How to Prep Your Paint for Ceramic Spray Coating
Applying a ceramic spray coating like Tough As Shell is one of the easiest ways to add protection and shine to your car. But if your paint isn’t properly prepped, even the best product won’t bond well or last as long as it should.
Here’s exactly how to prep your paint the right way—so you get better results, longer durability, and that signature slick finish every time.
Step 1: Pre-Wash With a Foam Cannon or Pump Sprayer
Start with a contactless pre-wash to loosen and remove surface dirt. The Super Soaper delivers thick, clingy foam that helps minimize scratching and swirl marks during washing.
- Foam the vehicle with 2–4 oz of Super Soaper
- Let dwell 3–5 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly before contact washing
Step 2: Wash With a Soft Microfiber Towel
Use a high-quality microfiber towel like the Orange Wash Microfiber to gently remove remaining dirt without scratching.
- Use the towel folded into quarters
- Wipe in straight lines, not circles
- Rinse frequently during the wash
Step 3: Clay the Paint
Even after washing, your paint will likely have bonded contaminants. Use a clay mitt or clay bar to remove them before sealing the surface.
- Spray clay lube or soap and water mix as lubrication
- Work panel by panel with light pressure
- Feel for smoothness—repeat if needed
Skimping on this step can lead to poor ceramic bonding and patchy results.
Step 4: Polish If Needed
If your paint is oxidized, dull, or has light swirls, use Picture Perfect Polish to revive the finish and prep the surface for coating.
- Use a soft or medium polishing pad on a DA polisher
- Work in 2’ x 2’ sections with moderate pressure
- Wipe off residue with a clean microfiber towel
This step enhances gloss and ensures the coating lays flat and lasts longer.
Step 5: Final Wipe and Panel Prep
Use a paint-safe prep spray or isopropyl alcohol solution to remove any remaining polish oils or residue. This ensures Tough As Shell bonds directly to clean paint.
Step 6: Apply Your Ceramic Spray
With the surface now clean and prepped, it’s time to apply the ceramic coating. Spray one panel at a time and wipe off immediately using a Softer Than Soft Towel.
- Spray once or twice per panel—less is more
- Wipe in crosshatch pattern, then buff to a streak-free finish
Recommended Products
- 👉 The Super Soaper – Foam pre-wash for safer cleaning
- 👉 Orange Wash Microfiber – Safe contact wash towel
- 👉 Clay Mitt or Clay Bar – For decontaminating the surface
- 👉 Picture Perfect Polish – One-step polish and prep
- 👉 Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray – Spray-on ceramic protection
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