Questions regarding Mate paint finishes

[Calendyr]

Ok guys, tomorrow I will be washing my first Mate Paint car. It's an AMG Mercedes in Mate Gray, it looks amazing but it's dirty from driving in the water and snow.

I don't think I need to do anything special for the wash, but I am curious about protection... my assumption is I cannot put any wax, sealant or coating on it. Otherwise it would turn glossy. Am I right?

Otherwise, anything I can do to protect the paint once it's clean?

[FrankS]

McKee’s 37, Gyeon and Dr. Beasley have products to protect matte finishes.

[DETAILROOKIE]

I've used McKee 37 matte protectant and it looked great!

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[Calendyr]

I did not know those existed. Thanks! Will have to order some, I am sure those paint will become popular as time goes by.

[Sharply Dressed]

To start make sure your wash product contains no glossing agents. You want pure soap not a soap that contains wax, etc. You can't wax, buff, polish nor shine matte finishes. I've used McKees Matte Cleaner and protector. I also have Flitz matte cleaner but have not used that one yet. As others have mentioned, Dr Beasely makes a line of matte care products that I'd invest in for more lasting protection services. If you ever run into a car that has both matte and traditional paint, mask off the areas to protect the matte finish from gloss enhancing products and techniques.

[SWETM]

I wonder how those gets with harsh washing technique that induse swirls? Must be a pain to sort out that. Had a question on a domestic forum on how to solve it. Can't remember how it went for them. It was a well renowed detailing business that asked about it. I think that there is a way to polish it and there is some that does it. Of cause they are not shareing it at this point. I will see again if I find that thread and what was wrote.

But some kind of solution to polish them I think will come out. Is the surface of the clearcoat smooth or structured? If they are clearcoated and just the base color is matte. Would it not be the same thing as bc/CC just not any glossenhancer or fillers and easy to get the polishing oils out?

[WillSports3]

Wash the car as normal, but try to avoid using clay. I would say a good chemical decon is all you need, multiple applications if you have to. If you plan on applying a LSP, go with a dedicated matte one like Gyeon or Dr. Beasley. They both have matte coatings and what not. Gyeon has the Cure Matte, Dr. Beasley has the Matte sealants. The reason not to use regular wax is not because it'll shine it, it's because whatever you use will be clogged in the ridges of the matte paint and you'll have a hard time getting it off because you can't polish it. For the wash itself, matte soap is just soap without anything in it. I would use a stronger dilution though, and if you use a foam gun or a foam pressure sprayer, foam it and let it dwell for a bit so it can break things down.

[Calendyr]

Yes I used regular car shampoo, not a wash and wax product (obviouslly The car is new, and it already had a protective hydrophobic product on it I am guessing Mercedes applies it at the factory. So I am happy that not having the product on hand will not mean the car will be without protection.

Seriously amazing machine, that AMG E63 with it's Turbo V8 I love working for that dealership, I get to see some very nice cars Can't wait to work on a Ferrari

[Mantilgh]

[FUNX650]

Is the surface of the clearcoat smooth
or structured? If they are clearcoated
and just the base color is matte.
Would it not be the same thing as bc/CC
just not any glossenhancer or fillers and
easy to get the polishing oils out?

No, not the same as “standard” BC/CC.

There are paint-systems wherein
matte-finish-CCs are incorporated.


Bob