Shine-free matte paint is the new black

Posted Mon Feb 4 2008 6:58 AM by Ralph Hanson

Matte paintjobs used to be the choice of weekend racers who’d touch up their cars after a bingle with anything they could get their hands on to protect it from rust, but lately the shine-free surface has been making its way onto more tuner cars and now production models as well. One of the most notable examples is the stunning Lamborghini Reventon, which features a matte grey paint scheme similar to a jet-fighter.

Last month’s Detroit Auto Show saw at least eight cars feature matte paintjobs, with Lamborghini once again using the finish, this time for its Gallardo Spyder. GM also had a couple of concept cars covered with matte paint as did Mercedes and Chrysler. Speaking with the Associated Press, Dupont Automotive color technology manager Karen Surcina told reporters matte finishes on specialty or limited-run vehicles would be available in the next two or three years.

Carmakers like it because it shows off the pure design of a vehicle while also accentuating most of its lines but it can prove troublesome when it comes to repairs and maintenance. "Every time you take it through the car wash, the buffers are starting to buff it back up and it starts to get shiny there. It's easy to paint, but it's not easy to keep it matte," Surcina explained. For customers, it’s simply a new way of differentiating their cars and it looks like it’s a trend that’s gaining popularity.

Gallery: Gallery: 2008 Lamborghini Reventon

See Full Gallery

Reader Comments

Mon Feb 4 2008 11:12 AM
Gus says

I've seen these paint jobs, and wherever someone has touched it (like the door edges, etc) there are shiny spots from the oil in the skin.
Goofy concept.
Mon Feb 4 2008 5:06 PM
SuperSkyline89 says

Wow, that's annoying. I'd never buy a car with that kind of paint then, no matter how rich I am. I'd spend more time cleaning the paint than actually driving.
Mon Feb 4 2008 7:36 PM
HECTOR says

Thanks for the pointer Gus. I called Sant' Agata and told them to make mine with a shiny coat of black paint.
Mon Feb 4 2008 8:13 PM
Gus says

You're welcome, I'm glad I kept you from making a big mistake... :)

MotorAuthority