/ to book a service.