Just about every car you see on the road today has a smooth, glossy finish. There’s nothing wrong with this, of course, but if you want your car to really stand out from the crowd, you need something unique. Satin finish paint is gaining in popularity among auto enthusiasts, giving a flat but striking look to your car.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t care for satin finish car paint the same way you do gloss paints. Below we give a few tips on how to care for your car’s satin finish paint correctly.
What Is Satin Finish Car Paint?
A satin finish on a car creates a semi-matte paint finish. This type of paint creates a subtle effect that reduces the reflection on your car’s surface from direct sunlight. Overall, satin finish car paint makes a great option if you’re searching for something special and unique that still looks stylish and modern.
A matte paint surface does not reflect light and has a flat appearance. It creates a uniform surface look. Satin finishes have a slightly polished surface that can reflect a small amount of light. If you’re looking for an alternative to a high-gloss finish, consider a quality product to apply a satin finish.
How to Correctly Care for Satin Finish Car Paint
Use the Right Products
It’s not a good idea to use products designed for glossy paint finishes to care for satin finish car paint. Products designed for gloss paints usually contain agents meant to enhance the glossy nature, and that is the last thing you want with satin paints. Take care to avoid anything that is meant to be abrasive as that can ruin the satin paint’s ability to absorb light, which is what gives it a unique appearance. Neutral, wax-free products are recommended for satin finish car paint.
Wash Carefully and Often
Satin finishes are more susceptible to damage than their glossier counterparts. Additionally, because of how even and flat the finish is, damage that does occur is much more noticeable than on glossy paints that can get away with some minor imperfections. All of this means it’s very important to utilize proper washing techniques. Using a pressure washer to get rid of anything abrasive before you actually wash the car is highly recommended, as even tiny specks of grit can cause damage to the paint when rubbed in with a cloth or sponge.
The important thing to remember when it comes to caring for satin finish car paint is that it is not meant to reflect light like gloss paints are. Satin reflects more light than full-on matte finishes, but products and techniques designed for gloss paints are inappropriate when used to care for satin finish car paint.
At Details Matter, we provide auto enthusiasts in Melbourne, Florida and the surrounding area with professional detailing and paint protection services. Please contact us today to learn more about our services and how to care for satin finish car paint.
This article was originally published on October 6, 2017 but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.