Why You Might Want To Think Twice About Buying A Car With Matte Paint

Matte paint finishes have a certain wow factor that gives cars a stealthy, high-end vibe that turns heads. A few years ago, you'd only spot a modified car with such finishes. But recently, they've made their way right into mainstream showrooms, with brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and even Hyundai offering matte options on factory models. But before you tick that box, you should understand that matte isn't just a different colour — it's an entirely different kind of surface. The effect comes from a special clear coat that, unlike traditional glossy coats, which fill in tiny imperfections to create a smooth, reflective surface, intentionally creates microscopic dimples. These dimples prevent light from reflecting uniformly, resulting in the non-shiny look. Most factory options are actually a satin finish, which provides a subtle sheen without being reflective. 

This premium aesthetic comes at a steep price. Opting for a factory matte finish typically adds between $2,000 and $6,000 to the sticker price, though some luxury examples can go far higher. For example, BMW M4 Competition xDrive might see a $3,600 upcharge. Ford even offered a matte wrap as a $5,995 add-on for the 2024 Mustang. Aftermarket paint jobs can be even more expensive. To make matters worse, that initial investment often disappears upon resale. Matte finishes tend to decrease resale value because the pool of buyers is much smaller compared to universally popular gloss finishes.

If you enjoy the convenience of a quick drive-thru car wash, a matte-finish vehicle can ruin your routine. Taking one through an automatic car wash is strictly forbidden. The combination of abrasive spinning brushes and harsh chemicals will quickly damage the delicate finish, creating fine scratches and swirl marks. Even high-pressure water hoses are discouraged. The only approved method is meticulous hand washing. Techniques like the two-bucket handwashing method are especially well-suited. You must also throw out your existing car care products. That's because another rule of matte care is to never apply traditional wax to the surface. Wax is designed to fill microscopic pores to create shine. Doing this to a matte surface creates an uneven, splotchy appearance and destroys the flat effect. 

Most common car wash soaps contain waxes or gloss enhancers, making them incompatible. Dish soap is also out, as it can break down the paint's protective layer. Owners must purchase specialty cleaning solutions formulated specifically for matte paint, which often means buying expensive detailing kits recommended by manufacturers. Even the cleaning technique itself is fraught with difficulties. You cannot scrub vigorously, as excessive friction can polish the surface and create shiny spots. Furthermore, unlike gloss paint, you cannot use a clay bar to remove embedded contaminants, making preventative cleaning even more critical.

The high-maintenance nature of matte paint extends far beyond preventative cleaning, as it requires constant vigilance against environmental hazards, too. A matte surface possesses a different texture, which causes contaminants like bug splatter and bird droppings to stick more tenaciously. Leaving these on can be disastrous. For instance, if bird droppings are left too long, they can cause permanent stains that require costly intervention. But the real problem arises when damage inevitably occurs. With a standard glossy finish, minor scratches can often be buffed out. This is impossible with a matte finish. Attempting to polish or buff a scratch will create a patchy mark.

There are no inexpensive methods for repairing localized damage to matte paint. You can't use touch-up paint for small chips or sand down imperfections. The only way to fix a scratch, however small, is to repaint the entire affected panel. This process is significantly more difficult and expensive than repairing gloss paint because matching the exact level of sheen across different panels is incredibly challenging for body shops. Matte finishes look cool, but be sure you understand what you're getting into if you're determined to go for it.