What Does Matte Clear Coat Do?
What is Matte Clear Coat?
A matte clear coat is a type of protective clear topcoat designed to produce a low-gloss, non-reflective finish on painted surfaces. According to Sinnek Academy, matte clearcoat gives surfaces “a silky, elegant appearance.”
In general, clear coats are used to protect and seal painted surfaces like car paint. They provide a smooth, glossy layer over the colored paint that helps prevent scratches, fading, oxidation and damage from environmental factors. According to Mud Paint, clear coats also enhance the vibrancy and depth of the paint color.
The key difference between matte and traditional gloss clear coats is the final finish. Gloss clear provides a shiny, reflective surface while matte clear imparts a non-reflective, low-sheen finish that diffuses light. So matte clear coat allows you to get the protective benefits of a clear coat while achieving a more understated, muted aesthetic.
Matte Finish Benefits
Matte finishes are becoming increasingly popular in many fields due to several advantageous properties.
Aesthetically, matte finishes have a smooth, non-reflective look that can add an elegant, sophisticated touch.
Matte coatings help minimize visible surface imperfections and fingerprints compared to high-gloss finishes (source1).
Matte clear coats are quite durable and scratch-resistant (source2). They hold up well to regular wear and tear. Maintenance is easy since fingerprints and dust are less visible.
Routine cleaning is often sufficient to keep a matte finish looking fresh.
Overall, matte clear coats combine visual appeal with practical benefits like durability and low maintenance. Their growing popularity is driven by these strengths.
Applications of Matte Clear Coat
Matte clear coat is versatile and can be applied to a variety of surfaces including:
Cars/Vehicles:
Applying a matte clear coat is a popular way to get a flat, non-reflective finish on cars and motorcycles. It protects the underlying paint while muting the shine. Matte coats are frequently used on show cars and hot rods to achieve a sleek, modern look.
Furniture:
Matte clear coat brings out the natural color and grain of wood furniture without creating any gloss. It provides protection from scratches, spills, and UV rays. Matte coatings help highlight the inherent beauty of natural wood surfaces in furniture, cabinets, floors, and more.
Floors:
Concrete and wood floors commonly use matte sealers and clear coats to provide durability and stain resistance, while retaining a muted, low-sheen appearance. Matte finishes better hide small scuffs and scratches compared to high-gloss coatings.
Electronics:
Matte coatings are sometimes applied to plastic casings on electronics like phones and laptops. This diffuses light reflection and obscures fingerprints. Matte clear coats can provide enhanced grip and a smooth feel to device surfaces.
How Matte Clear Coat Works
Matte clear coat contains several key ingredients that create the flat, non-reflective finish.
The main components are:
- Polyurethane resin – This provides the protective clear coating.
- Matting agents – Finely dispersed particles like silica are added to scatter light. This reduces the gloss and creates the matte effect.
- Solvents – Allow the clear coat to be applied as a liquid before evaporating.
When applied to a surface, the matte clear coat undergoes a chemical curing reaction. The polyurethane resin crosslinks to form a hardened film. The solvents evaporate away. This leaves behind the matting agents embedded in the clear coat, creating the matte finish.
Curing can take place at room temperature over 24-48 hours. Heat can also be used to accelerate the curing process. The clear coat fully hardens as the chemical crosslinking completes.
Properly mixed and applied matte clear coat will bond strongly to the surface. The embedded matting agents interrupt reflected light, delivering the iconic flat, non-shiny matte look.
Preparing the Surface
Proper surface preparation is crucial for achieving an even, smooth matte finish. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned and sanded before applying matte clear coat. According to https://www.supersybon.com/clear-coat-varnish/matte-auto-clear-coat, “It’s crucial to prepare the surface properly, clean and degrease it thoroughly and sand it to a uniform finish before applying matte clear coat.”
The first step is to clean and degrease the surface to remove any dirt, grease, wax or other contaminants. A wax and grease remover should be used, followed by a final wipe down with a tack cloth. All previous coatings need to be completely removed as well.
Next, the surface should be sanded to create an appropriate finish for the clear coat. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper like 400-600 and work up to finer 1000-2000 grit. Be sure to sand evenly across the entire surface. The sanding process helps the clear coat bond properly.
Masking off any areas you don’t want coated is also an important preparatory step. Use high quality masking tape and paper to protect sections that should remain unpainted. Precisely mask edges and borders for a clean finish.
Proper preparation removes contaminants, profiles the surface, and protects unfinished areas. Following these surface prep steps allows the matte clear coat to adhere optimally for a flawless uniform finish.
Applying Matte Clear Coat
There are two main methods for applying matte clear coat – with a brush or spray gun. When choosing between brush vs spray application, consider the surface area you’re coating and your desired finish.
Spraying matte clear coat allows for a more even, consistent application over large surfaces like vehicles or furniture. It also creates a smoother finish with less brush stroke texture. However, spraying does require some equipment like a paint spray gun or aerosol can. It also produces overspray that must be controlled in the work area.
Brushing matte clear coat is a good option for smaller surfaces or touch ups. Using a high-quality brush allows applying smooth coats with minimal brush strokes. Compared to spraying, brushing can ensure the matte clear coat is worked into intricate areas. However brushing may result in slight inconsistencies in the finish compared to spraying. Proper brushing technique is required to minimize visible brush strokes.
