How Much Does a Ceramic Coating Cost?

In this video I address the burning question prospective clients often ask: "How much does a ceramic coating cost?"
With multiple variables going into every ceramic coating job, the price range can span several hundred and even thousands of dollars.
At High-Def Detailing we work with your budget and will never recommend something that you don't need for your vehicle.
For more information about our ceramic coating services please visit www.highdefdetailing.com.
Facebook: / hddetailing
Gtechniq Accredited
High-Def Detailing is a professional auto detailing shop located in Elkhart, Indiana. We specialize in Gtechniq Ceramic Coatings, paint correction, and new vehicle protection.

[@viewyou8937]

You don't need to be certified to put ceramic coatings on. If you know what you're doing and have done it for years you're good to go. There's a difference between a guy that's been doing it for years and not certified and a guy that went down to get certified and has only been doing it for a month. I would take the experience level over a piece of paper that says I'm certified any time.

[@BRunkel07]

You are absolutely correct: You don't need to be certified, and I definitely see and agree with your logic on the experience factor. Having the certification is just an example of being professional and doing your due diligence with the brand you are installing. In most cases, you have to be certified to install that company's professional grade coating so it is absolutely a worthwhile step to take for any professional detailer.

[@Hallowsaw]

Why has the person doing it forever not gone and gotten certified before?

[@viewyou8937]

@@Hallowsaw because it doesn't make their wallet and fatter.

[@validatedcustomer604]

Yep

[@nicolomarchillo4451]

That’s not how becoming a certified installer goes… you can’t just go get a piece of paper. Gtechniq specifically requires you to be in business full time for at least 2 years, show experience with high end coatings, have a dedicated shop, minimum if 6 years experience, etc. The certification DO hold value in this market. Speaking from experience

[@missayawk]

Excellent well informative video Ben.You covered everything in an easy to understand way.Makes it easy for me to ask the right questions when I walk into the detailer.Also I notice you're located in Elkhart, Indiana.....home of the Reign Man ...Shawn Kemp one of my all time favorite basketball players.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

So glad it was helpful! Yes, I actually taught at Concord HS (where Shawn Kemp played as I'm sure you know!) for 10 years before I went into detailing full time. He actually came back to visit one day when I was there. Cool!

[@missayawk]

@@high-defdetailing1485 WOW!!! That's crazy.You actually taught at his H.S.school.Great for him to come back and visit.Damn there's some talent coming outta Elkhart, Indiana.

[@thomoism]

Thanks for the video. Answered all my questions. I have just been quoted £575. Here in the UK. Which following your Video looks like a fair price. (Sorry I cannot get the car over to you} but he could be the best second person. Regards Peter T Wales UK

[@aritravels]

Hi there! I appreciate this great video. Very informative when discussing prices and benefits because I own a Mercedes G wagon and need that thing to last me a lonnnggg time :D I also get my car ceramic coated by a company called detail doctors for a super affordable price. I am from the Midwest, so my car gets really beaten up in the winter, without ceramic coating it would not look as beautiful as it does. It also helps with keeping the outside of my car clean and washing it is effortless.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Thank you for taking the time to watch! Glad you are seeing the benefits of your car being coated. Yeah - the Midwest winters can be super rough!

[@ThenSaidHeUntoThem]

Thanks for making this video. I learned a lot.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnreese3762]

Great advice, thanks!!

[@high-defdetailing1485]

You’re welcome thanks for watching!

[@deborahmorrison9859]

Thank you for this very educational video. Information is priceless!

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Thank you for watching and I'm glad it was helpful!

[@tonymanitta7078]

Thank you for your video I have been detailing aircraft for 20 years from Cessna 150 to corporate jets .buffing and polishing. Paint and Polishing aircraft aluminum. And interior. I have taken my skills and started detailing highend cars and learning about ceramic coating for the last year .... I respect you information. And your success. I pray for your company and great success. Sincerely Tony ...

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Thanks for the kind words, Tony!

[@ddautodetailing]

Great explanation!

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Thanks!

[@vincehands6213]

Very good advice thanks

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Thanks for watching!

