Tinting
Is Ceramic Coating Worth It in South Carolina?
For a driver who plans to keep the vehicle three years or longer, yes. A ceramic coating protects paint from UV damage, oxidation and acid rain, keeps the gloss for years and makes the car far easier to wash. At Upstate Auto Styling in Spartanburg, coatings start at $900 for a 3-year coating, which works out to about $300 a year. It is not worth it if you expect it to stop rock chips. That is a job for paint protection film.
Video: What Is a Ceramic Coating?
Video transcript: A majority of people have heard about what a wax is, or a ceramic sealant. But do you know what a ceramic coating is? A ceramic coating is a liquid hardener that bonds to your clear coat and gives your car a new-car look for years to come, without you having to constantly wax it, buff it and polish it. With a new car, you want to do a ceramic coating because it keeps your paint looking shiny while also helping you maintain your vehicle in the future. With future washing, bugs, grime and dirt all wash off much quicker, and it keeps your paint looking flawless for years to come.
What a ceramic coating does
- Adds a super hydrophobic layer, so water, dirt and pollen release from the paint
- Gives years of protection from corrosion and contaminants
- Protects from UV damage, oxidation and acid rain
- Withstands extreme heat
- Holds a deeper, longer-lasting shine with less effort on your end
What it does not do
A ceramic coating does not stop rock chips or deep scratches, and the car still needs washing. If highway chips are your main worry, look at PPF vs ceramic coating. Many owners install film on the front end and ceramic coat the rest.
Cost per year of protection
| Package | Starts at | Coating life | Cost per year | Also includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Essentials | $900 | 3 years | About $300 | 3-year warranty, same-day service |
| The Signature | $1,200 | 6 years | About $200 | 25% off any window tint package, demo hand wash in 30 days |
| The Reserve | $1,800 | 8+ years | About $225 or less | Pickup and drop-off, free annual ceramic touch-up |
The Signature is our most popular package and the lowest cost per year.
What every package includes
Every package includes a hand wash, iron decontamination, clay bar treatment, a single-stage paint correction that removes light swirls, scratches and oxidation, and ceramic coating on all painted surfaces and trim. Paint correction matters because a coating locks in whatever is underneath it. See the full packages on our ceramic coating page.
Why it makes sense in the Upstate
South Carolina paint deals with strong summer sun, heat, humidity and heavy spring pollen. Those are the exact conditions a coating is built for: UV protection, and a slick surface that pollen and grime rinse off of.
Ceramic Coating Questions — Answered by the Experts
How long does a ceramic coating last?
It depends on the package. The Essentials is a 3-year coating, The Signature is a 6-year coating, and The Reserve is an 8+ year coating with a free annual touch-up.
How much does ceramic coating cost in Spartanburg, SC?
Ceramic coating at Upstate Auto Styling starts at $900 for The Essentials, $1,200 for The Signature and $1,800 for The Reserve. The final price depends on your vehicle’s size and paint condition.
Do I still need to wash a ceramic coated car?
Yes. The coating makes washing faster and easier because dirt releases from the surface, but it does not replace washing.
Does ceramic coating protect against rock chips?
No. Ceramic coating adds gloss, UV and chemical resistance. Paint protection film is the product that stops rock chips.
Get a ceramic coating quote
Tell us the year, make and model and the condition of the paint. We’ll recommend the right package and give you a price. Call (864) 707-9991. Interest-free payment plans are available.