Matte paint: better or worse than glossy paint?

If you look at the cars you pass, you will see that the bodywork is painted with a glossy finish. No matter what colour has been chosen for the car, it always has that gloss finish. But there is also the possibility of using a matte finish paint. It is not a very common option, but it is being considered not only by vehicle customisation workshops but also by manufacturers.

It is not a very popular option, but it must be acknowledged that it gives the bodywork a different and original look. The car stands out because the paint used makes the vehicle look very different from the rest. Manufacturers are beginning to offer this type of paint on their cars, although it is still rarely chosen. But which type of paint is better, traditional gloss or matte?

Maintenance of matte paint

Although it looks more striking than glossy paint, matte paint is more complex to maintain than gloss. Normally, it hides small imperfections in the bodywork, dents and other defects that can appear in day-to-day use better. Matte paint makes these things visible, so you need to consider whether it is worth using it.

On the other hand, to keep matte paint in perfect condition, you have to be careful when washing the car. The first thing to bear in mind is that it should not be washed in an automatic car wash. The friction of the brushes can leave scratches in the paint. Nor is it advisable to wash it with a pressure water lance, because when drying, the water can leave marks on the bodywork, which will be very noticeable due to the characteristics of the paint.

The ideal is to wash the car by hand, with a clean sponge and plenty of water. All dirt should be removed gently to avoid friction that could damage the paint. Afterwards, it should be dried thoroughly with a clean cloth to prevent visible marks. If the bodywork gets dirty from an insect strike or bird droppings, it is advisable to clean that area as soon as possible, even if only with pressurised water. Otherwise, the paint can be affected.

Aesthetically, the car has a different look. For a long time this type of paint has been used on sports cars or high-end models. In fact, painting the bodywork in matte costs more than in gloss. This is because a final layer is applied over the paint that removes the shine.

Is glossy paint better?

If you do not want to spend much more time cleaning the car, we recommend opting for glossy paint. But if you do not mind giving your car that extra time, it will certainly look far more striking and attract more attention than other vehicles. It is slightly more expensive to apply, and as we have seen, its maintenance requires more care. But your car will definitely stand out on the streets of your city.