FAO Afer Shock Matte Paint

[DubaiJohn]

Just after a bit of advice currently considering a new to me car and it has factory matte grey paint. Not sure it makes any difference but it is an Audi

Basically wondering what hell on earth I would be taking on with this in terms of looking after it? The web is full of tales of woe a out bird plop ruining the paint forever and touching it with greasy hands makes indelible marks.

I believe that car has has Protech paint protection and the Audi guy says that it is still clear coated but just not a gloss finish.

Any advice?

[After_Shock]

DubaiJohn said:

Just after a bit of advice currently considering a new to me car and it has factory matte grey paint. Not sure it makes any difference but it is an Audi

Basically wondering what hell on earth I would be taking on with this in terms of looking after it? The web is full of tales of woe a out bird plop ruining the paint forever and touching it with greasy hands makes indelible marks.

I believe that car has has Protech paint protection and the Audi guy says that it is still clear coated but just not a gloss finish.

Any advice?

Basically any form of abrasive on matte is a complete nightmare, traditional polishing is out the window. Also anything containing fillers, strong detergents or waxes are also completely out.

Maintenance is not particularly difficult but needs to be done very often, regular washing ironically is not the thing to do and when they are washed it needs to be done carefully with very very mild detergents, the worry I would have here is the sand as it can mark normal paint reasonably easily but on matte it would potentially be a bit of a disaster if not washed correctly. Also as washing is out often things like dead bugs and tar or as you mention bird droppings need to be removed carefully and before washing takes place. A mild alcohol based wipe would potentially be about the best idea.

Sealing matte is not a particular issue so id suggest getting that done very quickly, anything that can sit on the surface and help stop the sand getting to it will be of a major benefit. Even though they have the clear coat on as far as I understand its a different type of clear coat than normal paints as it needs to give a different visual effect, which is also the reason its not as solid or forgiving when cleaning it.

[DubaiJohn]

Spot on. Thanks for the advice, sounds like one to steer clear of especially when I am not the best at car care at the best of times. Current car in desperate need of some polish and detail action.

Shame though, and if anyone is after a matte grey RS6 Audi have their ex Auto Show car in stock at the moment. It's a lovely bit of kit.

[After_Shock]

DubaiJohn said:

Spot on. Thanks for the advice, sounds like one to steer clear of especially when I am not the best at car care at the best of times. Current car in desperate need of some polish and detail action.

Shame though, and if anyone is after a matte grey RS6 Audi have their ex Auto Show car in stock at the moment. It's a lovely bit of kit.

Unless its a garage queen I would steer clear, personally until the way they finish the matte is changed/improved for car care id steer clear as well.

If you need the current car sorting out at some point do let me know.