[@tieronedetailworks4480]

What people need to understand is detailing although for some of us the best job in the world for most people and the every day driver they have absolutely no clue what a real detailer does and is. Yes you can buy some amazing coatings online for a few hundred dollars but the craftsmanship in the detail is what you pay for. Just look at the automatic washes on a nice day and you will see lines and lines of people waiting to blow their next 20 to 30 bucks for a wash and some cheap tire shine. When you seek out a professional you really are paying for the detailer not the product. Yes these coatings can be tricky to install in some cases but don’t be fooled by the 200 dollar ceramic job. That’s why I offer other great wax and sealant options that have been tried and true for years.

[@refinedreflectionsdetailll9867]

Dude that Intro!! 😍

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Haha I know right? Trying it out and thought it was pretty cool. Thanks!

[@Colescoolestsongs]

Great video buddy I only have one suggestion where you say when a shop tells you they can have the vehicle back to you in a day Yes that should throw a red flag but if you're going to a shop that's reputable and has quite a few employees meaning you have four people polishing or what we call prep polish then the job gets done really quickly I install for Opti-Coat Pro that is their 5-year coating if the car is is cleaned decontaminations are removed from the paint the coating only needs 1 hour of cure time if you top it with Opti seal otherwise it's a 24 hr. Curing process. Not trying to bust your balls but some people that aren't familiar but are interested in ceramic coatings might throw a red flag to the customer if they're calling a shop that has quite a few employees. So if anyone is reading this review that is a question to ask when you're calling about a quote is how many people we will be working on my car My shop it's just me that does the coatings and I have a employee that does the polishing with me. But other than that this was my first time watching one of your videos you were definitely educated and know what you're talking about people you can take this man's advice. Cheers

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Thanks for sharing! I used to do opticoat when I started and topped with opti seal for an added layer to protect during cure time so I definitely know what you’re talking about! Maybe better phrase than “red flag” would be that that should prompt the customer to ask more in depth questions about the process that shop is using.

[@JoeyShip]

I watched a “how much is” video and literally got no informative pricing. This is how you do a “how much is” video. Take a sedan, say one step paint correction and your most popular protection and price. Then step up to a crossover size and then full sized SUV…really not that difficult.

[@5_colquhoun703]

If you wanna do it yourself, buy everything from start to finish, I can cost you anywhere from $300-$500

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Can be a fun DIY project for sure - I even have a "How To" video on my channel. But you can't compare the value of an experienced installer who has done hundreds or thousands of coatings if you want the best result. I DIY a lot of house projects and also hire out for some, just all depends on how you value the time, cost, energy, and end result for each job!

[@elcocoreyes]

Swirls are not only caused by brushes. If you live in a dusty windy climate, that wind and dust are like sand paper.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

That must be some serious wind! 😮

[@Rob_Nasty]

@@high-defdetailing1485 Lmao You must not never leave your safe space. Santa Ana Winds..... Google

[@ryanlindsey819]

Do you have a loaner vehicle for your clients as a convenience perk while their vehicle is in service?

[@high-defdetailing1485]

I don't at the moment but it is in the plans for the future!

[@jjjjjjjjjjjhjjjjjhjj]

Do you ever use crystal serum light without exo ? What is the difference with or without the second layer ? Durability

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Absolutely. It’s a great coating by itself, but you will need to maintain it more to see long lasting performance. Exo will add more hydrophobics and help repel water and dirt a bit more.

[@jjjjjjjjjjjhjjjjjhjj]

@@high-defdetailing1485 how is that? Just use c2v3 ? Will I still get good water sheet and 5 year durability ? Do you ever apply it without exo ?

[@high-defdetailing1485]

@@jjjjjjjjjjjhjjjjjhjj yes use C2v3 and wash it more often if it’s a daily driver. It sheets water really well!

[@maseratitrel5664]

Second layer gives you the 5 to 9 years vs the 18 to 24 months

[@jfjerez]

Great video. I which you or anybody give a sample case.. they all talk about range, the best, the level etc. But a simple sample on a new car ( which I image is where we like to invest, I personally I am not going to spend 500 to 1000 dlls on a old car, I being buying card for 30+ years and never done it because is new stuff) again if people sample a new car out of the dealer with any kind of prep ( I am assuming not much, how much damage you expect out of the dealer?) and maybe pick a level of ceramic?.. Give us a number to start even if we know it might be little different at final cost. Seem all they want is to make us walk to the shop to grab us and trap to a most costly sell lie a dealership. Sorry I had bad experiences.

