Washing Matt (Matte) Painted Cars

Since publishing our recent post on E-Valence Specialised Products, we have received numerous requests for more information on cleaning Matt Painted Cars.

Click here to read our Post Detailing Products by E-Valence – Special Purposes.

With Matt painted cars gaining popularity, it is vital to use specially formulated products when cleaning and detailing these surfaces. Since the surface lacks a clear coat for added protection, environmental pollutants can have a greater impact, especially if you live in a large city or near an industrial area, where acid rain can cause severe damage to your vehicle’s paint. Furthermore, if you reside in heavily treed regions, sap and bird droppings may occur more frequently. Regardless of the issue, regular washing with a properly formulated product is essential. More importantly, the correct storage of your vehicle is crucial. This means keeping it in a garage, carport, or protected with an appropriate car cover.

Now down to the equipment.

The equipment you use to wash and dry a Matt-Painted car is no different from that used on a 2Pac-painted car. The main point is to ensure that all items are new and remain dedicated solely to cleaning the matt-painted car. This helps prevent cross-contamination during the washing process.

Use at least two buckets: one for holding wash water and another with clean water for rinsing the wash mitt before redipping into the wash water. You may also consider a third bucket for cleaning the wheels.
Two new wash mitts, one blue for washing the car and the other black exclusively for the wheels.
E-Valence Matt Car Wash. As a neutral surfactant wash, this product is 100% silicone-free. It is also free of any waxes or synthetic enhancements that may cause the paint surface to glow. It is the best car wash for a matte paint car.
A premium Microfibre Drying Towel. Click here to read about the E-Valence Ultimate Drying Towel.

Avoid the following when washing a Matt Paint Car

Don’t wash in direct sunlight, as this may cause the wash water to dry on the surface before the car can be rinsed off.
Avoid using any snow foam. They are highly caustic and can damage the paint.
Avoid using standard car wash products. If they are not from E-Valence, they may contain silicone, glossing chemicals and waxes.

The entire E-Valence range is 100% water-based, biodegradable, and silicone-free, and 99-100% solvent and VOC (volatile organic compounds) free.

Don’t leave the car without drying it immediately and thoroughly.
Avoid using a chemical (brushless) or brush car wash.
Don’t try to polish out water spots or scratches. This process will cause the paint to shine.

The Wash Process is best done in the early morning or late afternoon.

Ensure you have all your equipment ready.
The car should be located in a shaded area. Not in direct sunlight.
Wash the wheels first using E-Valence pH Neutral Wheel Cleaner.
Make sure you use the black microfibre wash mitt for the wheels.
Rinse off thoroughly.
Rinse the car from top to bottom.
Dip your Microfibre Wash Mitt (Blue) into the rinse water, then into the wash mix water containing E-Valence Matt Car Wash, and commence washing from the top down.
Wash one section at a time and rinse immediately after finishing each section.
Remember to dip your wash mitt into the rinse water before immersing it in the wash mixture. This will help keep the wash mix clean.
Once you have cleaned all sections of the car, rinse it again thoroughly.
Dry off using the Premium Microfibre Drying Towel. View this towel on our website. It can dry a whole car without needing to be rung out. Then hang it up to dry.

Other points to note.

Dry the surface immediately after washing to avoid water marks.
If watermarks appear, do not try to remove them by polishing. Doing so will make the paint shine.
Tar Rubber & Bug Remover by E-Valence will remove water marks from Matt Paint. Be sure to follow the instructions.
If you have excessive insect splatter, use the Tar Rubber & Bug Remover to clean it off before washing. Do not allow the Tar Rubber & Bug Remover to dry on the surface. Wash this section thoroughly first.
Always use a high-quality microfibre drying towel when drying.
Ultimate Drying Towel by E-Valence is the premium drying towel for all surfaces.
While the use of deionised water may seem excessive, it is the purest form of water, free from all impurities. A gentle rinse and wipe with a microfiber wash mitt would be appropriate.

Matt-painted cars are prone to water spots. This may be caused by hard water, although it is not the only reason. If this happens, use E-Valence Tar Rubber & Bug Remover to lift out the watermark. Then wash the area thoroughly, rinse off, and dry.