Last Updated on September 26, 2023 by Chase Manhattan
Ceramic coatings are a relatively new and innovative way to protect your vehicle, but they come at a price. An average application of ceramic coating can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,000 depending on the size of your car, what brand you choose and whether you choose to do it yourself or have someone else do it professionally.
That’s why I’ve put together this article: I want you to know if it’s worth spending that kind of money on an extremely high-tech product that says it will make your car last longer than traditional waxes and sealants but which also requires maintenance every few months in order for its benefits to remain intact!
So keep reading, and lets get into the details!
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How Much Does A Ceramic Coating Cost Professionally?
The cost of a ceramic coating depends on the size of the vehicle, the type of ceramic coating, and the shop doing the work.
For example, at some shops you can get one-step ceramic coating for $150 per square foot (PSF). But if you’re looking for a two-step process, which involves applying an etching primer before applying your top coat, expect to pay anywhere from $300 PSF up to $1,000 PSF depending on what kind of job they do.
Why Is Ceramic Coating So Expensive?
Ceramic coating is a very specialized product, and that means it’s expensive. The cost of materials for ceramic coating is high in part because of the specialized equipment required to apply it and the time spent by technicians to ensure that each vehicle gets an even coat of protection. Keep in mind that ceramic coating requires preparation more involved than most other processes.
Related article: Ceramic Coat vs Wax
What Factors Affect the Cost of Ceramic Coating?
When it comes to pricing for ceramic coating, numerous factors affect the total cost of the service. These factors include the location of the application as well as the type and extent of coating needed. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about your vehicle’s maintenance needs.
Location of the Application
The location of application can affect the cost of ceramic coating. The cost of the coating tends to vary based on labor costs and material costs in the region. For example, if you live in a metropolitan area with high overhead costs, you can expect to pay more for ceramic coating. Additionally, the availability of qualified professionals in your area can also affect pricing.
Glass Coatings
Glass coatings tend to be cheaper than other coatings because the total surface area is tiny. This makes it faster and less time-consuming to apply. According to industry trends, glass coatings typically cost between $50 and $100 for application.
Wheel Coatings
Wheel coatings can be more expensive than glass coatings, depending on the type and size of the wheels. Larger wheels take longer to apply, require more coating material, and require more preparation before applying the coating for optimal results. Depending on the type, size of vehicles, and location, wheel coatings can range between $200 to $500 for a set.
Trim Coatings
Trim coatings require more prep work than glass or wheel coatings, particularly for chrome or metal trims. The price of trim coating for a car depends on several factors such as the complexity, condition, and number of trims to coat. On average, trim coatings can range between $150 and $400.
Ceramic Coating Cost Breakdown Video
Is It Worth It To Get A Ceramic Coating?
If you’re looking for a way to protect your car and keep it looking new, ceramic coating may be the answer. Ceramic coating can last up to 8 years and protect your vehicle from scratches and other damage that comes with daily use. It’s also easy to apply–you can do it yourself or have a professional apply it for you.
In addition to protecting your vehicle from everyday wear-and-tear, ceramic coating provides an extra layer of protection against rusting and corrosion when applied correctly; this means that even if water does get onto parts of your car (like through a crack in the windshield), there won’t be any issues with rust forming where it touches those surfaces because they’ve been treated with ceramic. Ultimately, I believe this pays for itself over the long run.
Related article: How long do ceramic coatings last?
Can You Do A DIY Ceramic Coating?
Yes, you can do a DIY ceramic coating. You will need to buy the materials and follow the instructions carefully. The process takes time and patience but it is not difficult if you have a good understanding of what needs to be done.
If you are new to this kind of project, I recommend hiring someone who has experience with ceramic coatings on cars or motorcycles. If they can’t help you then maybe they know someone who can!
Related Article: How long does ceramic coating take to cure?
How Much Would The Supplies Cost To Do It Yourself?
The total cost of doing it yourself depends on a number of factors:
- The price of a kit. This will vary depending on where you buy your supplies, but expect to spend between $50-$200 for everything you need (except tools).
- The cost of materials and supplies. You’ll need enough paint or coating to cover the entire car, which can run up into thousands of dollars depending on how big your vehicle is and how much coverage it needs.
- The opportunity cost of time spent applying the coating by hand instead of working at your normal job or spending time with family members–the longer it takes to apply coatings by hand versus using an automated machine like ours means more money lost!
