How to get a matte black finish with spray cans

Hey guys! I’m Brad, and I make how-to videos. I do custom painting projects, guitar painting, airbrushing, spray can painting, wood working, and a variety of other finishing work and tutorials. Please subscribe and check out my channel for more!
In this video we discuss the process for doing a matte finish paint job. In particular, I demonstrate how to accomplish it with spray cans that are readily available at many hardware stores. Matte finishes have several disadvantages when compared with gloss finishes, but are easier to paint and hide imperfections much better than gloss does. I explained the disadvantages in my video regarding issues with matte paint jobs. Please check it out on my channel for more information.
Try out this catalyzed matte clear for a more durable finish: amzn.to/2Cs0VVR
Don't forget to ask your questions in the comment section.
Thanks for watching.
To get in touch with me with your questions, photos, etc. use the links below!
/ bradangovepainting
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/ bradangove

[@jackstiteler9507]

Thanks so much, Brad! Very clear and well-presented advice. My flat-black slide guitar is looking awesome.

[@johng2880]

Finally a finish I can use some cheap enamel on and not go through the tedious wait for nitro to dry. I think my beat up Tele bass is about to go black... vid still helping people 3 years later Brad. Nice job.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks John.

[@shmcanulty1]

Thank you a TON! I am re-doing my motorcycle and your spray paint tutorials have helped immensely!

[@BradAngove]

I’m glad to hear it.

[@oilfieldtrucker4868]

How did it turn out?

[@punditpoint195]

Brad, your videos have been a great help finishing the guitars I build. Thanks dude.

[@BradAngove]

I'm very glad to hear that. Thanks for watching.

[@davewright5024]

Brad ur the man thxs so much for taking the time and giving us small town guys the ability to achieve Perfection just like on your guitars lol ur a bass!!! Lol thxs bro!!!keep ur videos going!!!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Dave. I’m glad you’re finding the videos helpful.

[@jurgenkolinek4142]

thanx, man!! Im painting my bass guitar in black matte. This video was very helpfull specially the part when you talk about the "clear". That was my mayor concern.

[@penguinminguin349]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. I'm planning to repaint my diecast car model to matte black. Hope I can do it successfully. Just subscribed to your channel 😊

[@BradAngove]

I hope your project goes well. Thanks for watching.

[@briefcaseofblues]

Thank you, your knowledge from this and your other videos helped me paint my scooter

[@BradAngove]

Glad to hear it

[@arturoperalta3438]

Thx for your video, now i know about the clear matte!

[@briandabrowa8129]

Everything I did on my bass guitar kit prior to this video post is exactly what ya did so yay! You taught me well! and happy Canada Day bud! (pending when you read this) Cheers!

[@BradAngove]

I'm glad to hear that Brian, and thank you. Happy belated Canada day to you.

[@delatroy]

Thank you bro. Great video as always

[@BradAngove]

Thank you.

[@stever240]

Thanks Brad, Excellent video!

[@BradAngove]

Thank you

[@offdutyjie]

Hey man! Youre awesome! I was doing more research and this was actually my first choice of a paint job on my Jaguar guitar project! I may actually so this instead, but the stain is definately something I wanna do too lol! Anyway your videos are awesome! Thanks a bunch man!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks man. I’ve got some videos on stain too if you need them haha.

[@offdutyjie]

Yup, will look for your videos for reference when I start here in a few weeks! thanks bud!

[@resingresingmotoblog6749]

Nice tnx brad very helpful

[@BradleyBellwether-oy2qi]

My old 1982 S-10 turned out great with the exact same Rustoleum "painters touch" flat black you're using, but even after 2 days of curing. If I touched the paint, even with clean hands, the fingerprints would remain and be very hard to clean. I cleaned it with some sprayway and hit it with the same Rustoleum matte clear and I got all kinds of compliments about how good it looked. When I posted it on Craigslist, the guy I had bought it from the week before saw it on CL and called me to tell me how great it looked. I gave him $500, put about 5 hours of body work and interior detailing, $30 in paint, painted the wheels silver using index cards for masking and posted it for $1,000 and ended up taking $900. It was my quickest flip ever.

[@rubenvalente]

Great video, you're a very good communicator.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks man.

