Many vehicle owners favor ceramic coatings because they want their vehicles to look as fresh as the day they were sitting inside the showroom.
Aesthetics aside, the protective layer makes the vehicle’s outer layer more durable for years to come.
However, many wonder, “How much does it cost to ceramic coat a car?”
It is the right question to ask, especially since there are such wide varieties on the market that people have misconceptions about how much they must pay for them.
This article will provide a complete breakdown of the ceramic coating cost, leaving you to decide whether to add this premium protection to your prized vehicle.
Factors Influencing Ceramic Coating Cost
Here are the key factors that influence the ceramic coating costs:
- Vehicle size and type: With larger vehicles, the complex body shape means more product and labor will be required, which tends to increase the costs. The size of the vehicle determines how long it takes to ceramic coat a car, which is the primary reason behind the cost, other than the materials themselves.
- Paint condition and preparation: If a vehicle needs corrections, for instance, the removal of swirl marks, oxidation, or scratches before ceramic coating can be applied, there will be additional labor charges. If a car is in excellent condition already, less prep work is required, which lowers the cost.
- Quality and brand of coating: The third key factor determining the coating cost is the type of ceramic coating the provider is using. There can be a consumer-grade coating or a professional-grade one. With higher-grade coating comes more durability and performance, meaning more money has to be paid.
- Professional vs. DIY application: High costs often cause people to perform the ceramic coating on their own. For that, there are DIY kits on the market. That said, the costs may be higher for those looking for a more professional application, which includes things like paint corrections, more preparation, and experienced professionals, but it often results in longer-lasting results.
- Warranty and aftercare: Some providers offer ceramic coatings with extended warranties and aftercare services. These often add to the initial cost but provide long-term protection for a vehicle.
- Ceramic coating removal: If there is an old layer of ceramic coating on your vehicle, it has to be removed before another, more durable one can be applied. This adds additional costs.
How to Wash a Ceramic Coated Car?
As mentioned earlier, there are also aftercare costs associated with ceramic coating. One of those involves washing a ceramic-coated car. Here are the steps professionals take to wash a ceramic-coated car:
- Pre-washing the vehicle: They first apply snow foam or another pre-wash solution to loosen the dirt accumulated over the vehicle.
- Contact wash: The next step is to contact wash, which involves using a pH-neutral shampoo with the two-bucket method and ultra-soft microfiber mitts.
- Decontamination: If necessary, professionals use clay bars or other types of chemical decontaminants to remove bonded particles. This is a crucial step for vehicles that need thorough cleaning.
- Rinsing and drying: Then, the vehicle is thoroughly rinsed with filtered water and dried using air blowers. Microfiber towels are also used for deeper cleaning.
- Finishing and inspecting: Finally, windows are cleaned, tires are dressed, and the ceramic coating is inspected before, if necessary, applying a ceramic boost spray.
How Do You Remove Ceramic Coating from a Car?
You may want to try removing the ceramic coating on your own. Here’s a straightforward process:
- Wash and dry the car thoroughly.
- Buy chemical strippers designed for ceramic coatings and apply them to the car.
- Let the strippers stay on the car as long as directed.
- Use a soft pad to agitate the section.
- Rinse again and repeat if necessary.
- Use a clay bar to remove any residue.
- Polish the paint and remove any leftover coating.
- Finally, do one more round of washing and drying.
Conclusion
When determining the cost of ceramic coating for a car, multiple aspects must be considered. This guide is meant to enlighten you on some of them.
For more details, search for a suitable ceramic car coating service provider in your area.