How to Protect Your Matte Paint? Exploring the Myths & Facts!

A matte paint finish stands out and is unique in a world dominated by gloss and sheen. In recent years, the matte appearance has grown significantly. What does a matte paint finish actually mean? Is the paint different, or is it the way it’s applied that generates the matte look? Is it possible to mimic a matte finish or change a glossy finish without having to repaint a car, and are there any materials that look better with a matte surface? Let’s delve deeper into this subject.

What Is Matte Paint?

Matte finish is not paint, but instead a surface coating that can be applied over existing paint or other surfaces. It is usually made up of a combination of materials including resins, waxes and silicone-based emulsions. These components are designed to create a flat, non-reflective surface that has a unique look and feel. A matte finish is different from other finishes because it doesn’t have a shiny look. It looks unique and has become popular recently. When light hits a matte finish, it spreads evenly across the surface instead of reflecting back like glossy paints do. This creates an interesting look that stands out from the crowd. Matte finishes also require less cleaning than glossy ones since they don’t show dirt or smudges so easily. Another advantage of matte paints is that they can be used to mimic the look of other materials. For example, you can use a matte paint to create a wood-like finish or even give metal objects an aged appearance. This can be very useful when it comes to customizing objects or creating unique looks.

The car paint’s surface is coated with a clear coating to give it a glossy appearance. The purpose of a typical clear coat is to cover any holes or small dips left by the paint’s coarse pigment. This results in a surface that is smoother and deeper. This is what gives the gloss appearance. The matte paint job includes a clear coating as well. However, the final coating is left with tiny dimples rather than filling and leveling the uneven paint. As a result, the paint has a dull or matte texture and cannot reflect light. Any paint hue can be “matted,” since the method and kind of transparent coating used will determine how the matte effect is created. However, most of the matte-painted cars from Mercedes, BMW, Aston Martin, and other premium brands are white or black.

What Are The Different Types Of Matte Finish?

Another misconception is the idea that all matte finishes are equivalent. On the other hand, there are several shades of matte paint finishes, each of which has a distinct luster—or lack thereof. In most parts of the world, three different kinds of matte finishes are popular.

True Flat Matte Finish

The True Flat Matte Finish is a kind of matte finish you should get for the ultimate covert appearance. The most typical sort of matte finish is this one. It has the same appearance as when bare metal is covered with a can of flat black spray paint. It tends to have no gloss and is unpolished, gritty, and coarse. A natural flat finish will make shadows, but there will be no reflection when you look at the paint. The biggest issue with a real flat matte finish is that it gives the car a slightly unfinished appearance. Automobile enthusiasts work around this problem by adding accessories to the vehicle, such as wheels, bumpers, grilles, and/or badges, that highlight the matte surface. This is the “blackout” style that auto dealers worldwide are starting to adopt. In this case, the factory will add gloss black accent pieces to the car. This will give the car some contrast while keeping its cool look.

Satin Matte Finish

A satin matte finish is a fantastic place to start if you’re searching for something in the middle of mild and crazy. This combines the best of both worlds for you. Without the reflective qualities that matte is known to generate, it offers the shine of a gloss finish. The majority of factory-direct automotive paint jobs have a satin finish. Even though it might not seem as “stealthy” as the flat matte surface, the satin finish truly pops, especially in natural light or when illuminated by LEDs. Automotive painters can achieve the satin finish by using a clear specially prepared to generate the sheen and reflective blocking. Others swear by spraying the base coat first, then the clear and flat clear combination.

Semi-Gloss Matte Finish

People who want to push the limits of glossy paint coatings should go for the semi-gloss matte. The best way to explain the difference between satin and semi-gloss is to use white plastic and eggshell as an example. Satin is like white plastic, it doesn’t reflect light much and has a smooth, matte look. Semi-gloss is more like eggshell, it reflects light a bit and looks shinier than satin. Semi-gloss paint is a fantastic option for individuals searching for a user-friendly matte because it is not as “high-maintenance” in care and upkeep.

