When you are thinking about what kind of paint to get for your car you have to consider more than how it looks. You have to think about how easy it's to take care of, how long it will last and how it will work for you. Matte and gloss paint can both look really great when we are done right.. We are very different when it comes to dealing with the real world like the weather in the UK dirt, from the road washing your car and just using it every day.
At Rapid Paints we have lots of paints for cars. These include sprays, colours in a can, things to put on first and clear things to put on last. We want to help people who do this for a job and people who like to do it themselves at home get results that last a long time. It does not matter if you want a shiny or a not shiny finish. If you know how the shiny and not shiny paints work after a while you can pick the one before you start painting with Rapid Paints products.
Understanding the Difference Between Matte and Gloss Paint
-
Gloss Paint: Gloss paint has a smooth surface that looks shiny. This kind of paint makes the colour look deeper and nicer. Gloss paint is what most factories use to paint things. People also use gloss paint a lot when we need to fix something or give it a coat of paint.
-
Matte Paint: Matte paint has an non reflective look that gives a modern and aggressive look. The matte paint is very popular for custom builds and for doing up the trims and for full vehicle resprays. The thing about matte paint is that it has some specific problems when it comes to taking care of it and keeping it looking good.
Which Finish Is Easier to Maintain?
-
Gloss Paint - The Clear Winner for Easy Maintenance: Gloss finishes are really easy to take care of over time. When you use colour-matched automotive spray paint aerosols and then a professional clear lacquer aerosol, gloss paint is great because it offers:
1. Better resistance to dirt and staining
2. Easier washing and drying
3. The ability to polish out light scratches
4. Longer-lasting visual appeal
If minor defects appear, gloss paint can often be corrected with polishing - something matte paint does not allow.
-
Matte Paint - High Style, High Maintenance: Matte paint looks striking, but it’s far less forgiving. Even when applied using professional matte automotive spray paint, maintenance remains challenging because:
1. Scratches cannot be polished out
2. Fingerprints and water marks show easily
3. Inconsistent cleaning can cause patchy shine
4. Repairs are difficult to blend invisibly
Matte finishes require careful washing and strict product compatibility, making them better suited for show cars or low-use vehicles.
Durability & Longevity Comparison
-
Gloss Paint Durability: To get the results from gloss paint you need to prepare the surface properly. You can do this by using etch primer aerosols, high-build primer spray and a durable clearcoat aerosol. When you do this, gloss paint is really good at protecting things from the sun, water and harsh chemicals over a period of time. Gloss paint delivers protection against these things.
-
Matte Paint Durability: Matte paint is really tough. It does not have a special protective layer so it gets damaged easily by the environment. The clear coat that is matte also has to be put on right. It will look weird and have a strange texture or shine. Matte paint and matte coats are pretty delicate.
Cleaning & Care: What Owners Should Know
-
Gloss paint is far more forgiving when it comes to everyday care and long-term upkeep. It is easier to wash and dry, and light scratches or swirl marks can often be corrected through polishing. Gloss finishes are also more repair-friendly, making them ideal for vehicles that are driven regularly or exposed to harsh conditions. With proper use of professional clear lacquer aerosols, gloss paint maintains its shine and protection for years.
- Matte paint, on the other hand, requires a much higher level of care. Dirt, fingerprints, and water marks are more visible, and cleaning must be done carefully to avoid creating uneven shine. Unlike gloss finishes, matte paint cannot be polished - meaning scratches, scuffs, or marks are permanent unless the panel is resprayed. Repairs are also difficult to blend seamlessly, especially when using aerosol paints, as even small inconsistencies in texture or sheen can be noticeable.
Application Considerations When Using Aerosol Paints
Gloss paint is really easy to work with when you are using a spray can. This is especially true for people who like to do things themselves. Matte finishes need:
- Extremely even spray technique
- Consistent panel coverage
- Controlled environment
- Zero overlap errors
For this reason, many professionals recommend gloss finishes when using colour-matched spray paint aerosols for panels, bumpers, or repairs.
What kind of finish is best for you to choose?
You have to think about the finish you want. The finish you pick is important. You are looking for the finish. What finish should you choose for your needs?
Which Finish Should You Choose?
Choose gloss paint if:
- You want easier maintenance
- You plan to wash the car regularly
- You want the option to polish or correct defects
- You want long-term durability
Choose matte paint if:
- You prioritise aesthetics over maintenance
- The vehicle is used occasionally
- You’re confident in application technique
- You’re prepared for specialised care
Conclusion: Style Matters - But Maintenance Matters More
Gloss car paint is actually really easy to take care of and fix. This is especially true for cars that you drive every day. If you know what to expect from each kind of finish you can avoid a lot of hassle. Save some money too. Gloss car paint is still a choice because it is easy to maintain and repair and that is important for everyday vehicles, like your car.
Need help choosing the right paint, primer or clearcoat for your project?
Contact Rapid Paints today for expert advice and professional-grade automotive aerosols tailored to your needs.
