tuningblog.eu Your magazine about tuning the car
Matt finishes on cars have been very popular for several years. They enable an attractive satin finish and are an eye-catcher. However, the Care from the matt paint not exactly easy. But regular maintenance is essential. In this regard, there are a few things to consider, especially with matt paint. We will show you how to properly care for your matt paint and what to look out for when buying the products.
What is the difference between matt lacquer and conventional gloss lacquer?
Matt paint stands out visually from conventional car paint. Nevertheless, the basic differences in structure are rather small. At matt car paints a primer, filler and the color layer are also applied. However, instead of the normal clear coat used in gloss finishes, a coating with matting agents is used. The so-called silicate particles absorb the light and create the matt finish. Due to the surface finish, minor scratches and damage are less visible, but the paint fades more quickly in the sun. That makes the right matt paint care all the more important.
Proper care for matt paint - this is how it works!
Paintwork care is always a good idea. However, care should be taken with matt paint, as things can go wrong. The abrasive effect of the wrong care products or even polishes can smooth the rough surface and cause an unwanted shine effect. And the same applies to visiting the Car wash: The optical properties of the matt lacquer can change as a result of mechanical influences such as brushing. Waxes and polymers used in car washes can also lead to a certain shine that you don't want. When it comes to matt paint care, the right care product and the right technique are of crucial importance.
It is essential to use special, designated for it Products. Numerous manufacturers offer appropriate care products. Good products are, for example, hard waxes for the matt paint. Under no circumstances should they contain abrasive substances, as these will damage the surface of the matt paint. The right product creates a good protective layer and the result is bright colours, a lotus effect and a durable long-term seal. However, make sure that the product you choose does not leave any unwanted white marks or streaks on the plastic parts of the vehicle.
Can I polish matt paint?
- Matte finishes should not be polished as the abrasives in the polish can damage the finish. Also, avoid using car washes and instead clean and care for the car with special matt paint care products.
Can matt paint be sealed?
- After cleaning, the matt paint should be sealed to protect it from harmful substances such as dirt, bird droppings or insects. There are many products that have been specially developed for matt paint care.
How do I clean a car with matte paint?
- Cars with a matte finish should not be washed in the car wash unless they are using it textile washing materials. It is recommended to hand clean matte surfaces with a soft microfiber cloth. Also a Pressure Washer can be used.
Tips for matt paint care
- Clean the vehicle by hand.
- Only use soft microfiber cloths or washing gloves for cleaning and avoid bristles and brushes.
- Do not wax or polish the matte finish as the substances it contains could create a shinier look.
- Only use products suitable for matt paint care. Also pay attention to the quality of the care product.
- First test the care product on an inconspicuous area of the vehicle before applying it completely. The effect could still be different than desired.
Matt paint care – step by step
Step 1: Pre-cleaning
- First comes the rough cleaning as part of the matt paintwork care. Remove dirt, insect residue and dust from the vehicle surface. A wash mitt works best for this. But you can also use a high-pressure cleaner. However, avoid car washes unless they use textile washing material. Hand washing is recommended in most cases. Use water and car shampoos that are suitable for matt paintwork.
Step 2: Matt paint care
- After washing the car, a sealer should be applied to protect the surface from "paint eaters" such as insects, road grime, tree sap and bird droppings. Always make sure to choose a suitable product for matte paint. High-quality products are recommended to avoid damage to the paintwork. Apply the sealant with a microfiber cloth and avoid hard materials such as brushes. The care product should only be applied very thinly. Remove excess material immediately before it has a chance to dry to avoid streaking.
Step 3: post-cleaning
- To remove residues of the matt paint care product, rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water after the actual cleaning. Then dry it with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent water stains.
Can matt paint be repaired?
Matt paintwork care with dedicated products is particularly important as repairing damaged paintwork is not easy. Depending on the damage, the repair can be very time-consuming. Small scratches may be able to be repaired with a new layer of paint on the affected area, but often it may even be necessary to repaint the entire vehicle or at least several adjacent parts.
In summary, the care of matt paintwork is more demanding than that of conventional gloss paintwork. In order to maintain the matt effect and the longevity of the paint, it is important to use only suitable care products and to use the right technique. Avoid polishes, waxes and car washes that damage the matt finish and instead use specially developed cleaning and sealing products. With careful care and regular maintenance, you can keep the matt paint look you love while extending its lifespan.
The following note is essential: For safety reasons, tuningblog recommends all repair, inspection and maintenance work exclusively to be carried out in a specialist workshop! Although our information is summarized to the best of our knowledge and belief, we cannot assume any liability for the content. All information is therefore "without guarantee".
Of course, that wasn't the end of it!
In this tuningblog category there are guides and instructions for common defects/repairs on the vehicle and for installing accessories/tuning parts. Our articles explain in a simple way common defects and the corresponding repairs and they also explain how the first signs of a defect become noticeable. In most cases, we also have initial clues to the repair instructions in our repair instructions approximate costs listed.
The goal of ourAuto Repair Guide“ is to create a head start in knowledge for the next visit to the workshop with initial tips. This may save you from tedious troubleshooting and you may even be able to do small things yourself. The same applies, of course, to the installation of accessories/tuning parts. Here, too, we would like to help with the implementation with instructions and tips. There are many other posts on this as well. Below is an excerpt of the last and HERE there are all previous instructions.
