How to Apply a Ceramic Spray Coating (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)

If you’ve never used a ceramic spray coating before, it can seem intimidating. Do you need to polish first? How much should you use? Will it mess up your paint if you do it wrong?

Good news: ceramic sprays are way easier than you think—especially if you’re using something like Tough As Shell.

Here’s a step-by-step guide that shows you exactly how to apply a ceramic spray coating—safely, quickly, and with professional results.

What You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wash Your Car Thoroughly

Start with a clean surface. Use The Super Soaper to pre-soak and wash your car. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely using a drying towel.

2. Optional: Clay or Polish (Only If Needed)

If your paint feels rough, you can clay it with a mitt. If it’s heavily swirled or oxidized, polish first. But if it looks decent already, skip this step.

3. Spray and Wipe—One Panel at a Time

Lightly mist 1–2 sprays of Tough As Shell onto a cool, clean panel
Use the first towel to spread the product evenly
Use a second, dry towel to buff off any haze or streaks

4. Repeat Around the Car

Move panel by panel: hood → fenders → doors → roof → trunk. Don’t rush. Take your time and flip towels as needed.

5. Let It Cure

Wait at least 1 hour before getting the car wet. Avoid washing for 24–48 hours for best results.

That’s It.

You now have hydrophobic, UV-resistant, and slick protection that lasts for weeks—and took just 10–15 minutes to apply.

Bonus Tips

Use in the shade or on a cool surface
Less is more—don’t oversaturate the panel
Reapply every 4–6 weeks for max protection

Why Ceramic Sprays Are Perfect for Beginners

No need for special tools or machines
No long cure times or garage setup
Easy to fix mistakes (just wipe and reapply)

Conclusion

You don’t need to be a pro to protect your paint like one. With a ceramic spray like Tough As Shell, you can get real results at home—in just a few minutes.

🧼 First-Time Friendly Products:

Simple steps. Serious protection. That’s how we do ceramic at Jimbo’s.