A matte finish on your vehicle has a unique finish that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It leaves the car with a non-reflective and sandy texture that many admire.
However, it is a little more prone to damage. It leads to the question, can you add a ceramic coat over the matte paint on your vehicle?
You can undoubtedly add a ceramic coating to your matte paint job. Yet this will cost slightly more than a traditional ceramic coating.
Although, with ceramic coating, you’ll enjoy many benefits, such as increased durability, slight resistance to damage, less cleaning, and a sleek ceramic-matte finish.
This article will discuss whether or not you can add a ceramic coating over the matte finish on your vehicle. So keep reading! We have all the answers you need.
Matte and Ceramic Coatings
In recent years many people have become rather fond of a sleek matte finish on their vehicles. It gives the car a non-reflective sheen that’s admired by many. However, matte paint does have a few downsides.
Matte paint will show more imperfections on your car and is a little more susceptible to damage. Opting for a matte finish on your vehicle requires more regular care and maintenance than gloss finishes.
There are various ways to increase the longevity of matte finishes. One way to ensure this is by hand washing your vehicle instead of sending it through an automatic car wash.
The use of special cleaners, polishers, and sealants is also recommended to ensure the car keeps its unique texture. However, another alternative option that is becoming increasingly popular is the use of a ceramic coating.
Can you add a ceramic coating to your matte finish to protect it from all kinds of damage and unforeseen circumstances?
Can You Ceramic Coat Matte Paint?
Adding a ceramic coat over the top is one of the easiest ways to protect and increase the longevity of your matte finish. A ceramic coating is a chemical polymer applied to your vehicle’s exterior to help protect the outer paint job.
A ceramic coating is generally applied by hand; it blends with the matte finish already on your vehicle and adds a layer of protection.
Ceramic coatings can be applied over matte paintwork, wraps, and even matte plastic. However, it won’t be overly shiny, unlike a regular ceramic coating.
Applying a ceramic coating over the matte finish on your vehicle may cost more on average compared to a traditional ceramic coating. But, even though the price is higher, it has various benefits.
The ceramic coating will increase the overall durability of the matte finish and can even make it more resistant to various minor forms of damage.
It will also protect your vehicle from harmful UV rays, which would otherwise cause the matte paintwork to fade.
Various chemical stains from the air’s acidic components are another potential danger to your matte paintwork. A ceramic coating will be a huge benefit if you live in a busy city with air pollution.
One of the best benefits of ceramic coating over matte paintwork is its easy cleaning. The polymer is a strong substance that helps to repel dirt and stains.
On top of this, it typically doesn’t take that long when you do have to wash it.
Process of Applying Ceramic Coating over Matte Paint
The process of applying a ceramic coating over a matte paint job typically involves the following steps:
Preparation
The vehicle is thoroughly cleaned and any existing wax or sealant is removed. The paint is then inspected for any imperfections that need to be addressed before the coating is applied.
Application
The ceramic coating is applied to the matte paint by hand, using a foam applicator or a microfiber towel. The coating is then spread evenly across the surface of the vehicle.
Curing
The coating is left to cure for some time, typically between 30 minutes to an hour, per the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product.
Inspection
Once the coating is cured, the vehicle is inspected for missed spots or uneven application. Any necessary touch-ups are done at this stage.
Final Cleaning
The vehicle is then given a final clean and polished to remove any residue from the application process.
Note the process can vary depending on the product being used and the professional applying the coating.
The Drawbacks Of A Ceramic Coating
While there are many benefits to using a ceramic coating on your matte-finished vehicle, there are also a few drawbacks.
While ceramic coating certainly adds a level of protection to your matte paint job, it’s still susceptible to damage. So, don’t expect the ceramic coating to protect your vehicle against significant chipping and scratches.
Water spotting is another small factor to consider with ceramic coatings. While it doesn’t do any damage to your vehicle, water will bead on the surface for some time. As a result, you may end up with various water spots.
Consideration of Water Spotting with Ceramic Coatings
Water spotting is a consideration when using a ceramic coating on a matte paint job. Water can bead on the surface of a ceramic coated matte paint job for some time, resulting in water spots.
These spots can be difficult to remove and require additional cleaning or polishing.
To prevent water spotting, it is recommended to dry the vehicle thoroughly after washing and to avoid parking the vehicle under trees or other areas where it may be exposed to falling water, such as water from gutters or overhangs.
Additionally, a drying aid or a water repellent product can help reduce the risk of water spotting.
So, Should You Ceramic Coat Your Matte Paintwork?
If you’ve been thinking about adding a ceramic coating over your matte paintwork, we advise you to do so. As we’ve shown in this article, ceramic coatings have various benefits.
Most importantly, it will give you much less maintenance and cleaning for your vehicle. On top of this, it adds a small amount of protection against minor damage to the paintwork.
Is it going to solve all of your paintwork worries? Of course not. No single product on the market will protect your vehicle from everything. However, a ceramic coating is an excellent choice for a matte paint job.
Ways to Increase the Longevity of Matte Finish
Hand wash the vehicle instead of an automatic car wash, as the latter can be too harsh on the matte finish.
Special cleaners, polishers, and sealants specifically designed for matte finishes are also recommended to maintain the unique texture of the paint.
Another way is to use a ceramic coating, which will provide an extra layer of protection, and make the matte finish more resistant to various forms of damage and UV rays.
Additionally, avoiding parking the car under the direct sunlight for a long period can also help prevent the fade of the matte finish.
Conclusion
So, now that you know all there is to know about ceramic coatings, will you try it out for yourself? Remember, even with a ceramic coating, and regular maintenance is the key to longevity for your vehicle’s paintwork.