Ceramic Coating Spray: What It Is and How to Apply

Spray ceramic coating seems to be one of the easiest solutions for giving your car that slipperiness, shine, and hydrophobicity without having to invest money into a ceramic coating treatment.

Think of it as an exterior coating that will protect your car by simply spraying it onto its surface. This spray protects from any damages made by the water, keeps your car’s surface clean and dry, and leaves your paintjob shiny and looking like it was just detailed.

But remember, you will need some preparation before application. Otherwise, any dirt, imperfections on the surface, and improper moisture may create streaks.

What Is Ceramic Coating Spray and Why Does It Matter?

A ceramic coating spray refers to a sprayable protectant paint that provides a thin protective layer of protection to the clear coat of your car. The sprays tend to create a slight attachment on the paint surface, giving it extra glossiness, hydrophobic properties and smoothness.

This comes into play considering how your car's paint surface is exposed to different elements throughout the day including sunlight, rainfall, road films, bird droppings, insects and tree saps among others. A ceramic coating spray does not make your car bulletproof but rather offers a slight barrier on the paint surface.

Easier maintenance: when your car's paint feels slick, dirt will easily come off during the washing process. Water drying becomes easier since the water beads off the paint surface and is easily swept off by a cloth or towel.

Glossing: besides maintaining your car's surface clean and protected from elements that can cause stains, the ceramic coating spray may provide a gloss effect to the paint surface making the reflection much clearer compared to an uncoated surface.

However, the ceramic coating spray is a perfect option for a quick solution and as a maintenance product but cannot be used as a permanent ceramic coating solution to protect your car from damages like chips.

What You’ll Need for ceramic coating spray

• Ceramic Silk
• Microfiber towels
• Soft towel for drying
• pH neutral soap for cleaning the car
• Wash mitt
• Two buckets for cleaning the car or one washing machine for cars
• Clay towel or bar, if your car feels coarse

How to Use ceramic coating spray Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Wash the Car Thoroughly 

Wet the car first and rinse off any loose dirt. Next, wash the car starting from top to bottom using a clean car mitt and car soap.

Avoid spraying ceramic coating on a dirty car since any dirt, grime, bugs, road film, and similar contaminants will make the coating streaky and affect the bond.

Step 2 – Dry the Paint Completely 

Use a drying towel to thoroughly dry the paint surface. Focus on cleaning off all mirrors, trim edges, and emblems as water tends to get stuck in those areas.

Water dripping down during spraying can cause unsightly streaks to appear. Be thorough.

Step 3 – Check the Surface 

Gently stroke the surface of the paint with your clean hand. If it feels rough or scratchy, clay the paint before applying the protection product.

For best results, spray coating will work best on perfectly clean, smooth, and glossy paint. Tip: Use a clean hand inserted into a thin plastic sandwich bag to feel whether the surface is rough.

Step 4 – Spray, Spread, and Buff 

Cover the surface one section at a time. Either spray Ceramic Silk directly on the paint or on the microfiber cloth, and then apply it to the surface.

Turn the cloth over to the dry side and polish the surface until it becomes clear and shiny. Avoid letting too much product rest on the paint surface.

Step 5 – Let It Set 

After coating, keep the car away from water for the recommended period of time. No immediate washing is recommended.

The surface should feel slick and shine well. Any streaks will need additional polishing with a dry cloth.

Tips to Prevent Problems

The most prevalent ceramic coating spray mistake is streaking. This results from using too much product, applying in the direct sun, spraying on heated paint surfaces, or buffing inadequately.

Use a little bit, but not too much. A light mist is normally enough for one small section at a time. Using more product doesn’t give additional protection. Instead, it causes more streaking.

Work out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Heated surfaces cause the spray to flash too quickly, resulting in streaks. A cool garage works better than a sunny driveway.

Use new, clean towels. Older towels with leftover compound, wax, or fabric softener can cause unwanted streaks or discolorations. You should keep several microfiber towels for only paint protection applications.

Take sufficient time to prepare. If you have bonded dirt or any water spots on the car, you could experience poor application of the spray. A clean surface will yield higher gloss and better water behavior.

Only use on paint or metal. Avoid using on glass unless explicitly instructed to do so. This is because some ceramic sprays will smear on windows, causing chattering windshield wipers.

Reapply when required. Daily drivers may require frequent applications compared to cars left in the garage all day. Water behavior will be your guide. Once beading fades and the paint is no longer slick, it's time for another application.

FAQ About ceramic coating spray

Is ceramic coating spray the same as a professional ceramic coating?

Not really. A professional ceramic coating is expected to have better durability and require additional preparations. Ceramic coating spray is easier to apply and serves its purpose perfectly in maintenance and extra protection.

How long does ceramic coating spray last?

The duration is variable and relies upon climate conditions, washing frequency, storage method, and vehicle use. An everyday car that stays outdoors requires reapplication faster compared to one stored indoors.

Can I apply ceramic coating spray over wax?

Yes, however, it won't adhere as easily. If maximum quality is required, consider applying it onto uncoated and properly cleaned paint.

Can ceramic coating spray remove scratches?

No. Ceramic coating spray helps enhance glossiness and creates a slippery feel. Scratches are to be fixed with polishing or specialized products.

Should I use ceramic coating spray after every wash?

Not necessarily. Apply ceramic coating spray whenever the beads disappear, the paint loses slipperiness, or there is a need to improve glossiness after a wash.

Conclusion

Spray-on ceramic protection is an easy technique to use for protecting your car’s paint, giving it shine, and making washes easier. The key here is beginning with a clean, cold paint surface, using just a little bit of the protection.

Ceramic Silk works great as a part of your normal wash protocol if you have slippery paint and awesome water beading abilities.