Caring for matte paint isn't necessarily difficult, though it does require some extra effort . Special cleaners, sealants and polishes are required to maintain the texture and finish, meaning most matte cars are hand-wash only, and that drive-thru car washes are typically off limits.
Choose sealant products designed specifically for matte paint; they offer similar protective benefits. Matte sealant is actually easier to use than paste wax, because it can be applied on a wet car, doesn't require cure time, and doesn't leave the kind of hazy residue that wax can leave on trim and emblems.
Disadvantages To Matte Finish
As we mentioned before, the matte finish absorbs light which means it won't help to make small spaces feel bigger, unlike glossy finishes that reflect light. Therefore, for kitchens that are very small, a matte finish may not be the best option.
The key point here is that you must never wax your matte finish paint. Waxes and matte finishes do not work well together, largely because a shiny coat of wax would only negate the point of the matte finish by introducing a bit of shine which isn't very nice looking.
Matte vehicles should be hand washed whenever possible. Although not required, hand washing is highly recommended to safeguard the integrity of the paint job. If a customer wants to use an automatic carwash, it must be touchless. Matte paint topcoats may scratch if brought through a plastic bristle carwash.
White vinegar and dish soap make one of the most effective household cleaning solutions. The vinegar is strong enough to loosen dirt and stains but mild enough not to ruin the finish of matte and flat paints. Dish soap is effective on most stains and is naturally tough on grease, oil, wax, and most inks.
I just use rubbing alcohol. I've also used Windex or other ammonia based cleaners. The original Harley owners guide for matte paint suggested Windex for cleaning. They do a great job of getting the crud off and keeping the matte very flat.
Matte sheens aren't typically washable either. But Dunn-Edwards says Exquisite solves those issues. Cleaning and general wear and tear are less likely to happen and easier to fix, the brand says. As a 100 percent acrylic paint, Exquisite can adhere well to a variety of walls.
Although you may not think so, scratches and small marks will be much more visible on matte finishes than they are on gloss finishes (and you cannot polish the surface to remove them).
Alcohol can degrease but will burn a matte surface
When you spay alcohol across a matte material, the dots will stay on the surface as they get in the lamination. You will notice them right after you wipe the alcohol out.
USE Methylated Spirits or Isopropyl Alcohol (“rubbing alcohol”) on a clean microfibre cloth to remove oily marks and fingerprints that may disrupt the surface appearance. Dry with a clean dry cloth (microfibre cloth for best results) after any cleaning. Repeat if necessary.
Matte paint can't tolerate scuffs and scratches the way that traditional paint does, so it's important to keep your matte vehicle clean. Be sure to use a wax-free, ph neutral, car washing soap. It needs to be wax-free because wax in regular vehicle soap will cause a splotchy and clouded appearance.
Meticulous Matte is the first matte-safe car wash soap that won't add unwanted gloss or shine while using advanced foaming technology to help prevent scratching the sensitive matte surfaces. Use This Soap To: Restore the crisp sheen to matte and satin.
Meticulous Matte Auto Wash is the first matte-safe car wash soap formulated for any two-bucket, foam gun, and foam cannon wash. Meticulous Matte provides slick lubrication to remove abrasive dirt, dust, and road grime without scratching sensitive matte paint finishes.
Flat Out Finish
When working with matte finishes, it's very important to not use any products that are designed to add gloss, this includes washes, detailing sprays, polishes or cleansers, waxes and sealants etc.
Helpful Tips. Flat or matte finishes tend to touch up better: The flatter the finish, the easier to touch up; the glossier the finish, the more challenging. The better quality your paint is, the easier your touch-up is going to be.
So you see, waxing a matte car essentially reverses the effect that makes your 'flat' painted car unique. All paste or liquified waxes should be avoided, as the idea behind carnauba (for example) is to fill imperfections. Once again, it's those imperfections that make matte finishes appear the way they do.
Matte finishes are just as durable and normal gloss-finished paint jobs, and just as susceptible to scratches and paint chips. However, unlike a gloss clear coat on the car's finish that can be easily polished during paint correction, the matte finish is not as simple to repair.
'It's shine-free surface provides excellent depth of color and its ease of application and smooth feel after drying makes it a professional painter's favorite'. Another great thing about matte paint is that it works beautifully in any style of interior, from period properties to modern homes.
A matte finish clear coat is just as durable as a glossy clear coat. You probably already know that glossy clear coats can chip and scratch. The issue with a matte finish is that there are no inexpensive means to repair those damaged spots. You can't cover isolated places with touch-up paint or buff them out.
Matte paint is generally more expensive than flat paint, due to its unique finish. Its longer-lasting durability also adds to its expense. Flat paint is cheaper because it doesn't require multiple coats and produces a durable finish with fewer materials.