[@stephenlouden480]

yeah right dealers have pros installing ppf and ceramic for thousands of dollars. one can apply ceramic to anything prep or not or you can pay for exactly what you want done. doesn't have to be polished first no matter what just clean and smooth. granted it won't last nearly as long as it would if you do the multiple stage prep...but many new cars can be coated after a wash, clay and panel wipedown. was going to get mine done they said 1500$ personally i just sand and reclear the paint it's way cheaper than ceramic coating and if you need my car for days to justify charging 1500$ is definately worth just repainting. I can just polish it down 10 times then re clear coat it for cheaper than a few microns thick coating. people are falling for this 😅 that's great! Im going to start a coating side hustle!

[@high-defdetailing1485]

There are some aspects of your comment that I can be on board with...for example paying for what you want done. If you don't want to pay the extra for proper prep, by all means pay for what you think it is worth to you. If you really think you can completely sand and re-clear an entire vehicle for cheaper AND produce the same result that's just not true. And $1500 would justify repainting? I don't work in a body shop, but I"m pretty suer you aren't going to get a vehicle repainted for less than $5k+ if you want it done correctly.

[@billbuss7542]

Why would the way I take care of the car after te coating be a variable in the pricing?

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Great question and I know it sounds weird right? I often ask this to customer's b/c if they're going to never hand wash their vehicle and only take it through automatic tunnel washes with brushes for example I would not recommend them wasting their money on the top tier ceramic coating package. No need to pay the extra for a professional coating if it's just going to get swirled up and degraded from bad car washes. Maybe some sales people would disagree but I try and be honest and up front

[@da_suntoucha7219]

How do u no they put a ceramic coating on your car and not just a wax

[@high-defdetailing1485]

A ceramic coating will cause the water to bead up on the surface much differently than a wax. Also, if you notice this beading effect going away after a wash or two...it's most likely not a coating. Just on looks alone it can be hard to tell if you don't know, but coatings will have a more "glass-like" look and a wax will have a warmer look. Coatings will feel very slick to the touch as well.

[@Turtti781]

well i am new detailer and ofc you wanna customers and only way to get customers is priceing lower than others not much but litell. my prep work 2-3h long only washing the car... and 1 step polish 4-7h 5 year cheramic coating 720e too low or too hige?

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Just figure out what a fair labor rate is for you and then add in your product costs and any overhead expenses you may have and that should get you pretty close!

[@pilgrim985]

I bought a 2020 Tacoma brand new… I washed it , then I clayed it with a light clay bar then I applied a ceramic coating. After all that I applied a glaze and a few other things. I’m not a professional but I enjoy doing it and my truck looks really nice and I get a lot of compliments. I really liked this video and I agree with everything you said. Thanks!

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Nice! Tacoma’s are cool trucks. If you applied a coating, a glaze on top won’t really do much (or last) but if you’re happy with the looks of it that’s great! Thanks for watching and glad you liked the video!

[@ghanshyamzambare8252]

In a 10 min video, you hardly even spoke for 10 sec about the pricing. Thank you! I want my 10 min back.....

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Glad you stuck around for the whole video! Worth spending 10 minutes going over all the factors why someone will say a ceramic coating costs $300 and another will say $3,000!

[@anthonygudgeon4298]

Didn’t no you need a certificate to wash cars

[@high-defdetailing1485]

To wash cars? Certainly not! However if I'm paying someone a lot of money to perform extensive paintwork and protective services on my expensive vehicle I sure would hope they have training, certification, insurance, and a properly run business.

[@luciacastro6792]

Finally got my answer which is how do they get their cars so shiny. Now I know.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Yep! Paint correction and ceramic coatings will give you that insane shine and gloss!

[@larryreigel2402]

Where are you located at?

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Elkhart, Indiana

[@CarlosLopez-vr2co]

Where are you located?

