Manufacturers these days are no longer concerned with just standard paint jobs. Gone are the days of simply managing paint that is single stage or clear over base. With the current growing trend of matte paint jobs and matte wraps, the importance of proper maintenance becomes a key issue.
There has always been the train of thought that you can’t protect a matte paint finish and that it is hard to maintain. This may have been true in the past — however, not so much anymore. If you are here reading this, then you already care about how your car looks and you’re ready to put in the effort to keep it looking its best.
The truth is: taking care of a matte-painted car is no more work than caring for a glossy car. One reason is that you will never be polishing your car, as this can ruin the finish. Matte finishes are already less susceptible to clear-coat scratches and swirl marks because of their non-reflective nature.
Another common misconception is that matte paint has no clear coat — but this isn’t always true. Resprays and wraps may not, but many vehicles that come from the factory with matte finishes do. Manufacturers use this clear coat to create the “flat look” by using micro-texture, dimples or controlled imperfection in the application process. So how do you maintain and protect a matte finish?
There are some important rules to keep in mind when dealing with matte paint, and they include (but are not limited to):
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Do not polish or wax the vehicle unless using a matte-specific product.
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Do not use mechanical means of cleaning the surface (e.g., automatic/car-wash brushes or rotary buffers).
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Remove insect remains, tar and other residues immediately.
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Always keep your paint protected.
Using an abrasive polish or a traditional wax on your matte paint is a bad idea. Polishing is an abrasive process meant to level out imperfections and smooth the surface of a clear coat. The reason matte paint is flat is because of controlled imperfections — when you remove or compromise those, you’re affecting the finish’s ability to scatter light correctly. Wax often contains carnauba or silicones that fill the surface texture, thereby increasing gloss — which defeats the matte aesthetic.
The next rule is: never use any mechanical means to clean the surface of a matte finish. Repetitive motion from machines such as automated car-washes or buffer machines will harm the finish. Always clean your car by hand using a matte-safe, pH-neutral, high-lather shampoo or wash product — for example the Envoke pH Neutral Shampoo (formulated to safely clean without affecting the surface). Detail Central+1
Remove insect remains, tar and other residues immediately — this is the same no matter what paint you have. Leaving them on your paintwork can stain or etch the finish.
Finally: keep your paint protected regularly. Use plush, high-quality microfibre towels (these help reduce risk of scratching while absorbing and lifting contaminants). You need to be careful about which protection products you use — many contain silicones, waxes or additives that boost gloss and will damage the appearance of your matte finish or potentially degrade the clear coat underneath. Instead, opt for protection products specifically designed for matte finishes.
For example, Envoke’s Matte & PPF Ceramic Detail Spray is specially formulated for matte paint and Paint Protection Film (PPF) surfaces:
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It preserves the vehicle’s original matte look by not adding unwanted gloss.
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It provides hydrophobic protection and UV protection thanks to ceramic infusion technology.
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It is safe for use on matte surfaces and PPF, and can be used conveniently as a quick detail spray between washes.
So, when maintaining your matte-painted or matte-wrapped car:
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Use a matte-safe shampoo like the Envoke pH Neutral Shampoo for the wash step.
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After washing and drying (by hand, on cool panels, out of direct sun), apply a protection/detail spray designed for matte finishes such as the Envoke Matte & PPF Ceramic Detail Spray.
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Always avoid gloss-boosting waxes or polishes, stay away from mechanical cleaning where possible, remove contaminants promptly, and use proper microfibre towels and non-aggressive washing techniques.
Our recommendation: Use the Angelwax Luminosity range for specialized matte paint or wrap finish protection, and pair it with Envoke’s wash and detail products for a comprehensive maintenance strategy.
Available at Detail Central – we carry the full range of Envoke and Angelwax products to provide the right care for any matte or gloss finish.