The best ways to take care of your new wrap in matte, satin, or high gloss? Check out our tips below.
Premium High-End Matte and Satin Options
Matte and satin finish is one of the most unique finishes you'll see on the road.
Advantages
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Distinctive appearance: Matte finishes have a premium, stealth-like look that is uncommon compared to traditional gloss paint.
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No swirl marks: Because there is little to no surface reflection, light swirl marks are much less noticeable.
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Body lines stand out: Without reflections, the shape and contours of the vehicle become more prominent.
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No polishing required: Since you're not trying to maximize gloss, you don't need routine paint correction.
Disadvantages
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Repairing damage is difficult: If a panel is scratched, you generally cannot buff it out. The panel often has to be repainted or rewrapped.
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Cannot polish: Any polishing or compounding will permanently increase gloss in that area, creating an uneven appearance.
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Chemical sensitivity: Some waxes, ceramic detail sprays, and polishing products can alter the sheen.
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Stains can become permanent: Bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, or fuel spills should be cleaned off quickly.
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Shows oils: Matte black especially tends to show fingerprints and handprints.
Maintenance / Care
- Wash regularly using a pH-neutral automotive soap.
- Avoid automatic car washes with brushes.
- Never use compounds or polish.
- Use matte-specific detail sprays if needed.
- Ceramic coating is an excellent option because it makes washing easier without adding gloss (provided it's designed for matte finishes).
- Do not scrub aggressively when washing
- Keep away from grease, fuel, oil, etc.
Gloss Coatings
Gloss finishes look amazing — they have the highest shine out of all of the finishes. Feels and looks just like OEM paint.
Advantages
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High-end appearance: A gloss finish creates a rich, wet look that enhances the vehicle's overall appearance.
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Easy to restore: Light scratches, oxidation, and swirl marks can often be removed with polishing and paint correction.
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Shows color depth: Metallics, pearls, and specialty pigments appear more vibrant and dynamic.
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Wide product compatibility: Nearly all automotive waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings, and detailing products are designed with gloss finishes in mind.
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Higher resale appeal: Since most vehicles leave the factory with a gloss finish, it's the look many buyers expect.
Disadvantages
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Shows imperfections: Swirl marks, scratches, dust, and water spots are much more noticeable, particularly on darker colors.
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Requires more upkeep: Maintaining a flawless gloss finish typically involves regular washing, decontamination, and occasional polishing.
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Can develop oxidation: Without proper protection, prolonged UV exposure can dull the finish over time.
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Fingerprints and smudges: Dark gloss colors tend to show oils and fingerprints easily.
Maintenance / Care
- Wash regularly using a pH-neutral automotive soap.
- Use microfiber wash mitts and drying towels to reduce swirl marks.
- Apply wax, sealant, or a ceramic coating for long-term protection.
- Polish as needed to remove minor scratches and restore gloss.
- Avoid dirty automatic brush car washes, which can introduce swirl marks.
- Treat like any other OEM clear finish
Peelable Paint - Liquid Wrap
Base Only without our TOP COAT
Matte to Satin style finish. Non-gas & chemical resistant.
Advantages
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Cost-effective: A single-stage application uses less material and reduces installation time.
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Easy application: No mixing or spraying of a separate top coat is required.
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Completely peelable: When applied to the recommended film build, the coating removes cleanly without damaging the original finish.
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Perfect for temporary projects: Great for seasonal colors, testing new looks, or short-term vehicle customization.
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Uniform matte appearance: Provides a clean, non-reflective finish.
Disadvantages
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Non-gas & chemical resistant: With out the top coat to product the peelable coating. Chemicals is discolor/melt the coating
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Lower durability: More prone to scratches, scuffs, and abrasion than a top-coated system.
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Limited chemical resistance: Fuel, solvents, bug removers, and harsh cleaners can damage the coating.
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More difficult to clean: Dirt and road grime tend to cling to the porous matte surface.
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Cannot be polished: Scratches and wear cannot be buffed out.
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Shorter service life: Without a protective top coat, the finish will generally require replacement sooner, especially on daily-driven vehicles.
Maintenance
For a base-only liquid wrap:
- Wash using a pH-neutral automotive soap.
- Avoid pressure washing too close to edges.
- Do not polish or compound.
- Avoid petroleum-based cleaners and aggressive solvents.
- Clean bird droppings, bug splatter, and tree sap as soon as possible.