[@high-defdetailing1485]

We're located in Northern Indiana 👍🏻

[@IJUSTWANNAFLYDJIDRONES71]

This type of coating seems to be for high end cars….not your daily driver…..a good wax job and weekly washing would probably fit most people pockets.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

It's not for everyone, but lots of people have seen the benefits of ceramic coatings on their daily drivers 100%. If people don't have time to always be waxing their vehicles a ceramic coating saves them plenty of time in the long run while still allowing them to have a great looking vehicle. I coat everything from mini vans to Shelby GT500s! But there's nothing wrong with sticking with the basics or more traditional waxing methods - whatever works best for you!

[@jrod2422ify]

Is 1,000 to much for a 2021 trail boss??

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Depends on which coating and how much paint correction is being done, and also your demographic. An entry level coating would be around $600-$800 in my area. $2000+ for a professional level one.

[@jayp1080]

I’m gonna do my own car what’s the worse that can happen

[@mmo8988]

so, price?

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Wide range depending on all of the factors discussed in the video as well as your demographic area. My area ranges from $500 to $2500+ now

[@Shaftownbullies3]

We’ll he’s not entirely correct on getting it by the end of day he said it takes HIM 12 hours they might have more people working on the vehicle to do paint correction

[@high-defdetailing1485]

For sure! If you’ve got a two people cranking out the correction you can get it fully prepped, polished and coated in a day. Or even one person working efficiently. Key is to make sure the installer is following the manufacturer recommended cure process. For the coatings I use it’s a recommended 12 hour cure indoors so therefore all vehicles stay overnight if getting coated. I know some coatings can use IR lamps to speed up cure times so it all depends.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

For sure! If you’ve got a two people cranking out the correction you can get it fully prepped, polished and coated in a day. Or even one person working efficiently. Key is to make sure the installer is following the manufacturer recommended cure process. For the coatings I use it’s a recommended 12 hour cure indoors so therefore all vehicles stay overnight if getting coated. I know some coatings can use IR lamps to speed up cure times so it all depends.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

For sure! If you’ve got a two people cranking out the correction you can get it fully prepped, polished and coated in a day. Or even one person working efficiently. Key is to make sure the installer is following the manufacturer recommended cure process. For the coatings I use it’s a recommended 12 hour cure indoors so therefore all vehicles stay overnight if getting coated. I know some coatings can use IR lamps to speed up cure times so it all depends.

[@markpolice3585]

There's a local detailer here that applies ceramic coatings with a DA polisher and charges 100. He will never touch my car.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

😳🤢Lots of misleading info out there which is exactly why I created this video!

[@maseratitrel5664]

For that price I wouldn’t let him touch mines you get what you paid for

[@viewyou8937]

I know of a guy that's been doing coatings for 20 plus years. Never got certified and only charges around 800 bucks per vehicle. Why you may ask? It's because he likes doing it. He gets vehicles shipped from all over the country to get them coated because he knows what he's doing. This guy preps the whole entire car. Buffs it and polishes it does everything that would take to put a coating on to a vehicle and only charges 800 bucks .He thinks charging over a grand for coating that lasts 5 years is ridiculous. I could see if you're going to get your car wrapped sure, but it's a coating at the end of the day.

[@cocopuff6810]

Where is location

[@MoralessHD]

@@cocopuff6810 hes gatekeeping smh

[@antoniohoward8529]

@@MoralessHD or lying

[@bignick9571]

Unless he’s somehow getting these coatings done in a day, his family must be starving.

[@andreiceban438]

@@bignick9571 how TF is his family starving if he doesn't do them in a day? 800 per day x 10 = 8k let's even say he has to spend on taxes and material 60% it's still 3200. How are they starving my dude?

[@merry7592]

Hi, got a brand new tundra 2023 and got 3,990 ceramic price. Is that a fair price?

[@high-defdetailing1485]

That sounds on the high end for sure and I would definitely get some comparable quotes. Depending on your area, that might be correct, but I know in my area anything above $2,500 for just ceramic coatings is pretty high.

[@merry7592]

@@high-defdetailing1485 thank you

[@high-defdetailing1485]

@@merry7592 You're welcome! Hope that helps you find the right shop and the right service!

