How to Fix High Spots After Ceramic Coating


How to Fix High Spots After Ceramic Coating


How to Fix High Spots After Ceramic Coating

You’ve spent hours prepping and applying your ceramic coating—only to notice streaks, dark patches, or uneven shine when it cures. Those are called high spots, and they’re one of the most common issues detailers face after coating. The good news? They’re fixable. In this guide, we’ll walk through what causes high spots, how to identify them, and the safest ways to remove them without damaging your paint.

Estimated Reading Time: ~13 minutes

What Are High Spots?

High spots are areas where too much coating was applied or not leveled properly before it cured. Instead of forming a uniform, glossy layer, the excess coating hardens on the surface—leaving a dark, patchy, or oily-looking residue that stands out under light.

You’ll usually see them after the coating has flashed and begun curing, often within 12–24 hours of application. Once they harden, they can’t simply be wiped away — but with the right tools, you can restore a perfect finish.

Common Causes of High Spots

  • → Applying too much product to the applicator
  • → Not wiping evenly or missing an area during leveling
  • → Working in hot or humid conditions (fast flashing)
  • → Overlapping panels without blending properly
  • → Using low-quality towels that smear instead of level

How to Identify High Spots

Under most lighting, high spots appear as dark patches, smears, or rainbow hues. To check for them:

  • → Inspect the surface from different angles using a bright LED or inspection light.
  • → Look especially near edges, seams, and panel transitions where product tends to pool.
  • → If the reflection looks dull or uneven, you likely have a high spot.

How to Fix Fresh High Spots (Within 1–12 Hours)

If the coating hasn’t fully cured yet, you can usually remove high spots easily with a soft microfiber towel and a light touch.

  1. 1️⃣ Lightly reapply a small amount of the same coating to the affected area.
  2. 2️⃣ Immediately level with a clean Softer Than Soft Towel.
  3. 3️⃣ Buff gently until the surface looks even and glossy again.
  4. 4️⃣ Avoid using pressure or dry towels—this can create streaks.

This method “re-melts” the coating slightly, allowing you to correct the high spot before it hardens completely.

Fix Imperfections Fast

Use Softer Than Soft Microfiber Towels to level coatings safely and prevent streaks or high spots from forming in the first place.

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How to Fix Fully Cured High Spots (After 24+ Hours)

Once the coating has cured, the high spot is no longer removable with a towel. You’ll need to mechanically polish the surface to remove the hardened excess coating.

  1. 1️⃣ Use a finishing polish like Picture Perfect Polish and a soft foam pad.
  2. 2️⃣ Lightly polish only the affected area until the high spot disappears.
  3. 3️⃣ Wipe clean with an Everyday Microfiber Towel.
  4. 4️⃣ Reapply a small amount of ceramic coating to that section and blend it into surrounding panels.

Don’t use compounds or aggressive pads — that can cut through the coating and clear coat unnecessarily.

Prevention: How to Avoid High Spots Next Time

  • → Work in controlled temperature (60–80°F) and humidity.
  • → Use small, even amounts of product per section.
  • → Level the coating within the manufacturer’s flash window.
  • → Use soft, edgeless towels for final buffing.
  • → Check under multiple light angles before moving to the next panel.

Prep Right. Level Right.

Pair Picture Perfect Polish with Softer Than Soft Towels for flawless coating prep and streak-free application every time.

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Comparison: Fresh vs. Cured High Spot Fixes

Condition Fix Method Tools Needed
Fresh (0–12 hours) Relevel with same coating and microfiber Soft microfiber towel, coating bottle
Partially cured (12–24 hours) Light polish and reapply coating Finishing polish, foam pad, microfiber
Fully cured (24+ hours) Machine polish and recoat DA polisher, Picture Perfect Polish

Pro Tips for Perfect Ceramic Coating Results

  • → Always use fresh, clean towels for each panel.
  • → Avoid applying coatings in direct sunlight or heat.
  • → Keep lighting close to the surface to spot issues instantly.
  • → If in doubt, less product is better than too much.
  • → Follow with a spray topper like Tough As Shell to enhance gloss and slickness.

Related Reading

FAQs

What causes high spots when applying ceramic coating?

High spots form when too much product is used or not leveled properly before curing, often due to heat, humidity, or poor lighting.

Can you remove high spots without polishing?

Yes — if caught early (within a few hours), you can relevel the area with a small amount of coating and a soft towel.

What if the high spot has already cured?

Use a fine finishing polish like Picture Perfect Polish to remove the defect, then reapply the coating to that area.

How do you prevent high spots next time?

Work in cool conditions, apply thin layers, and always check under multiple light angles before the coating flashes.

Can I use a spray ceramic to hide high spots?

No — sprays can mask them temporarily, but the only permanent fix is re-leveling or light polishing.