Car detailing & polishing

Car detailing and polishing: what it costs in Australia

Updated 31 October 2026

On this page: prices

Car detailing and polishing in Australia costs about A$80 to A$180 for an exterior detail, A$120 to A$250 for an interior and A$200 to A$500 for a full detail. Paint correction starts around A$500 and can go past A$2,000. These are approximate prices from sellers' websites and price guides, October 2026, and your exact figure depends on your car.

How car size and paint condition change the price

Sellers quote by vehicle size. One Brisbane detailer lists separate prices for a small hatchback, a medium sedan or ute and a large 7-seater or wagon, roughly A$195 to A$395 for a full job. Paint condition can change the price a lot, and a complete correction with ceramic coating can go over A$3,000.

Rules and what to check

There is no legal requirement for certification to work as a detailer, but training and references matter, so ask how long the detailer has worked on cars like yours. Setting up a detailing business involves registrations and key trading laws, so ask the seller for their business details before you book.

Season and the Australian climate

October is spring in Australia, a good time to book paint work before the sun gets strong. Summer, from December to February, brings heat and dust that wear paint quickly, so polishing and protective coating are worth booking before it arrives. Winter, from June to August, brings wet and grey weather, which suits interior work better than outdoor polishing.

Mobile service and how it is bought

Detailing is done where the car is, so the suburb matters. Some sellers come to your address with a mobile service, while others need the car at their site, so ask which applies and whether they need water or power on site. Prices are quoted per car and per package, not per hour, and premium paint work in Perth sits well above basic full-detail listings.

What to write in your request

Name the type of work (exterior, interior, paint correction or a full detail), the make and class of the car, the areas to treat and the paint condition. Add the city or suburb, the deadline and your budget in A$. A photo of the paint helps sellers judge scratches and dullness without a visit.

Getting offers on BlaBlaPrice is free for buyers. You describe the car in your own words in a chat and can add a photo. Sellers registered on BlaBlaPrice reply with their price, terms and when they can come, and your contact details stay hidden until you choose to exchange them. For related work see Car & motorcycle servicing, Car air conditioning repair & recharge and Suspension & brake repair.