Beginner Detailing Guides
Videos, articles, infographics and more on washing, polishing and ceramic coating.
DIY Matte Finish Care
Articles and vides on how to maintain a matte finish car in its original appearance.
How Should I Care for Matte Paint?
Learn what products to use, what to avoid, how to remove stains and how to keep matte finishes looking uniform in this DIY Decision Guide.
What Do I Use to Maintain Matte Paint Finishes?
Matte finish paint on a car looks really cool. But it also has a reputation for being difficult to keep looking good. Using the wrong product, letting a stain sit for too long or scratching the finish can all permanently damage matte paint. So what makes it so sensitive? Let’s explain.
Download PDF Checklist
What To Avoid on Matte Finishes
Is it actually a scratch?
vs.
Scratch
or Scrape
or Scrape
Contaminant Transfer
Physical Defect in Clear Coat
Sitting on top of Clear Coat
Cannot Be Repaired with Abrasive Means
Removable via Chemical Means
Requires Touchup Paint
Can Appear Similar to Scratches
What Should I Do to Remove Scratches on Matte?
See a scratch on your matte finish? Don’t try to polish it out — you’ll sand the matte texture down into a sickly semi-gloss. There are better ways to address scratches in matte finishes that don’t ruin the paint in the process.
Get PDF Checklist
What Do I Use to Remove Stains on My Matte Finish?
Bird droppings, water spots and bug splatter can be hard to remove from a matte finish. Rubbing too hard can cause a shiny spot, but you also don’t want to let the stain sit too long and permanently etch the paint. The key is to remove bonded contamination chemically, not mechanically. Let me explain.
Get PDF Checklist
What Solution to Use & When
Fresh
Stain
Recommendation
Wash or use detail spray.
Bonded Stains
Recommendation
Use chemical spot remover.
Tar or
Sap
Recommendation
Use solvent-based spot remover.
Always Use LEast Aggressive Method
Don’t use a heavy-duty solvent-based cleaner when a simple detail spray will do the job. Go easy on the paint and start with low aggression methods first.
Why Apply a Ceramic Coating?
How Do You Keep Matte Uniform and Looking Good?
Keeping a matte finish clean is one thing. Keeping it looking consistent, even and beautiful is another thing entirely. Using the wrong soap or the wrong protection can leave the finish looking blotchy and inconsistent from panel to panel. Here’s how to keep the matte look uniform across the car.
Get PDF Checklist
Every checklist, chart and guide in one single place.
Enter your information below to get one or all of our PDF checklists, charts and guides for maintaining matte paint finishes.
