Your car faces a daily barrage—sun, rain, dirt, and everything in between. Over time, that wear starts to show, dulling the paint and making it harder to clean. Now, imagine a solution that not only protects your car but keeps it looking incredible with minimal effort. That’s what ceramic coating delivers, a durable protective layer for your car that can last for several years. These coatings are available in DIY versions for anywhere from $70 to a few hundred dollars, and professional coatings come in at between $1,000 and $3,000.
These prices depend on several factors, among them the quality of the coating, whether it is DIY or professionally applied, and the size of the vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into ceramic coating pricing and why opting to get one might just be the best decision you make for your car since you bought it.
What is Ceramic Coating and Why Consider It?
Ceramic coating is like a shield for your car. Made from a liquid polymer that bonds with your vehicle’s paint, it creates a hydrophobic barrier that repels water, dirt, and grime. That means rain rolls right off, mud doesn’t stick, and cleaning your car becomes a whole lot easier. Beyond that, it adds a deep, glossy finish that makes your car look like it came straight from the showroom every single day.
One of the biggest reasons to invest in a ceramic coating for your vehicle is the time you’ll save on washing and other simple maintenance tasks. Instead of scrubbing away at stubborn stains or constantly waxing to maintain a shine, a ceramic coating keeps your car looking great with far less effort. It also offers long-term protection from things like UV rays, which can cause fading, as well as corrosion, road grime and tar, industrial dust and debris, tree sap, bird droppings, bugs, and everyday wear like minor scratches and stains.
If you don’t want to spend every other weekend cleaning and waxing your car, ceramic coatings are a simple way to preserve its look and value. It’s not just about how good your car looks today—it’s about ensuring it stays that way for years to come.
What Influences the Cost of Ceramic Coatings?
Type and Quality of Ceramic Coating
Not all ceramic coatings are created equal, and the quality of the product you choose plays a big role in the cost. There are cheaper, DIY options available, but these coatings are often only as good as the hand that applies them, and they also typically lack main features like better UV protection, increased durability, and enhanced hydrophobic properties that come with professional-grade coating products. Professional-grade products like those offered by Full Speed Mobile Detailing are also usually thicker and offer more layers of protection, and any coating is most effective when applied by a professional.
Vehicle Size and Condition
The size of your vehicle is another factor that affects the cost of ceramic coating. Naturally, a larger car or truck requires more product and more time to coat, which will increase the price. The condition of your vehicle also matters. If your car has imperfections like swirl marks, scratches, or oxidation, those need to be addressed before applying the coating. This often involves paint correction, which adds to the overall cost. A brand-new car with a smooth surface will cost less to coat than a car that needs extensive prep work, but the results are well worth the effort.
Level of Service Provided
When you choose to have ceramic coating professionally applied, the level of service can vary. Dealerships often try to get ceramic coatings tacked on to new sales as a hefty add-on, and their a la carte coating services aren’t likely to be cheap. As for detailers, you’ll notice that most offer different levels of coatings within packages differentiated by materials, size of vehicle, and other major features. Some of these packages may include just the coating itself, while others might offer a more full-service option with paint correction, polishing, and multiple layers of coating for added protection. As you can probably expect, the more comprehensive the service, the higher the cost, but don’t expect an experienced detailer to charge less than $1,000 for a ceramic coating.
Location and Expertise
Where you’re located can also influence the cost of ceramic coating. Prices can vary depending on regional factors like labor rates, product availability, and the reputation of local detailers. Additionally, the expertise of the professionals applying the coating plays a big part in the price. A skilled detailer who takes the time to properly prep and apply the coating will ensure a longer-lasting finish (and reflect that in their price), while a less experienced technician may get the job done faster and for less but with mediocre or worse results.
Typical Price Range for Ceramic Coatings
As mentioned, the two biggest factors in the cost of a ceramic coating are the level of protection and the size of your vehicle.
Advanced/Semi-Permanent Coating
This is the top-tier option, providing protection for at least 10 years, but it can last even longer. For those looking for the most durable and high-performing coating, this one’s for you. For a small car, the cost tends to start at around $1,000, while larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs can range up to $1,300. Motorcycles are also included in this category, typically priced around $700.
5-8 Year Ceramic Coating
For those looking for a strong protective layer but at a slightly lower price point, the 5-8 year ceramic coating provides excellent durability. Expect to pay about $900 for a small car, $1,000 for a medium-sized vehicle, and $1,100 for a larger car or SUV. Motorcycles are priced at about $600..
3-5 Year Ceramic Coating
This option offers solid protection with a lifespan of 3-5 years. The price starts at around $700 for a small vehicle, with larger cars running up to $1,000 or more. Motorcycles will cost about $500.
2-Year Ceramic Coating
If you’re looking for something more affordable and only need protection for a couple of years, this is a great entry-level option. It’s the least expensive, starting at about $500 for a small vehicle, with prices reaching up to $700 for larger cars. For motorcycles, this coating starts at around $400.
Let Your Ride Shine On With Ceramic Coatings from Full Speed Mobile Detailing
If you’re thinking about investing in a ceramic coating and live in the Nashville area, Full Speed Mobile Detailing’s ceramic coating services can come to you! We include a detailed wash and surface decontamination to ensure a clean canvas, followed by a clay bar treatment and surface polish. We then professionally apply the proper ceramic coating for your car, ensuring every inch of your vehicle is protected for years to come.
Contact Full Speed Mobile Detailing today, and let us bring your vehicle to life with our top-tier ceramic coatings.
