High spots on ceramic coatings are areas where the coating is thicker than the surrounding areas, resulting in a raised or elevated surface.

What are High Spots on Ceramic Coatings?

Providing a rainbow like sheen, high spots can occur due to improper application, incorrect curing, or having too much product or too little product used.

Does High Spots negatively affect durability?

High spots can negatively impact the appearance and performance of a ceramic coating, leading to issues such as reduced durability. High spots can ultimately cause the coating to wear down more quickly in uneven areas, reducing its overall durability.

What’s the best way for ceramic coating high spots prevention?

To prevent high spots on ceramic coatings, the following steps can be taken:

– Prepare the surface properly:

Clean and decontaminate the surface thoroughly before applying the ceramic coating to ensure that it adheres evenly. Using the right preparation products, like Ecoclean Precoat improves the surface preparation.

However, If the surface requires correction, for example there are swirl marks and scratches on the surface, cleaning with a clay bar followed by paint correction is important!

– Use proper application techniques:

Traditionally, applicator or application sponges provide an even spread of coatings and is preferred over just an application cloth and your hand! This is because the pressure on the hand is uneven, as opposed to a sponge/foam.

Using foam or microfiber applicator, apply the ceramic coating in thin, even layers. Avoid over-applying the coating, which can lead to high spots. Buffing off excess ceramic coatings avoids high spots too.

The best is a plush microfiber towel that picks up excess ceramic coatings easily.

– Watching out for Flash Times:

Read the instructions on all ceramic coatings from the manufacturers. includes the SDS and the TDS (Technical Data Sheets). The TDS for each product should be available and advises the time, temperatures and humidity of application. Here’s how a TDS should look like! 

The TDS of every ceramic coating of IGL Coatings’s is available for download at our website. TDS sheets share crucial information on the drying times, wash times as well as the flash times of the coatings.

Levelling or buffing before the coating has flashed is important as once a ceramic coating has been cured, its will need polishing to remove it!

– Allow sufficient drying time:

After applying the ceramic coating, allow it to dry completely before applying additional layers or exposing the surface to the elements.

Check out individual TDS times for drying times, and wetting times to prevent any premature failing of the ceramic coatings.

– Inspect the surface regularly during application:

Regularly inspect the surface for any signs of high spots, and address them promptly to prevent them from becoming a bigger issue. Good lighting prevents missing any areas!

Does all  ceramic coatings have high spots?

All ceramic coatings have the ability and tendency to create highspots. But just because it can be done doesn’t mean it has to! With the proper guidance and help you can reduce the formation of high spots and obtain a durable ceramic coating that lasts.

It’s also important to rely on products and brands from reputable companies  that are reputable, like IGL Coatings.

Use a trusted ceramic coating system like the ecocoat series from IGL Coatings. With the experience of numerous expert applicators around your area and with a manufacturer with International ISO certifications help to ensure the quality of ceramic coatings over rebranded, white label products.

With the full range of products from introductory ceramic coatings (Ecocoat EZ) to our Signature Coatings, Ecocoat Kenzo, IGL Coatings is one of the most trusted brands for professionals worldwide.

If you’ve just got your Ecocoat EZ Kit, Here’s a quick infographic on the do’s and don’ts!

Don’t forget that high spots happen to even the most seasoned detailers. It’s not the end of the world and it can be fixed.

If in doubt, Seek Professional Assistance! Reach out to the IGL Fam on our Social Media, or email us at [email protected] for assistance or help! We’re here for you. Don’t forget to reach out to your Representative or IGL Mentors if you are unsure about the proper application techniques or have concerns about high spots or would like to know more information about the products.

Like this article on High Spots? Then you’ll want to check out our other blog on High Spot prevention and detailer tips!