Related article: What Is Clear Coat?
Are There Different Levels Of Ceramic Coatings?
Yes, there is a wide range of ceramic coatings available. In fact, you may have noticed that there are many different grades of Ceramic Coating on the market today. Each grade has its own unique properties and applications in mind, but all of them share one common trait: they’re designed to protect your car from scratches and dents!
The best way to get started with Ceramic Coatings is by picking out a product that suits your needs best–whether that means price or performance or both!
Related read: How To Protect Car Paint
Ceramic Coating Variations
There are two main types of ceramic coating: nano and wax. Nano is much more expensive than wax, but it lasts longer and gives you a smoother surface that’s easier to clean. Wax is cheaper but doesn’t last as long or provide as smooth of a surface.
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If you want something between the two extremes, there are also hybrid ceramic coatings available which combine both nano and wax for an inbetween option that can be customized based on your needs and preferences.
Nano Coating
A nano coating is a bit different from the traditional ceramic coating because it is not a paint. It’s a coating that is applied to your vehicle with a special applicator, and creates a thin layer of protection that repels dirt and water.
The cost of getting this type of treatment varies depending on what kind of car you have, how long it takes for the technician to apply it and other factors. But in general, you can expect to pay between $250-$350 for this service at most garages or auto dealerships across America
Graphene Wax
Graphene is an ultra-thin sheet of carbon that’s one atom thick. It’s often referred to as a “wonder material” because of its many amazing properties, including strength and flexibility. Graphene has been used to create everything from batteries to tennis rackets.
Graphene wax is a product made from graphene nanosheets (sheets of pure carbon atoms). It can be added to ceramic coating formulas to improve hardness and scratch resistance without changing the appearance of the coating itself; it also helps make ceramic coatings more durable against acids such as vinegar or lemon juice that might otherwise damage them over time.
Do Ceramic Coatings Have To Be Maintained?
Ceramic coatings are a great investment, but they do require maintenance. If you’re wondering how much is ceramic coating and whether or not it’s worth the money, then you should know that maintaining your coating is just as important as having one in the first place.
If you’ve invested in a ceramic coating for your car or truck, then you’ll want to make sure that it stays looking good for as long as possible by following these simple steps:
- Wash your vehicle regularly with soap and water (or whatever cleaning products are recommended by your manufacturer). This will help remove dirt and debris from the surface of your vehicle’s paint job so that any scratches caused by normal wear-and-tear will be less noticeable when they appear later on down the road.
- Use waxes designed specifically for use on cars with ceramic coatings if necessary; these products contain ingredients which protect against oxidation while also making them easier to apply than other types of waxes which may damage plastic parts like headlight lenses.
- Take extra care when washing away salt stains since these minerals can become trapped between layers within an existing layer during winter months when snow is prevalent throughout most parts North America
Want to protect that precious ceramic coating? Read these:
> Best Car Soap for Ceramic Coating Care
> Best Detail Spray for Ceramic Coated Cars
Does It Cost The Same For The Next Application?
The answer here is really simple: it just depends on the brand and quality of the product you are using.
If you’re buying cheap, low-quality ceramic coating, then yes–it will cost more to apply another layer than it did for your first application (or layers). However, if you buy a reputable brand that has been tested by professionals in labs (like I recommend), then it shouldn’t matter how many times you want to apply their product because they’ve already done all their research for you! In extreme cases, the ceramic coating will be removed entirely for a new application which further effects the cost; however, if the previous coating was poorly applied it is sometimes possible to only remove the streaks to restore the proper finish of your coating.
Conclusion
Ceramic Coating is a great way to protect your car from the elements. It can be done by yourself or with the help of a professional. The price for this service varies depending on what type of coating you choose and how much coverage area needs to be covered up. Other factors like labor costs, material prices and availability also affect pricing so it’s important that you do some research before getting started!
FAQs
Is ceramic coating worth the cost?
Yes, ceramic coating is worth considering if you want to protect the appearance and value of your car. It offers long-term protection, reduces maintenance needs, and enhances the overall look of your vehicle.
How much does ceramic coating cost?
The cost of ceramic coating varies depending on the size of the vehicle, the extent of coverage, and the application process used. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000 or more for the coating.
How long does ceramic coating last?
Ceramic coating can last up to five years or more, depending on the quality of the coating and how well it is maintained.
