whats the difference? they all look pretty flat compared to a gloss paint job. but they themselves are pretty different when compared with eachother.

[This message has been edited by AL87 (edited 10-22-2012).]

Different brands call them different things. Satin, semi-flat, & matte black is basically all the same, although the amount of "gloss" will also vary from brand to brand (and sometimes even the drying circumstances). Then there's flat & gloss black - not much variation in those. Also, the color of black varies from brand to brand.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts

I've always looked at it as: Flat, Semi-Flat, Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss. But, like Tha Driver said, a lot of the time it just depends on the manufacturer, a lot use semi, matte & satin interchangeably. Flat is pretty much always just flat with no sheen, very porous, gets dirty easily.

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My 3800SC Swap

[This message has been edited by jaybeezi (edited 10-22-2012).]

It's mostly marketing. When you step outside "black" then most paint makers will use "Satin" to describe the color as flat; simply because it sounds better "Satin Blue" vs. "Flat Blue" and will make it more likely for you to buy their brand of paint, than a competitor's brand who might use the latter term.

And of course, there are very subtle differences across brands, due to many issues, including patent, trademark, and copyright.

A lot of the difference is mix, preparation, spraying, etc.

I've *heard* that damage repair on matte/whatever paint is *EXTREMELY* difficult because getting two different batches to match exactly when they dry is complex.

Matte is for 4x6 photos.

For old muscle cars with semi gloss/ satin black panels like hoods, i use regular basecoat black without the gloss clear topcoat. If they show it and want it to be waxable, I spray a few coats of satin clear over it. Then you can wax it just like regular paint, just DONT buff it. If you do it with flat black, you have to mask the edges to wax the car. If any wax gets on the flat black, its ruined...you cant get it out.

Many of the local tuner guys here just spray them with basecoat and no clear. Higher end matt paint like say on some Lambos have the satin clear on them.

Matte paint can be difficult to take care of. It's not like regular paint where you can just go a month or so without washing your car. If you regularly drive it there's potential need to clean your car weekly or even more because of how dirty it can get in such a quick period of time. There's also things like Roger mentioned where performing routine maintenance of the paint job like simply waxing can do more harm than good. It's a chore for sure.

Another issue as mentioned is potential repairs can be a bit tricky. There can be varying shades of black utilized that pretty much ensure you have to keep a good amount of spare paint on hand in case of any potential future repairs.

quote Originally posted by jaybeezi: I've always looked at it as: Flat, Semi-Flat, Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss.

My thoughts exactly, at studying photos this is just about what ive surmized, but also, I have to agree that the paints differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. and not all brands have "Flat, Semi-Flat, Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss" some stay with just
"Flat, (semi, matte, satin(all the same)), Gloss" soo...

I want that stealthy F-117 look... Im caught on what to do for that...
Rustoleum is releasing alot of good automotive specific paints in aerosol can form I may try out. I just got back from shopping around, and I also have to say, that rustoleum just lays out right for my style and doesnt orange peel even when I lay it on thick.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: For old muscle cars with semi gloss/ satin black panels like hoods, i use regular basecoat black without the gloss clear topcoat. If they show it and want it to be waxable, I spray a few coats of satin clear over it. Then you can wax it just like regular paint, just DONT buff it. If you do it with flat black, you have to mask the edges to wax the car. If any wax gets on the flat black, its ruined...you cant get it out. Many of the local tuner guys here just spray them with basecoat and no clear. Higher end matt paint like say on some Lambos have the satin clear on them.

I bet Turtle Wax ice would be ok?
Detailer sprays should be fine.

Satin "Italian Olive" green



Rob

quote Originally posted by qwikgta: Satin "Italian Olive" green Rob

That looks great. Is it paint or a vinyl wrap?

[This message has been edited by Steven Snyder (edited 10-24-2012).]

quote Originally posted by Steven Snyder: That looks great. Is it paint or a vinyl wrap?

krylon spray paint from walmart.

quote Originally posted by qwikgta: krylon spray paint from walmart.

Would that be acrylic enamel, or acrylic lacquer maybe?
Do you have to worry about UV rays damaging it?

quote Originally posted by 2.5: I bet Turtle Wax ice would be ok? .

Yes, I recommend Ice to customers. Its great on all kinds of semi gloss trim too like window moldings, rub strips, etc. Still DONT use it on FLAT BLACK panels. Flat black absorbs everything like a sponge.

quote Originally posted by qwikgta: Satin "Italian Olive" green Rob

I think the smoothness of this paint job just sold me. Im still debating on rustoleum though.