Understanding Matte Finishes: Myths and Facts

As we talked about briefly in the beginning, there are a lot of myths and lies about matte finishes. There are other facts that need to be emphasized as well, though. So, let’s go over some myths and facts about matte finishes, and if you heard any other myths that doesn’t covered here, go ahead and look them up on your own.

• A Matte Finish Cannot Be Waxed

It’s true. As we discussed above, a matte finish does not have the flat, smooth finish that wax is intended to be applied to. The purpose of using wax is to protect while enhancing the shine of the clear coat/paint combination. You’ll get a slimy mess if you try to apply your dad’s old can of wax on the matte surface.

• You Must Make Your Own Car Shampoo to Wash a Matte Finish

Some people state that the only method to clean matte finish paint jobs is to make your own homemade concoction, which usually involves combining an acidic substance like vinegar with a detergent like a dish soap. Well, that is not entirely true.

Today’s ready-to-use vehicle shampoos frequently contain wax, primarily used as a lubricant during the washing process. These waxes can and often do leave behind a residue that gets “buffed” into the paint surface as it dries. Using this kind of wax on a matte finish clear coat will ruin the look and appearance, as we stated above. But don’t go out and apply the detergent or some vinegar thought. In actuality, combining vinegar, which is pH negative or acidic, with detergents, which are pH positive or a stronger base, only serves to further damage the finish.

Several car shampoos are available in the market that is wax-free and pH-neutral (which is kind to all automotive surfaces), like our own Foam Wash Shampoo. This lets you gently wipe away dirt, grime, and other debris without leaving a wax layer or what some people might consider a subpar matte sealant. It is important to avoid using automatic car wash facilities if your car has a matte finish. There, vehicle soap is always wax-enhanced, which won’t work well with your matte finish. Additionally, it is not a good idea to wash your vehicle there if it has metallic paint.

• Repairing Scratches and Cuts on a Matte Finish is Almost Impossible

Unfortunately, THIS IS TRUE. The durability and susceptibility to scratches and paint chips of matte finishes are identical to those of standard gloss paint jobs. However, the matte finish of the car is more difficult to fix than the gloss clear coat, which may be easily buffed during paint correction. In fact, if the finish is damaged, extensive repair is typically required. Even a small stain from bird droppings that is neglected for too long can cost thousands of rupees to fix.

• Without a Clear Coat, Matte Paint is Just Normal Paint

Absolutely not. In rare instances, an aftermarket matte paint job might not have a clear coat, but if you get it from the manufacturer, it will undoubtedly have one. Actually, the clear coat’s minuscule flaws and “dimples” are what give factory matte paint its flat appearance. Make sure a matte clear coat was applied over the pigment layer of paint if you had a third party paint your automobile or motorcycle matte in a booth. Let me assure you. You will regret it if you don’t have a clear coat.

Taking Care of a Matte Finish

Let’s say if you spend money on a matte finish; it only makes sense to safeguard it from harm. Make it easier to clean, and maintain the matte’s appearance.  How can a matte finish be protected if you can’t use car wax and paint sealants aren’t all that great? There is one excellent possibility that you should think about.

A Professional-Grade Matte DIY Ceramic Coating

A nano-ceramic coating like Matte Ceramic Coating DIY Kit is a superb solution to safeguard and improve the appearance of your matte finish without adding gloss or creating a shiny impression. By filling up those minute flaws with a clear but incredibly durable layer of quartz or glass, the matte ceramic coating is designed and made to adhere directly to the clear matte clear coating. The ceramic coating then creates an incredibly flat layer after curing. With each extra layer of coating, that defense becomes stronger, improving the defensive qualities without raising the shine. The matte surface stands out because it draws attention to what is behind that layer. The ceramic coat is then given a top coat, which creates an ultra-slick surface. It makes it less likely that things like water, dirt, bug guts, tree sap, and other sticky things will stick to the coating. This process creates hydrophobic qualities, which prolong the time the vehicle appears cleaner. Additionally, it makes washing your vehicle an easier task. Learn more about the ceramic coating benefits here.