How to Fix High Spots After Ceramic Coating
Few things are more frustrating than finishing a ceramic coating application and discovering high spots on the paint. These streaks or patches ruin the look of your finish and, if ignored, can harden into permanent eyesores. The good news? High spots are fixable. In this guide, we’ll explain what causes high spots, how to prevent them, and how to correct them using tools and products like Gloss Boss and Softer Than Soft Towels.
What Are High Spots?
A high spot is a patch of uneven ceramic coating that wasn’t properly leveled during application. Instead of a smooth, uniform finish, you see:
- Dark patches or streaks.
- Oily-looking smudges under light.
- Shadows that don’t buff away.
High spots usually occur when excess coating flashes (hardens) before being wiped off correctly.
What Causes High Spots?
- Not Leveling in Time: Waiting too long after application before wiping.
- Too Much Product: Applying thick layers instead of thin, even coats.
- Poor Lighting: Missing streaks because they weren’t visible during application.
- Dirty Towels: Using saturated or cheap towels that can’t properly level the coating.
How to Prevent High Spots
- Work in small 2x2 ft sections to control flash time.
- Use multiple Softer Than Soft Towels for leveling — never reuse one towel for the whole car.
- Inspect under LED lighting to spot streaks immediately.
- Apply thin coats of Gloss Boss or spray evenly with Tough As Shell.
How to Fix High Spots Immediately (Within 1–2 Hours)
If the coating hasn’t fully cured yet:
- Reapply a small amount of ceramic coating over the high spot.
- Level again with a fresh microfiber towel.
- This “re-wets” the area and allows you to wipe it evenly.
How to Fix High Spots After 24 Hours
Once the coating has hardened, simple wiping won’t work. You’ll need light correction:
- Use Picture Perfect Polish with a polishing pad.
- Polish only the affected section until the high spot disappears.
- Reapply ceramic coating to that section for uniform coverage.
How to Fix High Spots Weeks Later
If high spots are left for weeks or months, they can only be removed through more aggressive polishing — sometimes even compounding. At this stage:
- Polish the affected area with Picture Perfect Polish and a cutting pad.
- If necessary, compound deeper, then re-polish to refine.
- Reapply ceramic coating afterward.
Comparison: Fixing High Spots at Different Stages
| Stage | Fix | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Within 1–2 Hours | Reapply coating and re-level | Easy |
| After 24 Hours | Polish lightly and recoat | Moderate |
| Weeks Later | Compound/polish and recoat | Hard |
Pro Tips for Fixing High Spots
- Always keep extra microfiber towels on hand — swap them out often.
- Don’t panic if you see high spots — they are common and fixable.
- Polishing is always the final solution if other methods fail.
Fix High Spots Like a Pro
Don’t let streaks ruin your coating. Use Picture Perfect Polish to correct, then reapply Gloss Boss or Tough As Shell for a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Buy Picture Perfect Polish Buy Gloss Boss Buy Tough As Shell Shop on AmazonRelated Posts
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FAQs
What are ceramic coating high spots?
They are uneven streaks or dark patches caused by excess coating not being leveled properly.
Can high spots disappear on their own?
No. Once cured, high spots must be removed through polishing or reapplication.
How do you fix high spots immediately after application?
Reapply coating over the area and level again with a microfiber towel.
Do high spots affect coating durability?
Not always, but they look bad and may cause uneven performance.
What’s the best way to prevent high spots?
Apply thin, even coats, work in small sections, and use multiple clean microfiber towels.