[@AdmiralTwitchy]

meanwhile guy in town quoted $150 for ceramic coating. oof. hes definitely doing the minimum

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Woah, that’s crazy low and definitely not a professional job or product at all. A single 30ml bottle of a real coating could easily be $150 by itself 😂

[@bakinomore8911]

I ordered my 2022 bmw 430i gran coupe and still in transit from Germany, I ask the dealership the cost of ceramic coating and it's $2,500. Is that a fair price?

[@high-defdetailing1485]

That’s a fair price if they are putting on a professional grade coating (guaranteed 5+ years) and doing wheels and glass as well. Depends on your area but that’s at the top of our price range in my area for coatings. Shouldn’t need much paint correction but I would be sure to confirm the process with them to make sure they still are going to polish the paint before hand!

[@tapouts]

@@high-defdetailing1485 I got a price for WILLIAMS RACING CERAMIC COATING with 5 years guarantee, 300€ in Greece. is this price considered normal?

[@Hallowsaw]

Jeez that paint on the mercedes is amazing.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Thanks! I finished coating it before recording this video 😀

[@DAILYDRIVENREVOLUTION]

and still didnt answer how much is it 🤣🤣🤣

[@high-defdetailing1485]

It’s not a quick one size fits all answer! The whole point of this video was to explain just that. Cost will differ substantially depending on all the factors I mention. Just be sure to be informed and know what you’re getting when you’re shopping around for a professional coating job!

[@i3oosted]

Thanks for saving my from this click bait.

[@dlloyd6300]

TLDR $500-$2000

[@high-defdetailing1485]

😅 Lots of good info in here though explaining why the prices can range so much. Coating prices have gone up too since I filmed this so $2000+ is very common now. I'd say $2,500 is pretty average for a top tier ceramic coating package from a professional detailing company.

[@JayN4GO]

I’d still cry when some chic rear ends me due to texting

[@high-defdetailing1485]

😅Yeah a ceramic coating won't prevent that!

[@elpapaupa838]

Now how much it cost to do a ceramic coating you never gave a price

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Many factors play into the cost as discussed in the video. Could be $500 - $2500+ depending on those factors!

[@johndoe-jc8bp]

i cant help to think this guys looks a lot like docter strange lmao, like if you agree!

[@high-defdetailing1485]

I’ll hit like to that! 😂

[@ayrtonm7907]

Paying thousands for ceramic coating is a scam. It’s really not that hard if you’ve done your research. I do everything myself, maybe not up to “professional”standards, but good enough that it looks great and that 90% of people won’t see the difference.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Is it a scam to pay thousands to have a tradesman do work on your home? Labor alone to install a fence in our backyard averaged around $6k. I opted to do it myself - researched, rented tools, and killed a 3 day weekend doing it with some help. The results were good and I’m happy with it. It’s not a scam however to hire a professional to do their trade and provide a service that they’ve specialized in for a decade. It’ll be done professionally, in a timely manner, and usually backed up by some type of guarantee or warranty. Plus, you can use that time you saved to invest in your family or another activity. All depends on what you value and how you want to spend your time and money!

[@israelite-issachar]

All this time and didn’t talk about real numbers 🙄

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Then you got the point of the video! Pricing varies on so many factors as explained. Market, location, type of coating, size of vehicle, amount of paint correction etc. It's not "one size fits all" pricing. I do provide price ranges to help you get an idea of what to expect from a quality ceramic coating installer.

[@larrytang9569]

Use me as a dislike button. He doesn’t give actual price ranges we can use as examples.

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Must not have watched the whole video then 😉

[@ruslan_production_video8465]

So much water in the video 🤮

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Good old iphone for yah!

[@craizygolf1980]

Give me a f example.... actual price.... fk

[@SamAminisam]

Dude… so the cost is between $100 to $5000. Thanks 🤨

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Must not have watched the video as neither of those numbers were mentioned 🤔

[@rubengarcia2077]

How much you 🤡

[@high-defdetailing1485]

🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

[@davidcaccam5094]

All talk. How much does it cost. You talk Too much

[@high-defdetailing1485]

Missed the point of the video I see! The point is it’s not a simple answer. Way to many factors affecting cost. Made this video to be informative to help people know what kinds of questions to ask to make sure they know what they’re getting. One shop may say a coating costs $500. Another shop may say $2500. Is one shop wrong? Most likely not if they’re being honest about what goes into that particular coating job.