How to Care for Your PPF & Ceramic Coating: Complete Guide

• If washing a vehicle with PPF / Clear Bra with a pressure washer, keep the nozzle at least 24″ from the surface with a 40° Nozzle Tip.
• NEVER use a pressure washer to clean PPF/ Clear Bra edges.  If dirty, GENTLY use a soft wash mitt to clean edges.
• Do keep a Consistent Vehicle Wash Schedule. (E.g. once every 2 weeks for daily drivers)
• Do apply CarPro Reload 2.0 every 3-4 months (1-2 months in winter) to the entire vehicle (including PPF ) to help with ease of cleaning and water spots. (product linked below)
• Need a full PPF panel reapplication or repair? Contact us for PPF service options.
  

Matte Paint Protection Film—also known as Stealth PPF or Satin PPF—provides an unparalleled aesthetic and robust protection. Unlike standard gloss PPF, matte film uses a unique micro-textured surface to scatter light, creating that distinctive non-reflective finish.

To preserve Matte’s signature look and prevent patchy gloss spots, traditional maintenance techniques, products, and abrasive chemicals must be avoided.

Follow this maintenance guide to keep your matte PPF looking its best for years ahead.

✅ DO:

• Hand Wash Only: Use the two-bucket method to avoid swirl marks and maintain the matte texture. Automatic car washes with brushes or rotating cloth strips can damage the delicate micro-texture of matte film.
• Use Matte-Specific Products: Look for car wash soaps and detail sprays specifically labeled “For Satin/Matte Finishes” or “Matte-Safe.” These products are formulated to clean without adding gloss or filling the textured surface.
• Dry with Air or Blot Gently: The best method is using a car dryer or leaf blower to remove water without touching the surface. If using a microfiber towel, gently blot—don’t wipe—to avoid creating friction that can alter the matte texture over time.
• Remove Contaminants Immediately: Bird droppings, bug splatter, and tree sap are acidic and can etch into the film if left to dwell. Clean them off within 24 hours using warm water and a matte-safe detail spray. For stubborn contaminants, use generous amounts of soapy water and let it dwell for a few minutes to soften before gently removing.
• Keep a Consistent Wash Schedule: Regular cleaning prevents contaminant buildup that becomes harder to remove over time. For daily drivers, wash every 2 weeks minimum. For vehicles driven in harsh conditions (New Jersey winters, coastal areas with salt air), increase frequency to weekly.
• Inspect Edges Regularly: Check PPF edges for lifting, especially after winter months. If you notice any lifting, contact us immediately for repair. Early intervention prevents dirt from getting under the film and extends its lifespan.

❌ DON’T:

• NO Automatic Tunnel Car Washes: The spinning brushes and harsh chemicals used in automatic washes are too abrasive for matte PPF. They’ll damage the micro-texture and may cause the film to lift at edges.
• NO Wax, Polish, or Compound Products: This includes spray waxes, paste waxes, and “wash & wax” combo products. Even a single application can permanently alter the matte appearance.
• NO Clay Bars: Clay bar treatments are designed to remove contaminants by abrading the surface. This will smooth out the textured surface of matte PPF, creating shiny spots.
• NO Buffing or Polishing Machines: Rotary buffers, dual-action polishers, and orbital polishers will destroy the matte texture by heating and compressing the micro-texture.
• NO High-Pressure Washing on Edges: While you can use a pressure washer on the main film surface (keeping the nozzle at least 18″ away), never direct high pressure at film edges. This can cause lifting and allow water and contaminants underneath.
• NO Abrasive Brushes or Scrubbing: Use only soft, plush microfiber wash mitts and towels. Avoid any stiff brushes, even on wheel cleaners—overspray can land on the matte film.

1) NEVER Hand, Machine, or Spot Polish, Paint Correct, or Buff Your Matte PPF

All Paint correction, polishing, or buffing procedures create shine to surfaces via abrasion. Applying continuous abrasion to Matte PPF will lead to creating a shiny spot on the film.

The problem here, there is no fix once a shiny spot on Matte PPF is created. THE ONLY to fix this is to replace the entire film for that panel. So Please do not try to fix a blemish or mark on your matte ppf using abrasive products.

2) NEVER use Wax, “Wash & Wax” soaps, or shine enhancing products on matte PPF.

These products are designed to fill microscopic surface imperfections and create shine. When applied to matte PPF, they fill the textured surface that creates the matte effect, making your film look shiny, patchy, and uneven. Once this happens, the most likely fix is professional film replacement for the affected panel.

3) ALWAYS Consult a PPF Professional about Issues or Questions about Matte PPF

A seasoned PPF installer shop will be more than willing to help you with questions about caring for your matte film or recommendations for products or any issues you face. So call a reputable installer to get quality information and guidance before purchasing products or for any issues you may encounter.

Despite its delicate-looking matte appearance, your film features self-healing technology. Minor swirl marks and light surface scratches will vanish when exposed to heat. Park your vehicle in direct warm sunlight for 30-60 minutes, or use hot water (not boiling) to activate the self-healing properties. This works on the film’s protective top coat while maintaining the matte finish underneath.

Important: Self-healing only works on the clear protective top layer—it cannot repair deep scratches that penetrate through to the textured base layer or the paint beneath.

• Matte-Safe Car Wash Soap: Dr. Brite Matte Finish Car Wash or Chemical Guys Matte Finish Auto Wash
• Matte-Safe Detail Spray: Sonax Matte Detailer or Dr. Brite Matte Detail Spray
• Microfiber Wash Mitts: Ultra-soft, long-pile microfiber only
• Drying Towels: The same plush microfiber drying towels recommended for gloss PPF work well for matte—just remember to blot, not wipe

Standard ceramic coatings designed for gloss finishes will add shine to matte PPF, which defeats the purpose. However, there are specialized matte-specific ceramic coatings that enhance protection while maintaining the flat finish. If you’re interested in adding this extra layer of protection to your matte PPF, contact us for a consultation to discuss matte-safe ceramic coating options.

Q: Can I use regular CarPro Reload on matte PPF?
A: No. CarPro Reload and similar silica-based sealants are designed for gloss finishes and will add shine to matte PPF. Use only matte-specific detail sprays.

Q: How do I know if a product is safe for matte PPF?
A: Look for explicit language on the product label: “Matte-Safe,” “For Satin/Matte Finishes,” or “Flat Finish Formula.” When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or stick with known matte-specific brands.

Q: What if I accidentally used a wax product on my matte PPF?
A: Minor exposure may create temporary shine that can sometimes be removed with aggressive washing using matte-safe products. However, significant wax application typically requires professional correction or film replacement. Contact us immediately if this occurs.

Q: Will matte PPF develop a glossy appearance over time?
A: High-quality matte PPF should maintain its finish for 6-8 years with proper care. If glossy spots develop, it’s typically due to contamination, improper products, or damage to the micro-texture. This is why following these care instructions is critical.