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What is more durable, matte or gloss paint?

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What is more durable, matte or gloss paint?

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Old 06-02-16, 03:01 PM
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What is more durable, matte or gloss paint?

Hello all,

I am in the market for a new bike, and it seems there are a wealth of gloss and matte paint finishes. My questions it this, what is more durable (rock chips, cleaning, and possible "uh oh" falls) matte or gloss?

I have not settled on a bike just yet, but considering a CAAD 12 of Emonda ALR if that helps.

Thanks,
RH
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Old 06-02-16, 03:25 PM
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Generally speaking, gloss will since it has additional clearcoats.
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Old 06-02-16, 03:37 PM
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Hmm, that is what I thought but I was not sure.
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Old 06-02-16, 03:38 PM
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Gloss. Matte finishes require special care and cleaning to stay matte. And even then, if there are parts on tubes that get rubbed against frequently (like legs against top tube) that part will turn glossy.
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Old 06-02-16, 03:51 PM
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I never thought you would have to pay attention to matte like that. Well I think I made my choice this, I want to ride my bike more not clean more. Clean though, yes.
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Old 06-02-16, 05:38 PM
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Plus you can do touch up easily with gloss.
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Old 06-02-16, 06:03 PM
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I have both... gloss hands down.
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Old 06-02-16, 06:09 PM
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natural titanium
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Old 06-02-16, 08:58 PM
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Well if it is Titanium, that is different.
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Old 06-03-16, 06:31 AM
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Gloss paint jobs probably provide more layers of protection, but I think matte bikes look better longer.

The luster on gloss fades over time, plus matte frames do not suffer the issues of chips or scratches as much. The issue with matte frames is they often start to get a satin finish in areas with a lot of sweat.
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Old 06-03-16, 07:21 AM
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Anyone getting a custom frame or looking to repaint an existing frame should look into Cerakote, which is a ceramic coating that is baked on. The colors are matte, but if you have your frame finisher custom blend a color with the glossy white you get a nice pearl finish.
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Old 05-15-17, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by topflightpro
Gloss paint jobs probably provide more layers of protection, but I think matte bikes look better longer.

The luster on gloss fades over time, plus matte frames do not suffer the issues of chips or scratches as much. The issue with matte frames is they often start to get a satin finish in areas with a lot of sweat.
Can this be avoided w/washing and care? If so, what do you suggest using?
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Old 05-15-17, 04:48 PM
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Gloss will last longer, and is easier to repair. Matte finishes are usually slightly thinner than their gloss counterparts.

A matte effect finish is achieved by adding in a 'matting agent' to the clear coat. Matting agents are similar to talcum powder, and the matte effect happens when the drying solvents are evaporating away during the curing process. Those solvents bring the matting agent to the surface and deposit it there, giving you that effect.

The matte finish also will turn glossier as it is rubbed, revealing the gloss clear coat underneath it (the matting agent is really only on the surface, not below it). Plus, matte finishes are porous, as the matting agent has technically 'perforated' the surface to achieve it's effect. This means that matte finishes tend to absorb oils and sweat. Also, you can't polish out a scratch in a matte finish; doing so just makes the area shiny again.
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Old 05-15-17, 04:57 PM
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I made the mistake of buying a matte motorcycle helmet. An order of magnitude harder to keep clean than any other helmet I owned. Of course a bike would not get the kind of bug debris you get on a helmet, but it was enough to keep me from buying anything matte since.
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Old 05-15-17, 05:30 PM
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Depends what you mean. Others have discussed the durability of the finish, but the durability of paint itself is its ability to stay adhered and protecting whatever it's on - to not chip or peel or BE scratched or abraded (as opposed to whether it SHOWS scratches and abrasions). Sheen is just a superficial quality, and doesn't really have anything to do with the durability of the paint.
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