Apply a matte varnish: tutorials and solutions

Here are our tips for painting a matte or glossy bodywork according to the rules of the art.

1/ What is the difference between a glossy, satin or matte finish?
Well, this is the degree of specular gloss observed with an angle of 60° expressed on a scale of 100°.
Glossy varnishes have a wet and very smooth appearance, so that they reflect light (the gloss is between 60 and 95°).
Satin varnishes are semi-glossy or semi-matte. The degree of gloss is between 20 and 40°. While matte varnishes must completely absorb light (the gloss level of matte finishes is between 0 and 10°).
There is an ultra-matte polish made by StardustColors that approaches a near 0% gloss.

2 / Painting a matt bodywork

There are two ways to achieve this:
1 ► Use a matte finish paint:
It saves time and is practical because you avoid painting two coats (base and varnish).
The disadvantage is that the choice of color is limited and the level of resistance is lower.

StardustColors offers an ultra matte White and Black, with peach skin effect in a two-component polyurethane version.

2 ► or choose the matte varnish option:

This is the most recommended solution and also the most used by professionals.
→ application of a matt base paint* to varnish
→ application of matte varnish
*The great advantage is that it can be applied over any color to make it matte. It can be an original color, an opaque paint, a metallic or pearlescent paint, or even a special effect paint like chameleon or fluorescent.

The characteristics of matte varnishes: resistance and shine
Resistance
Matte varnishes are thinner than glossy varnishes. These are also varnishes that dry faster. Their resistance to clogging is naturally less good than that of classic glossy varnishes. Their scratch resistance is also less excellent than that of traditional glossy varnishes. However, Stardust has developed an anti-scratch matte varnish, but also a “self-repairing” soft varnish.

Reduced shine
These varnishes lower the level of light reflection. They also reduce the shine effect of pearly, metallic or even chameleon pigments.
However, it has become fashionable, particularly among car (Mercedes) or scooter (Yamaha) manufacturers, to democratize matte varnishes with metallic definition: this gives very beautiful silky and elegant metallic effects.
Among these matte varnishes, we find satin varnishes (semi-matte), such as BS820, which are very easy to use and which give very elegant and original effects.
If you intend to apply a matte varnish over a pearl or metallic finish, then we recommend our ST821 matte varnish (20° gloss) or ST822 matte varnish (4° gloss).

3 / Instructions for applications

Whether working with BS820 satin varnish or MAT Extrem varnish, it is important to respect the dosages of the mixtures: BS820: 100 parts + 33 parts of hardener / no dilution

In general, professional matte varnishes are two-component: they are prepared with a hardener and a thinner. The lifespan of their mixture is longer; and the drying time is shorter than traditional varnishes.
On the contrary, anti-scratch type matte varnishes (ST833 / ST832) have very long drying times.
Here is an example of a mixture:
MAT EXTREM: 100 parts + 20 parts of hardener / 15% dilution
The application can be done in one or more layers.
The application must be done with a spray gun in 2 medium coats*, spaced 5 to 10 minutes apart to allow partial evaporation of the solvents.
“Medium coats”: to achieve an optimal matte varnish, the painter should not seek shine with a thick coat as he usually does, but he should also not make coats that are too thin, as is the case. usually practiced for base paints.
In all cases, it is after total evaporation of the solvents that mattification is obtained.

4/ Tips!

Avoid scratches on matte varnishes, which are more susceptible to marks.
Exception made for Mat Extrem varnish which has particular resistance.
A good quality reference: it is used to paint the handles of Téfal pans.
On pearly or metallic body paints, only glossy or satin varnishes should be used.
Do not use Mat Extrem varnish.

Repairing or retouching matte varnishes
When there is a defect, dust, grain, it is possible to try to remove this defect by polishing with a Mirka 3000 or 4000 disc.
When the result is not satisfactory or you obtain a difference in shine on the retouching area, then you must reapply the matte varnish to the entire piece.

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Varnishes and finishes
Products complementary to bodywork painting
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Types of bodywork paints
How to prepare the bodywork before painting
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