Are more expensive ceramic coatings worth the price?

We offer a range of coatings and they all sound good because they are all good. So it raises the question, is it worth paying the extra money for the top of the range coating, when our entry level will probably do the job?

This all depends on your needs. Our entry level ceramic coating is Matrix Blue, which is a 3-year coating. As we have said elsewhere, it will likely last you longer than three years, especially if properly maintained.

From the same brand, the next coating up the pricing ladder is Matrix Black, an 8-Year ceramic coating, but likewise, if maintained will most likely last longer.

If you know you will only keep your car two years, three years or five years, you may want to base your purchase on the lifespan of the product. It would not be unwise to do so.

However, when we compare the finish of Matrix Blue, to the more expensive Matrix Black, there is a difference, right from the beginning. It is very difficult to capture in a photograph or video, but Matrix Black is that more clean and sharp. Metallic flecks in the paint seem to "pop" that little bit more, especially on bright-coloured cars. 

How amazing a car looks, depends on the colour of the car in the first place, the lighting and time of day, or even what angle you are looking at it from. However, even if we can't quantify it, we can see the difference. Higher priced coatings, especially our Graphene Coating, really does make a difference on darker coloured cars.

There is also a difference in durability. We are in no doubt that higher priced coatings such as Graphene and Diamond Coating are tougher and more durable. More resistant to light scratches, stone chips, bug stains, and they really do work that much better.

In conclusion, if you intend to keep your car for many years, and/or your car gets a lot of use. Maybe you do lots of motorway miles, perhaps you are too busy to wash it as often as you would like, then the more expensive, tougher coatings certainly worth the price.

What this question is really about

When people ask whether more expensive ceramic coatings are worth the price, they are usually trying to separate genuine value from marketing. The concern is whether paying more delivers better protection on the car, or simply a more impressive-sounding product name.

What higher prices usually include

In most cases, the price difference is not just about the liquid in the bottle.

• More extensive preparation and paint correction*
• Longer application time and stricter curing control
• More durable coating chemistry
• Greater margin for installer skill and accountability

*You will pay more for larger vehicles and older cars, which require more preparation.

What higher prices do not automatically guarantee

• Scratch-proof or impact-proof paint
• Freedom from washing or maintenance
• Better results if preparation is poor
• Meaningful benefit if the car is lightly used or short-term owned

Where expensive coatings can make sense

• Cars kept long-term where reduced polishing matters
• Vehicles exposed to heavy contamination or harsh conditions
• Owners who value easier maintenance over many years
• High-quality paint finishes where preservation is the priority

Where they may offer limited extra value

• Short-term ownership or lease vehicles
• Cars that are rarely washed or poorly maintained
• Vehicles already marked or cosmetically tired
• Situations where prep standards are the same regardless of coating tier

The biggest misconception about price

Many people assume they are paying for “stronger protection”. While some specific products can be more durable and better at resisting scratches, on reality, they are usually paying for longevity and consistency rather than outright toughness.

How to judge value properly

• Ask what preparation is included at each price level
• Match coating lifespan to how long you will keep the car
• Understand what maintenance is expected - and what is optional

Best-practice takeaway

• More expensive ceramic coatings are not automatically better for everyone
• The real value is often in preparation and longevity
• Cheaper coatings can be perfectly appropriate in the right context
• A budget coating is better than no coating
• A 3-Year can last much longer with proper maintenance
• The best choice is the one that fits your ownership and usage, not the highest price

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 16/01/2026 15:42