How to Prep Your Car for Ceramic Spray (Step-by-Step)

Jimbo Balaam on
How to Prep Your Car for Ceramic Spray (Step-by-Step)

 

How to Prep Your Car for Ceramic Spray (Step-by-Step)

Want your ceramic spray to last and perform like it should? It all starts with the right prep. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.

Why Prepping Matters

Ceramic sprays like Tough As Shell need a clean, smooth surface to bond properly. Any leftover wax, oils, or contamination will reduce how long the ceramic lasts and how well it performs.

Step 1: Wash the Car Thoroughly

Start with a good wash to strip away dirt, dust, and grime. Use a pre-soak foam like:

Step 2: Clay the Paint

Claying removes bonded contaminants that a regular wash can’t touch. Use a clay mitt or clay bar to smooth out the surface. This step is key for making sure your ceramic spray bonds directly to the paint.

Step 3: Polish (Optional but Ideal)

If your paint has light scratches or oxidation, polish it first. This gives you maximum gloss and clarity—and your ceramic spray will lock that in.

Picture Perfect Polish is a great all-in-one polish that works for this step.

Step 4: IPA or Panel Wipe

After polishing (or claying if you didn’t polish), wipe the paint down with a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water—or use a dedicated panel prep spray. This strips off any leftover polishing oils or residues.

Use a clean Everyday Microfiber Towel to avoid streaks.

Step 5: Apply Ceramic Spray

Now your surface is perfectly prepped. Apply Tough As Shell to seal in the clean finish and protect your paint from UV rays, water spots, and daily grime.

✅ Pro Tip: Always apply in the shade on cool, dry paint.

Final Thoughts

Skipping prep is the #1 reason ceramic sprays fail. But follow these steps and your ceramic coating will bond better, last longer, and give you that slick, glossy, water-beading finish you’re after.

🛡 Ready to protect your car the right way?

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