Since we specialize in paint correction and ceramic coating at Let’s Roll Coatings, this question is probably the one we hear most often. We feel strongly about our clients’ education. Our goal is not just to sell you a service, but for you to understand the value of it, and what it’s doing for you! Additionally, there are—unfortunately—businesses in our industry who will make false claims regarding ceramic coating, or mislead clients about the results they can expect. Our desire is to raise the standards of the detailing industry in our area, and become a resource for information that you can trust.
When it comes to accurately pricing a ceramic coating application, there are a few different factors to consider. The first we’re going to address (and the easiest one to explain) is the size of the vehicle. A large SUV will require more time, labor, and product to coat than a small coupe.
Next, we will need to assess the current condition of the vehicle. This is where things become more involved. While vehicle size is a question that can be answered over the phone or via email, an inspection/consultation appointment will be needed to move us further in the process. To know what to expect in your consultation appointment, check out this blog post on the topic!
Here is why it’s so important for us to understand the condition of the vehicle: many (if not most) vehicles will require some level of paint correction before being ceramic coated. At bare minimum, expect to have your car machine polished in preparation for a coating. This least-intensive option gives the vehicle’s surface the appropriate preparation to adhere properly to the coating. This is extremely important in terms of the coating’s longevity.
From our perspective as detailers, we would love to make every single car as perfect as possible. But that isn’t the goal for every client who comes to see us. And we don’t run this business to produce results WE want—we’re here to create amazing results for YOU. This is where the consultation part of your appointment comes in. We’ll want to know what you’d like to achieve for your car. Is it a show car or a daily driver? How do YOU want it to look? That will help determine the level of paint correction or polishing we’ll recommend for your situation.
The final factor in giving you an accurate estimate is your expectations for the coating. What problems do you want it to solve for you? For example, if your motivation in getting a ceramic coating is to make it easier to wash your car, you will not be disappointed! However, if you hope for it to prevent scratches or rock chips, we’ll need to discuss exactly what a ceramic coating can and cannot help with.
How long do you plan to own your car? If you intend on owning your car long term, we may suggest our 10-year, warrantied coating option. But if you expect to sell it within the next couple of years, a 5-year coating would make more sense.
Along with establishing general expectations for the coating, it’s important for you (as the consumer) to know what role you play in that outcome. Contrary to misconceptions in the general population, a ceramic coating MUST be properly maintained to last as long as it should. Proper maintenance washes are not difficult with a ceramic coated vehicle. Alternatively, you can bring it to us for a quick maintenance wash at the shop! In addition to maintenance, how a vehicle is housed and driven will impact the longevity of its coating. For example, the ceramic coating on a car that is parked outside 24/7 will not last as long as the coating on a vehicle that is garaged at night and parked in the shade during the day.
Our hope is that this post answered some of the questions you have about how much a ceramic coating costs. Bottom line, at Let’s Roll, you can expect to pay between $400 and $2500 on everyday vehicles, dependent on all the factors laid out above. If you’d like to get on the schedule for a consultation, please click here and fill out this form to get started!
We look forward to working with you,
The LRAD Team
Luke and Ivy Neal
316-295-0787
contact@letsrollautodetailing.com
8625 E. 37th St. N. Suite 303
Wichita, KS 67226