When applying matte clear coat, most products recommend applying 2-3 thin coats allowing proper drying time between coats. Applying coats that are too thick can cause the finish to appear cloudy or uneven. Drying times vary based on temperature and humidity, but typically matte clear coats need 2-4 hours between coats.
Ideally matte clear coats should be applied at room temperature between 60-80°F. Temperatures that are too cold can inhibit proper curing and drying. High heat can cause the product to dry too quickly leading to application issues. The clear coat should also not be applied in very humid conditions over 85% humidity, as moisture interferes with the coating curing.
Maintaining the Matte Finish
Proper maintenance is crucial for preserving the aesthetic and durability of a matte clear coat finish. Unlike gloss finishes, matte paint is more prone to showing signs of wear and imperfections. Gentle cleaning methods must be used to avoid marring the delicate surface.
Always use cleaning products designed specifically for matte finishes, such as Chemical Guys Meticulous Matte Auto Wash. Avoid dish soap, wax, polishes, or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the finish or leave behind glossy residues. Use a very soft microfiber towel and rinse often while washing to minimize swirl marks.
Scratches and chips stand out more on matte paint. Fortunately, matte clear coat can be touched up using paint pens or aerosols formulated for matte finishes, such as Honda Civic Type R Matte Touch Up Paint. Properly prep the damaged area before applying thin coats of matte touch up paint. Resist the urge to buff or polish the paint once dried.
With proper maintenance techniques and products, a factory matte finish can retain its flawless appearance for years. Avoid car washes, commercial cleaners, and excessive rubbing during washing. Regularly inspect for flaws and touch up as needed. Special care will maintain the sophisticated matte look.
Matte vs Satin Finish
Matte and satin are two popular paint finishes that have some key differences in terms of sheen and appearance. Matte finishes have very low reflectivity and no shine. Satin finishes have slightly more sheen than matte but are less glossy than semi-gloss or high-gloss paints.
The main differences between matte and satin finishes are:
Levels of Sheen
Matte paints have a completely flat, non-reflective finish. They have a sheen rating of 0-5%. Satin paints have a low luster sheen and have a sheen rating of 20-35%, so they reflect a bit more light than matte.
Use Cases
Matte paint works well for walls, especially in low natural light areas where you don’t want a lot of glare. Satin works well for trim, cabinets, and doors since it is easy to clean and durable. Satin is also frequently used on exterior surfaces.
Appearance
Matte finishes minimize imperfections in surface quality. They have a classic, simple look. Satin finishes have a smoother appearance and make details and colors a bit more vivid. The low sheen adds depth without being overly shiny.
When choosing between matte and satin, consider the location and your desired aesthetic. Matte creates a more modern, streamlined look while satin offers a bit more depth and traditional appeal.
Troubleshooting Matte Clear Coat
Matte clear coat can present some unique challenges compared to traditional gloss clear coats. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
Uneven Finish
Achieving a perfectly smooth, consistent matte finish can be difficult. The matte clear coat can dry to uneven textures, glossy spots, bumps, or orange peel. This is often caused by improper spraying technique, environmental conditions, or compatibility issues with the basecoat. Carefully follow the product instructions for spray distance, overlap, humidity levels, etc. You may need to sand and reapply the matte clear coat if the texture is very uneven. Be sure to use a matte paint to touch up any exposed basecoat to blend the repair (https://www.meguiars.com/automotive/interior-car-care/matte-finish-quick-detailer).
Scratches and Marks
The matte clear coat finish can show marks, swirls, and scratches much more than a gloss finish. Avoid using abrasive polishes or buffing, as this will create shiny spots. Use mild cleaners and matte detail spray designed specifically for matte paints. For deeper scratches, the matte clear may need to be sanded and reapplied (https://renuauto.com/matte-paint/).
Yellowing Over Time
Matte clear coat can yellow as it oxidizes and ages, causing the finish to look dingy. Avoid waxing matte finishes, as many waxes contain ingredients that accelerate yellowing. Use a mild matte paint cleaner and reapply matte clearcoat as needed to restore the original finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about matte clear coat:
Does matte clear coat peel or get scratched easily?
While matte clear coat can get scratched or peel just like any paint, it is actually quite durable if applied properly. Using multiple thin coats allows matte clear coat to fully cure and develop maximum hardness and scratch resistance (source). Proper surface prep, application technique, and maintenance will help prevent peeling or scratching.
Can you polish or compound a matte clear coat?
No, matte clear coats should never be polished, compounded, waxed, or sealed. Doing so will make the surface glossy and ruin the matte effect (source). Only use cleaners specifically designed for matte finishes.
Is matte clear coat good for covering imperfections?
Yes, the flattening agents in matte clear coat help scatter light, effectively hiding minor imperfections like swirl marks, scratches, or orange peel (source). However, the surface must still be properly prepped beforehand.
Can you turn a gloss clear coat matte afterwards?
It is very difficult to turn an existing gloss clear coat into a true matte finish. Matte clear coat needs to be formulated with dulling additives to create the proper effect. Applying a matte clear over gloss will create a “satin” look at best. It’s better to properly prep and start with a fresh matte clear coat (source).
