Why ceramic coating prices vary so much
Most of the price isn't the coating in the bottle. It's the hours spent preparing the paint before the coating goes on. Two quotes can use similar products and still differ a lot because one includes a full paint correction and the other is a wash and wipe-on.
What affects the price
- Paint condition: swirls, scratches and oxidation mean more polishing time before coating.
- Vehicle size: SUVs, utes and vans have more paint to prepare and coat.
- Coating grade: a one-year coating costs less than a multi-year professional product.
- Extras: wheels, glass, trims and interior fabric protection add time and product.
- Warranty and aftercare: some installers include inspections or maintenance washes.
What a good quote includes
- A decontamination wash and clay bar
- Paint correction, with the number of stages stated
- The coating product and its expected life
- Which surfaces are coated: paint, wheels, glass, trims
- Cure time and aftercare instructions
If a quote doesn't mention paint correction, ask. Coating over swirls locks them in.
Is it worth paying more?
A cheaper coating can make sense on an older car you're keeping for a year or two. On a newer car you plan to keep, paying for proper correction and a longer-life coating usually costs less over time than repeated waxing and polishing.
How to get an accurate price
Send photos of your paint in daylight. Installers can see the condition and give a firm quote instead of a range, and comparing two or three quotes shows you what's fair for your car.
Frequently asked questions
Why is ceramic coating so expensive?
Mostly because of the labour. Paint correction before coating can take most of a day, and the coating then needs time to cure.
Is a cheap ceramic coating worth it?
It can be, if the paint is already in great condition. Check the quote includes proper preparation, or you may be paying to seal in swirls.
How long does ceramic coating last in NZ?
Most professional coatings last about 2 to 5 years, depending on the product, the preparation and how the car is washed.
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