The Short Answer
Ceramic coating at Autograff costs $800 to $1,200 before sales tax, depending on which XPEL Fusion Plus coating you choose. Paint correction, if your paint needs it, is quoted separately after we see the car.
Fusion Plus Prices
We apply XPEL Fusion Plus. The four options differ in warranty and in the finish they are made for.
| Coating | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fusion Plus Lite | 1 year | $800 |
| Fusion Plus Paint & PPF | 4 years | $1,000 |
| Fusion Plus Satin | 4 years | $1,000 |
| Fusion Plus Premium | 8 years | $1,200 |
Warranties are transferable. The final price depends on the size and condition of the car, so we confirm it when we see the paint.
What Changes the Price
Three things move the number: which coating you pick, the size of the car, and the state of the paint. A coating seals whatever is underneath it. If the paint has swirl marks or light scratches, they should be corrected first, because they will be locked in under the coating otherwise.
That is why paint correction is a separate line. A new car with clean paint may need little prep. A car that has been through years of automatic car washes usually needs more.
Which Coating Fits Which Car
Premium is the longest-lasting option and suits a new or well-kept car you want to stay glossy and easy to clean. Lite is the entry level: hydrophobic, easy to maintain, and the lowest price.
Satin is made for satin and matte paint and for Stealth PPF. It protects without adding shine, so the finish keeps its look. Paint & PPF is the coating to choose when the car also has PPF, since Fusion Plus can be applied over XPEL film and does not void the PPF warranty.
Coating vs Wax: The Real Cost
Wax is cheap, but it washes off in weeks, so you repeat it all year. A bonded ceramic coating costs more up front and lasts for years with proper care. The upkeep is lower, because dirt rinses off instead of bonding to the paint, and you wash less often.
Over a few years, the difference narrows quickly. If you keep the car, a coating is usually the cheaper way to keep the paint looking new.
Coating on Wheels, Glass and Trim
Fusion Plus is not only for paint. The same chemistry repels brake dust on wheels and calipers, makes glass easier to clean, protects plastic trim from UV fading, and helps upholstery shrug off spills. Ask for the surfaces you want covered when you book, so the quote matches the job.
How to Choose
Start with how long you plan to keep the car. For a new car you will drive for years, Premium makes the most sense. If you lease or plan to sell soon, Lite or Paint & PPF may be enough, and the warranty transfers to the next owner. If the car is wrapped in Stealth or has satin paint, choose Satin so the finish stays non-glossy.
Then decide whether paint needs correction first. Bring the car in and we will look at the paint under proper light before giving you a final number. There is no guesswork, and you will know the full price before any work starts.
How Long It Takes
Most coatings take 2 days in our North Hollywood studio, including paint preparation. We prepare and apply every coating indoors, in a clean bay, so dust and sun do not interfere with the cure. At pickup we give you the exact cure and aftercare instructions.
What Ceramic Coating Does Not Do
A coating adds gloss, repels water and dirt, and shields paint from UV, bird droppings and insect acids. It does not stop rock chips. PPF is a physical film that absorbs chips and scratches, which is why many owners combine the two. Our PPF vs ceramic coating guide explains the difference, and our PPF cost guide covers the film side.
A coating is also not a windshield chip guard. For that, use windshield protection film.
Care After Coating
Hand wash with a soft mitt and pH-neutral soap, and avoid harsh brush washes. Water beads up and rolls off, so the car stays cleaner between washes and you do not need wax. You can see every option on our ceramic coating page, or ask about local service on the Van Nuys ceramic coating page.