Matte cars are some of the most good-looking cars on the road, and have become a go-to aesthetic for many car enthusiasts. With its sleek, satin finish and high-end appeal, matte cars are highly popular among owners of luxury vehicles and sports cars.
If you’re looking to protect your car and keep its new look for as long as possible, then installing a matte Paint Protection Film (PPF) is highly recommended. But not all PPF is the same, and you need to know how to choose the right one that gives you the best protection and value.
If you're considering installing matte PPF, here’s everything you need to know before making your choice.
To put it simply, matte PPF is a type of paint protection film that has a matte finish. Most PPFs Road safety or paint care in Australia have a clear glossy finish that, when applied to your vehicle, can protect it against chips, scratches, UV rays, and contaminants. However, the matte look has a satin finish and is less reflective than gloss, making it more subtle on a vehicle’s surface.
In terms of protection, matte PPFs do everything a standard gloss PPF does. Matte PPFs are also compatible with all car exteriors. For cars with factory matte finishes, it simply protects the vehicle without altering the original paint's appearance. For glossy paints, it alters the car’s finish, transforming your gloss into a stealthy matte appearance without requiring a full respray.
One of the big questions we get asked as car detailing specialists is, “Is it advisable to install a matte PPF on a gloss paint?” Yes! If you’re a fan of the matte look, installing a matte PPF is a great option that allows you to return to gloss later (just remove the film).
Here are some of the key reasons why car owners love matte PPF:
With Australia’s harsh sun and unpredictable road conditions, your car should always be protected. Matte PPF (like a normal PPF) can protect your vehicle against daily wear and tear, including:
A full matte repaint can be expensive and permanent. Matte PPF gives your car the same look without the big spending. At Peninsula Tint, our matte films are also available in various satin or stealth finishes, depending on your liking.
Like high-end gloss PPF, most matte films come with self-healing technology. Minor scratches and swirl marks can be removed with heat, either from the sun or a heat gun.
Protecting your original paint means your vehicle stays in better condition over time. This can make a big difference when it’s time to sell or trade in.
While matte PPF has many benefits, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Here are a few things to think about before going matte:
Matte films (unfortunately) need extra care. Unlike gloss, which hides light scratches or touch-ups, matte finishes can show inconsistencies more easily and will need to be repaired or replaced.
Matte PPF is typically more expensive than standard gloss film. That’s due to the material cost and the level of precision needed to install the film. So you should be prepared to spend more for the aesthetic.
Installing matte PPF is tricky. Even a tiny mistake in the application can result in visible marks and inconsistencies. To achieve the best finish, it is recommended to have your PPF applied by an experienced professional.
When applied over glossy or metallic paint, matte PPF may change the visual tone. However, this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re happy with the colour of your matte PPF.
Owning a vehicle with a matte PPF comes with a few extra maintenance responsibilities. Here’s how you can keep it looking its best:
Highly acidic car shampoos, waxes, and polishes can ruin the texture of your matte finish. We recommend using pH-neutral soaps and matte-safe cleaning products.
Waxing or polishing a matte PPF surface can cause permanent staining and an uneven shine on your paint’s surface. If you’re looking for protection, use a matte-compatible sealant instead.
Use soft microfiber cloths or mittens to wash your car. We do not recommend using abrasive sponges, brushes, or automatic car washes. After washing, use a clean microfiber towel to dry the surface to prevent any water spots.
Because you can’t polish out marks like you can with gloss paint, it’s important to clean bird droppings, tree sap, and bug splatter as soon as you see them. This stops the contaminant from ruining your finish over time.
Matte PPF suits all types of vehicles, whether they are luxury cars or station wagons. We have two case studies that show how matte PPF can make significant changes to a vehicle.
In our Audi RS6 case study, the owner had a silver matte factory paint that needed additional protection. Meanwhile, we also had a black BMW M3 Touring that needed preservation of its satin finish. In both cases, our team installed the XPEL STEALTH paint protection film, a high-grade matte film with a 10-year warranty.
Matte PPF doesn’t just protect against scratches, UV rays, and the elements, it also gives your car a stunning, stealthy look. However, it does come with a slightly steeper price tag and more careful maintenance compared to gloss PPF.
More importantly, you should choose an experienced installer who works with top-quality films. The right team will give your car a seamless finish that lasts for years to come.
Peninsula Tint and Paint Protection is a team of trained and experienced technicians specialising in the installation of matte PPFs. Our team uses high-quality window tints on vehicles, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Request a quote from our friendly team to learn more about protecting your Tesla.