Ceramic Coatings Cost and Is It Worth it?

Getting straight to the point:

How much does a ceramic coating cost?

Below $880: Below average.

$1,000 - $2,000: Typical range.

$2,000 and up: can indicates high-end work.

Note: Prices can vary based on property value, with rural areas generally being cheaper.

Is a Ceramic Coating Worth It?

While a ceramic coating offers benefits, nothing replaces excellent auto insurance, proper storage (in a low humidity safe garage), and routine maintenance. A daily-driven car is not an investment (it literally depreciates every day and kilometre).

It's worth it if:

• You wash your car weekly and want to reduce minor scratches (from washing).

• Your car's manufacturer has a history of designing weak clear coat or is known for poor paint quality. Research if your car has a history history see if it is known to have paint or clear coat issues.

• Or if you have the money and want the best gloss on the car

Note: If money is tight, focus on routine oil changes instead—these are more essential for daily-driven cars.

A ceramic coating enhances your car's appearance, providing a glossy finish and making it easier to clean, as traffic film is less likely to adhere to the surface. Traffic film is that white or grey dirt that sticks to your car. It is the thing people write "wash me" on their car.

Types of Ceramic Coatings

Professional Ceramic Coating: More challenging to apply, but often comes with a warranty (check the limits of the warranty). They typically last 5-9 years. Coatings that last longer than 9 years will require a maintenance plan. This is where you see the detailer every year or two for a paid follow-up detail. These follow-ups can range from $300 or more per year.

Note: Most professional ceramic coatings need to be applied in a climate-controlled environment (not outside or at someone's house). Reason ceramic coatings harden differently when exposed to humidity or water (creating tiny bubble outlines).

Consumer Ceramic Coatings are easier to apply, usually have no warranty, and last from 3 months to 5 years. 3 to 6-month coatings are extremely cheap and mimic a ceramic coating. 3 to 5-year coatings tend to be a bit more expensive.  

NOTE: It is highly common for a dealership, car washes, and dodgy detailers to pass off a cheap 3-month ceramic coating as a 5-year coating. Written warranties and guarantees are a must. The most common dodgy ceramic coating I see is a $500 - $800 ceramic coating that only spends $50 dollars on product and completes the task in less than a day.

Costs and Time

Our costs for ceramic coatings average around $445.

Cost broken down

Rent and Marketing on Google cost $50 - $100

The standard ceramic coating costs $150 - $225

Washing chemicals cost $80.00

Microfibres cost $50.00

Polishing and residue removers $40.00

In Australia, new cars require polishing before coating, which can take:

4 hours or less - Poor polishing.

6-8 hours - Standard.

10 hours or more - High-end.

Applying a ceramic coating may take 2 (single layer) -4 hours (double layer), depending on the number of layers.

Note: The reason why we might have two layers is a hard base layer, then a hydrophobic top layer. With ceramic coatings, either the coating is really hard or is really hydrophobic/glossy. Yes, some coatings have both, but then either lack hardness or hydrophobic and glossy properties.

The total price and time for a standard ceramic coating is:

• $450 in cost

• 12 - 16 labour hours

Why do detailers like to sell ceramic coatings?

1. They are easy on the body. We do not need to keep climbing in and out of a car.

2. They are easier to work with. You do not have to keep adjusting chemicals. It is like slowly wiping on and off. Very relaxing.

3. People can afford them. Unlike a 10 litre petrol spill in the back of a car, people plan to get a ceramic coating; this includes saving money.

4. Ceramic coatings make the car look unbelievable. Ceramic coatings catch attention.

5. People are always happy when the car is ceramic-coated.

6. We get to work in a climate-controlled environment.

7. They build future business deals and relationships.

8. Since they take at least two days to complete, it makes filling the booking calendar easier.