The matt clear coat is a type of topcoat that stands out due to offering a gloss that can range from satin to matt, and which, depending on the technology used, may be adjusted to faithfully reproduce the vehicle’s original gloss level.
These clear coats are one of the hottest trends that vehicle manufacturers have introduced in recent years in some of their models for certain potential customers. That being said, this type of topcoat has been on the market for many years, and it is not something new for professionals in the sector. In any case, knowing the main characteristics and particularities of a matt clear coat is necessary to obtain quality results, so without further ado, we will delve deeper into the details.
Characteristics of a matt clear coat
The main characteristics of a matt clear coat are practically identical to those offered by a traditional gloss clear coat in terms of function, composition, drying, primer preparation and application.
Nevertheless, we also find the following differentiating characteristics that make this clear coat a paint that features certain specificities:
- By eliminating the traditional gloss that is widely used in this type of paint, the aesthetic function of matt clear coat seeks to offer the owner a higher degree of exclusivity and customization.
- Its composition includes matting additives that modify the reflectance of light to achieve a certain degree of gloss. We must not forget that a traditional gloss top coat can become satin or matt by adding the corresponding matting additive. Certain manufacturers also have lacquers with different gloss levels that, when mixed together in different proportions, allow for a multitude of variations.
- The range of matt clear coats is not as extensive as that of traditional clear coats, the most common being the 2-component ones with a high solids content (HS) and the single component aerosol ones, indicated for small touch-ups.
Particularities of the matt clear coat
As mentioned, a matt clear coat is very similar to a traditional one in terms of its main characteristics. There are a series of aspects that the operator must consider in order to avoid inadvertently modifying the degree of gloss obtained on the repainted vehicle part:
- The primer’s sanding process must be as scrupulous as a gloss clear coat, to prevent the presence of sanding marks from interfering with the reflected light and differences in brightness appearing.
- The mixing ratio must be respected very strictly, since an excess of hardener increases the gloss level. In the case of mixing clear coats with different degrees of gloss or using shades, the proportion used must be noted and the necessary tests must be carried out to ensure the level of gloss obtained. Fast hardeners are not recommended, as they tend to increase gloss.
- Other factors that can unintentionally change the brightness level are the application of excessive thicknesses, the lack of overlap between layers, the application of pure silver colors and not respecting the evaporation time between coats established by the paint manufacturer. The matt clear coat requires a very uniform and homogeneous application.
- Matt clear coats cannot be polished, since by doing so, the surface of the painting acquires shine. This requires an extremely scrupulous prior cleaning process of the surface and a very precise application of the product, in order to prevent paint defects from appearing. Because of this, it is also not possible to perform partial painting in which it is necessary to blur the clear coat.
- To control the mentioned variables, we recommend painting different test specimens until the right gloss level for the refinished vehicle is arrived at. Please take into account that the final gloss value is not achieved until 48 hours after application.
- The cleaning of matt clear coats must be carried out with great care, without exerting pressure, preferably by hand with a microfiber cloth and without excessively rubbing the surface. The use of washing tunnels, aggressive cleaning products and rough cloths must be avoided. Following these instructions prevents the appearance of shiny edges that interrupt the uniformity of the matt topcoat. It is also recommended to avoid using heat for drying, as it tends to increase gloss.
Matt clear coat, a more customized type of finish
Matt clear coats are present in the bodywork paint of some of the vehicle models distributed by the different manufacturers. This clear coat has general characteristics very similar to those of a traditional clear coat, with small differences that determine its behavior and the way of working with it. These peculiarities make it necessary to perfect the processes of preparing the support, mixing the product, applying the clear coat and cleaning, the objective being to avoid modifying the level of gloss obtained.
