just done a search, and i couldnt find any info on matt paint jobs.
why is it that you rarely see matt paint jobs on cars?
i saw one on a hot rod, and it looked stunning, and wondered if there was a logical/obvious/scientific reason for this.
cheers,
tom

Types of objects may lend themselves to different types of finishes

Or it may be a case of tradition, i think a metalic blue warrier armoured personell carrier would look a bit odd.

Matt primer is porous/absorbs water... Perhaps if you covered this with a matt topcoat it would let water past too?? My 2p worth.

Cheers
JC

I'm using the matte black on the ali pannels, chassis and suspension of my car. All the fiberglass--including the bonnet--will be either a satin or semi gloss black. I think it will look very good. I'm picking out the paint tomorrow! Note that the matte black will go over the primer.

--Chris

[Edited on 21/12/04 by chrisf]

quote:

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Originally posted by SeaBass
Matt primer is porous/absorbs water... Perhaps if you covered this with a matt topcoat it would let water past too?? My 2p worth.

Cheers
JC

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I used some stuff called Rust Bullet. This stuff is supposed to make a diamond hard finish. The matte black is just for aesthetics. Even if the matte black is in primer form, I don't think any moisture will make it past the Rust Bullet...unless they're spinsters.

--Chris

I see many matt motorcycles here, I love them, howevere for some reason cars look better in an all "shiney" finish. Although I did recently discover the beauty of un polished aluminum, just sand it till it has a flat color

Matting agents used to be available to mix into gloss top coats ---- but the automotive refinish trade has changed so much in recent years I don't know if they can stil be found.

I get a matt finish with gloss paint



Happy new year

Paul G

I have used a LOT of Matt NATO Green paint on my Land Rovers, and my drinking partner sprays the stuff for a Living.

There is a matting agent in the paint. This settles to the bottom of the tin, and in a 5 litre tin, it will be the last 0.3" in the bottom of the tin.

So stir it WELL, I use a paint stirrer in a drill. Then I get a long 2" strip of ally and scrape the bottom of the tin, and mix this in again.. thouroughly.

The result is a nice Matt effect.

However if you dont get the matting agent evenly distributed, it give a puce gloss finish!.

The reason matt finish is not very popular is that it is very difficult to keep a good clean finish.
It can get very blotchy and is a pig to keep even.
Any rubbing against the paintwork will polish it and make it look blotchy.

Matt finish is much better in small areas for contrast, but over large areas gets untidy.
It is also less aerodynamic than a good polished finish!