How to Care for a Matte Car Wrap

Matte vinyl wraps are a unique and appealing option for business advertising and personal vehicles. Their matte finish absorbs more light than a gloss-finished wrap does, making the colours on the wrap look both rich and subdued at the same time. If you are considering a matte finish for your vehicle wrap project, it is important to note that they require different care than other finishes. That is why the experts at Wrap Guys have compiled some information to help you understand how to care for a matte car wrap and keep it looking as great as the day it was installed.

Learn about each type of wrap finish.

3 Important Considerations When Caring for Your Matte Car Wrap

Matte wraps have a more porous composition than other finishes, making them more susceptible to damage from improper care. That is why it is important to consider the following elements when caring for your wrap:

1. Cleaning Products

To prevent your matte wrap from becoming glossy in certain spots, it is important to avoid using waxes or polishes on it. Using traditional car wash soap or detail spray can also be a bad idea as many of them contain slight amounts of waxes, silicones, and optical brighteners. This means you will need to choose cleaning products that do not have any of these agents in them. Consider using a combination of matte care products and a liquid paint coating dedicated to matte finishes to provide an effectively protected surface from staining, fading, and etching.

2. Cleaning Methods

Matte vinyl wraps can be cleaned using a two-bucket wash system. By using matte car wash soap and plush wash mitts, you can effectively clean your vehicle’s surface without contamination. Once the car has been washed, simply dry it with clean microfibre towels or compressed air to minimize abrasion to the custom vinyl wrap. If you need to remove dried-on contaminants such as bugs, bird droppings, or mud, try using a chemical cleaner that will safely break down the contaminants and gently remove them with a microfibre towel.

3. Making Repairs

Certain matte vinyl materials—like 3M vinyl—are sometimes referred to as self-healing wraps since small forms of damage can easily be repaired with a heat gun. For small dents or imperfections in the wrap, simply heat the surface with a heat gun or hairdryer by keeping it 6-12 inches away from the surface. As the wrap heats up, it will eventually smooth back out and look like new again. For larger dents or damage, it may be best to contact a professional to ensure that it is repaired correctly.

To learn more about our matte car wraps or to discuss your vehicle wrap project, get in touch with the team at Wrap Guys. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services or your wrap design.