Matte or satin paint care???

[cavaret]

Hey guys,

The new car is going to be here in the next three weeks and I have been doing a fair amount of research on taking care of matte paint. After reading several online posts it appears that it is actually not that bad as long as you follow some rules:
1. Don't use regular car wash soaps because they contain fillers and glossing agents that can damage the finish (I actually read of one guy who says Dawn dish soap works great, but another source says that this will dry out your paint and cause it to fade and crack)
2. Don't rub to hard when cleaning as this can polish the surface
3. Don't use any traditional waxes or polishes because this will polish your matte surface.
4. Scratches and blemishes can't be buffed out so you have to get a shop to use a fine brush and a special matte paint and paint it in to the defect.
5. Say goodbye to the clay bar
6. All towels and applicators need to be super clean because any small bits of dirt brushed over the car can cause significant damage to the finish
7. Try to keep free of insect debris and bird droppings as best as possible.

I have researched some different products and the two I come across most are Dr. Beasley's and Swissvax Opaque line. Does anyone have experience with these? Also, any other info would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!

[NVRL8R8]

Don't know anything about caring for the matte paint, but I love the look of it. Did you go with the matte white like the pics posted?

[cavaret]

Went with the matte suzuka grey... It really is hard to get an accurate picture of the color.

[harrison]

That is one smart looking R8. Very nice. Hope you find the right stuff to keep her looking so awesome.

[NVRL8R8]

Matte Suzuka gray.... That's gonna be awesome! Wish I were local to you to see this beauty when it arrives.

[cavaret]

If you are ever in Austin let me know...

[jh001ace]

I was talking to an Audi guy when we did the GT experience at the Nurburgring ring last year re the matte Suzuka, I have to say it looks great in the flesh but I had strong doubts about this choice in practice, it looks a very high maintenance and easily damaged and the biggest problem to me was that I was told that there would be only one Audi center in the UK that would be able to respray panels!!! so it was Samoa for me although I preferred the Suzuka

[M3R8]

Sounds like one hell of a problem on your hands. Get it wrapped matte before you do the original paint any damage

[NVRL8R8]

Well I wouldn't mind having his "problem!".

[cavaret]

I actually talked to a fair amount of people who have matte cars over the last couple days and some claim that they are easier to take care of then their regular cars as long as you do a little weekly maintenance cleaning. One guy has had matte paint for two years on his daily driver and says it still looks new. Rather then washing the car every week, he sprays the dirty areas with a special cleanser solution and wipes with a sponge then a once a month wash depending on the weather. No waxing! Reseals the paint every 6 months. Sounds like the right recipe. The Audi engineers I talked to at Infineon who took care of the track cars also said it was easy to take care of and they were alwys cleaning rubber off the front of the cars. I think they were using Windex!

Sounds like one hell of a problem on your hands. Get it wrapped matte before you do the original paint any damage

I do wonder if the matte paint has any issues with the wrap. I am currently investigating this. If not I plan on wrapping, I will let youguys know what I find out.

Thanks!