Detailing Matte Wraps & Paint Types

Treat Your Wrap Right with These Five Easy Steps...

Matte wraps and matte paint finishes (including satin variations) have become increasingly popular in recent years, not just as an aftermarket option but also directly from OEM manufacturers. More carmakers are offering matte paint as an option when customizing a new vehicle, and even partial or full vinyl wraps are making their way out of the factory. The surge in aftermarket vinyl wraps is also undeniable, and it's easy to see why.

With this in mind, we’ve put together some essential guidelines for detailing matte paintwork or any wrapped car, including those with tricky matte or satin vinyl finishes. Don't worry—achieving great results is simpler than you might think. We've even created a special kit to make the process easier for you!

Step 1 - Wheels

The wash stage for matte wraps and matte paint finishes follows the same basic process as any other wash, up until the decontamination phase, which is where things can vary. The first step, as always, is cleaning the wheels. We recommend using our Imperial Wheel Cleaner in combination with the Barrel Wheel Brush and Detailing Brush Trio for a thorough clean of alloy wheels. Alternatively, you can use the Citrus Power Bug & Grime Remover from our special kit, which is also effective for cleaning wheels.

Citrus Power is packed with powerful cleaning agents and degreasers that break down tough grime, and it’s also safe for use on wheel wax and sealants.

Starting with the wheels is key because it allows you to flush out any debris from your wheel arches before washing the body. This step is crucial because it prevents dirt and particles from being blown onto the paintwork, ensuring that your protection layers stay intact. Regardless of your vehicle’s finish, always clean the wheels first to ensure a more thorough maintenance wash and prevent contamination during the rest of the process.

Step 2 - Pre-wash

We all know that the pre-wash stage is crucial for paintwork to avoid swirl marks during the contact wash, and the same applies to vinyl. While vinyl is tough, it’s still possible to scratch the surface by dragging grime and grit across it. This is particularly true for gloss and satin wraps (like the one shown here), but even matte wraps can be damaged if not treated with care.

Just like with gloss paint, matte paint should be handled carefully, so a thorough pre-wash is essential!

With that in mind, the next step is to use our highly effective Citrus Power Bug & Grime Remover. Spray it across the vehicle, either covering the entire surface or targeting specific areas, depending on how dirty it is. Allow the solution to dwell for a few minutes to break down the grime, then rinse it off carefully. When rinsing, the key difference with wraps is to be extra cautious around edges and seams. Vinyl is essentially a large sticker, and depending on the age and condition of the wrap, the edges can lift. So, avoid using the pressure washer too close to these areas to prevent any damage.

Step 3 - Snow Foam

Why is snow foam essential for wrapped or matte finish cars? The reason is the same as for any car. Snow foam serves two important purposes: first, it safely lifts and lubricates heavier dirt on the vehicle’s surface, allowing it to be rinsed away without causing damage. Secondly, it reaches into panel gaps and door shuts, cleaning areas that may be difficult to access or even visible. This helps remove dust and grime from hidden spots, preventing any interference when applying your protection layers.

For an effective pre-wash, Avalanche Snow Foam is the product of choice. Use it with our Snow Foam Lance to achieve the best coverage and allow the thick foam to dwell for several minutes, loosening surface dirt and grime.

Complete the snow foam stage by rinsing off the solution with a jet wash, working from the top down. This ensures all loose particles are fully washed away.

Step 4 - Contact Wash

The two-bucket method is essential for a safe wash, and it’s especially important when cleaning wraps and matte finishes. For these types of surfaces, Lather Car Shampoo is the ideal choice. It not only lifts and lubricates grime but also ensures that no glossing agents or rinse aids, which could affect matte or satin finishes, are introduced. Lather is a powerful cleaner, yet gentle enough to use on delicate wraps and matte paint.

Use 2-4 capfuls of Lather in one bucket to remove any remaining dirt. Start with the less soiled areas and wash the car in straight lines across the vinyl or matte paint. Be sure to clean out your mitt in the rinse bucket after each panel, dipping it again into the fresh wash solution.

