This paper represents an effort to systematize an understanding of the cold spray process and the suitability of material for such a process. The evaluation is based on a brief analysis of the powder particle impact and a literature research concerning shock compression phenomena in matter and related physical effects, such as impact heating and dynamic yielding. The FEM simulations performed permit estimating the maximum impact pressures, the deformation rates and the deformation kinetics during impact. The calculations can be verified experimentally and are supported by the data published. From a brief analysis of the equations of state applied to shock compression, key material parameters are derived and investigated. A parameterization of physical properties and correlation with the crystal types endeavors to provide a ranking of material suitability.