Ceramic Spray Coating: Is It Worth It for Your Car?

A ceramic spray coating might seem easy enough. Simply spray it, rub it, and your paint becomes slippery, shiny, and easily cleanable. Such is the core concept.

This is the truth. A ceramic spray coating will not act like a professional ceramic coating that lasts in your paint for years. This is a relatively light protective film that provides results if used properly.

Ceramic Silk may be the best choice if you need improved water beading, faster drying time, and additional gloss in less than two days of hard work in your garage. Just be aware of its limitations.

What Is Ceramic Spray Coating and How Does It Work?

Ceramic Spray Coating refers to paint protection that forms a smooth and slippery surface, making it hydrophobic by leaving a barrier film on your vehicle's clear coat. Although the majority of sprays try to emulate certain qualities that ceramics possess, but in an easier format.

The primary effect that stands out when applying ceramic spray coating is that of water repellency. After applying ceramic spray coating, the way water beads and sheds from the surfacIt also adds some gloss. On fresh paint jobs, applying a ceramic spray coating can add depth and reflectivity to the finish. This effect is more apparent when working with dark colors, although it works equally well for light paints. 

The protection aspect is the point when you have to keep realistic expectations. A ceramic spray coating offers added protection against minor road contamination such as road grime, water spots, bird droppings, and dust. It is neither scratch-resistant nor will it fix fading paint, swirling, and etching. e will change, becoming easier to remove during washes and dries.

This is much like a maintenance shield. It keeps your pristine paint job protected for an extended period of time. It makes the process of cleaning easier. It creates that sleek surface for a nice microfiber polish.

It’s for this reason that Ceramic Silk should be applied after washing a car properly. One should have a clean, cool, and dry surface when applying Ceramic Silk. Otherwise, one isn’t really protecting their paint job at all.

What You’ll Need for Ceramic Spray Coating

• Ceramic Silk
• Clean microfiber towel
• Second dry microfiber towel for final buffing
• Car wash soap
• Wash mitt
• Drying towel
• Shade or a cool garage
• Optional clay towel or clay bar if the paint feels rough

How to Use Ceramic Spray Coating Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Wash the Car First

Washing your vehicle is the very first step. Start by rinsing off loose debris using clean water and car wash soap along with a wash mitt.

Dust and other contaminants should be removed prior to application. The more clean the panel, the easier the product will adhere.

Step 2 – Dry the Paint Completely

Using a new drying cloth, get rid of all standing water in the panel. Look out for water spots on mirrors, edges of the trim pieces, badges, and door handles since water always collects here.

If any water spots appear during the application process, make sure to dry the area first.

Step 3 – Spray Ceramic Silk Onto One Small Section

Work on one panel at a time. One door, half a hood, or one fender would be an ideal panel.

Apply only a small amount of product either on the paint or on the microfiber cloth. Excess application will not give more protection but will cause streaking and difficulty in buffing.

Step 4 – Spread Evenly With a Microfiber Towel

Spread the product by wiping the surface using straight, overlapping strokes. Make sure that the product is applied evenly.

Tip: Change your cloth after a few wipes. If the cloth is loaded, it will spread the product unevenly on the surface.

Step 5 – Buff to a Clear Gloss

Buff the section using another dry and clean microfiber cloth until you get a clear and shiny gloss. Inspect the panel at all angles.

If there are streaks, lightly buff the panel once again using a dry microfiber cloth. Then, continue to the next panel.

Tips to Prevent Problems

The first error when spraying a ceramic coating is spraying it on a hot surface or one that may be dirty. This will make the material flash off much faster than expected. It may also carry any dirt across the paint, which might result in streaks or light marks on the surface.

Work under shady areas or, if possible, inside a cool garage. If the hood is warm to the touch, let it cool before proceeding.

Don’t use too much material for the job. Spraying a little more times within each area should suffice. Overusing the material will lead to haze formation, particularly when working with darker paint colors.

Don't hurry through preparation. If your paint feels coarse after washing, bonded contamination might be present. Clay bars or clay towels will assist you before putting down your coating. Your paint needs to be smooth so that the coating has somewhere to bond to.

Make sure your towels are clean. You shouldn't use the same towels you have used for your tires, wheels, door jambs, or any other dirty surfaces. The towels used for your paint need to be soft and clean.

Once you have applied the coating, let it sit. Don't wash your vehicle immediately afterwards. Try not to expose your vehicle to the rain for the first period of time following application.

FAQ About Ceramic Spray Coating

Is ceramic spray coating worth it?

Yes, if ease of applying gloss, better water beading, and easier maintenance are what you seek. This is worthwhile for those who wash their cars regularly and wish to speed things up instead of using paste wax or professional ceramic coating. 

How long does ceramic spray coating last?

The lifespan depends on weather conditions, washing frequency, storage, and surface preparation. Cars that are kept outdoors and get washed frequently would require more frequent application of the product compared to those left in garages. 

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

No. A professional coat lasts longer and needs more preparatory procedures, while a ceramic spray coating is easier to apply, more affordable, and good at maintenance. 

Can ceramic spray coating remove scratches?

No, this will only help make your car's surface more slippery and glossy but not necessarily remove any imperfections. You would need to either correct the paint surface or apply some scratch remover first. 

Can I use ceramic spray coating after every wash?

Yes, although it may be too much to fully apply this product after every wash. A light coating now and then suffices once water beading wears off after each wash. 

Conclusion

Ceramic spray coating is ideal for those looking for a straightforward protective coat on their vehicle that doesn't involve a complex application process. This coating will keep your vehicle clean, make drying a breeze, and provide a good gloss when the vehicle’s paint is first cleaned properly.

Ceramic Silk is an excellent choice for a do-it-yourself maintenance coat to give that glossy protective coating without fully detailing your vehicle.

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