Once the car is fully washed and rinsed (don’t forget to flush out the door jambs and panel gaps), the next step is to dry the vehicle using our Aqua Deluxe Drying Towel, which is included in our special kit.

You may notice that we haven't performed a decontamination wash before drying; this is because vinyl is more sensitive to chemicals than paintwork. Metal fallout removers or tar & glue removers should not be used on wraps, as they can soften the surface. Additionally, you should never clay matte wraps or paint finishes. Vinyl naturally repels contaminants, but fallout removers can be safely used on matte paint. While light polishing is possible on some gloss wraps, matte finishes and wraps cannot be polished, especially to remove ingrained dirt.

Drying is particularly important on matte and satin finishes, as they tend to attract water spots and marks more easily than gloss paint. With a matte finish, these can't be polished out later. Fortunately, our super-absorbent towel will help you avoid these issues, drying your vehicle quickly without causing scratches or swirl marks.

Step 5 - Protection

The final step is protecting your work to ensure long-lasting results. When it comes to matte finishes, hard waxes are not suitable as they contain gloss enhancers that can compromise the matte effect. For satin and gloss wraps, some waxes can be used, but it's important to be cautious, as certain waxes contain solvents that may soften the wrap's surface. A safe alternative for all wraps and matte finishes is Glisten spray wax, which won’t affect the surface. Additionally, Finale Quick Detailer can be used to give your car a final touch.

For a more durable, year-round protection, we recommend using our Caramics Ceramic Coating. This coating is safe for all finishes and provides an SiO2 ceramic layer that bonds chemically to the surface. Not only does it repel water, but it also prevents grime from sticking, making your car easier to clean the next time around— a true win-win!

Our Caramics Ceramic Coating Kit features Ceramic Wipes for easy application. Simply prepare the surface with the included Prep Spray, then apply an even layer with a wipe on each panel. Buff off any residue, and you're done— leaving you with 12 months of reliable protection.

There are a couple of great options for glass cleaning and protection. In our kit, we've included our fantastic Ceramic Glass Cleaner, which effortlessly removes dirt and grime from your windows while leaving behind an extra layer of SiO2 protection. Simply spray and wipe, and you'll enjoy improved visibility and intense water beading.

Alternatively, our Caramics Glass Protection Kit includes a ceramic coating that uses the same easy-to-apply wipes as our Paintwork Protection Kit, providing 12 months of durable protection. You can also refresh and enhance the coating during routine maintenance washes with Caramics Glass Cleaner.

One thing is certain—nothing ruins a detailed car like streaky, smeary glass. Be sure to clean your windows with every detail for the best results.

A fantastic finishing touch (once your ceramic coating has fully cured) is our Caramics Gloss Enhancer. This user-friendly, Ceramic Infused Quick Detailer is not only infused with ceramic, but also boosts the lifespan of your coatings while adding its own layer of SiO2 protection.

Caramics Gloss Enhancer is safe for all finishes and is perfect for use during maintenance washes. However, it’s important to note that it enhances shine, making it ideal for gloss and satin wraps or paintwork, but may reduce the matte finish’s properties.

With its simple spray-on and wipe-off application, this product is an essential in your detailing kit for enhancing any ceramic-coated vehicle.

AF Top Tips

• Avoid using polishes, glazes, waxes, or abrasives on matte and satin finishes. Spray waxes like Auto Finesse Glisten are fine, but keep in mind that any wax containing gloss enhancers may affect the matte look.
• Do not use paste-like waxes. These can interfere with the crackle top coat of matte finishes and alter their appearance.
• Do not use Iron Out on matte wraps. While it’s safe to use on matte paint, Iron Out is designed to dissolve metal particles and could damage the surface of wraps.
• Never clay bar a wrap. Clay barring can harm the delicate surface of vinyl wraps.