[@HM13.]

Followed your very detailed guide and my rebuilt guitar turned out great! Was going for Jim Root's black strat signature model.

[@BradAngove]

Awesome. Glad to hear it turned out the way you wanted.

[@butcher_0392]

@@BradAngove Hi I hope you are very well. Thank you very much for your videos, I have some questions and I would like you to help me: * I'm going to use rustoleum Black canyon Satin Black on a guitar, and I like the satin finish with that characteristic gloss on it. So I have some doubts about it so that it has a professional finish and they are the following: 1) how many layers of satin black are enough 2 or 3 ? 2) will the Spraymax 2k clear coat change the finish of the rustoleum satin black a lot? I want it to keep that subtle shine and richness of the overall color. 3) between layer and layer of black I only have to wait 10 minutes without sanding? And then wait 48 hours of drying to apply the 2k clear coat? Before applying this clear layer if I have to sand? Thank you I look forward to your prompt response

[@BradAngove]

2 layers is generally fine. Gloss 2K on that will turn it gloss, which defeats the purpose of using satin. If anything you’ll want a satin clear coat 10-15 minutes between your two layers should be fine, but it is dependent on the atmospheric conditions.

[@butcher_0392]

@@BradAngove Thank you for taking the time to respond. What I want is a satin black finish, and I was thinking of using a 2k clear coat over the Black satin for added protection, I think I would use Spraymax 2k semi matte clear, because the rustoleum clear satin is not as resistant and durable. Can you please recommend me a Clear 2k satin Other than Spraymax semi matte? which is the best that you have used? Thanks

[@BradAngove]

The spraymax is a good option. I also like the car-rep 2K clear.

[@jalasri3170]

Very nice explanation

[@Safuanmansur87]

Thank you for this video.. really appreciate it.

[@BradAngove]

Thank you for watching.

[@chandy4ever]

Matte'r finish! Love it!

[@jonlawrence7866]

Brad, a great spray can flat black is Dupli-color bumper paint, it has a great fan spray and covers well. it does fade but to more of a charcoal gray and not that weird purple you mentioned, and if you know how to use a spray can well it covers large areas well without lines and streaks, the only matte black ill use or recommend after painting 2 vehicles with it

[@BradAngove]

+jon lawrence Thanks Jon. That's good to know.

[@prancstaman]

Nice vid. I do a combo at work when I'm out of satin black for my parts which is a flat black with a gloss clear.

[@BradAngove]

That's interesting. When I do that I tend to just end up with a gloss finish. I have to take off a bit of the gloss with very high grit sandpaper to get that satin look after.

[@prancstaman]

I guess it works, it keeps the boss from yelling at me, LOL.

[@BradAngove]

That's the important part haha.

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

Well, big fan of the spray max 2k on goalie masks so far!! Now....doing a an all black mask, flat black with spray max 2k flat!! Should be ready to clear on Tuesday!! Thx for your vids

[@BradAngove]

Awesome. I hope it goes well for you.

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

Brad Angove it did buddy!!

[@johnjgibson6807]

Thanks for The Tips 👍👍🎶🎶🎸

[@mko2212]

New intro. Sweet and simpel

[@BradAngove]

Thanks. My intros have gotten gradually shorter over time haha.

[@teejay9429]

I painted my hood ultra matte black. With can came out fine. Depends on how you paint it, the conditions of weather.

[@SpaceDanceOfficial]

you made me change my mind about painting an old car mate black. Gloss it is, I guess hahah

[@BradAngove]

Probably a better idea yeah.

[@rofinatheirin9929]

I love your voice! :o You sounds like the voice actor of one of my favorite characters in an oldish animation (90s I think) Animation: Please Save My Earth (Canadian/English dub) Character: Mikuro (shows up in later episodes) Very good, thought provoking series-I also fully recommend the manga, since the OVA only really covers the first arc

[@BradAngove]

Nice; I’ve always wanted to sound like a cartoon.

[@rofinatheirin9929]

@@BradAngove haha 🥰🙏

[@davelewis2319]

Hey brad, so I am repainting a LTD and I was wondering if you could do a video on painting the hardware (ie. Standard bridge, tuner knobs, etc.)

[@BradAngove]

Hi Dave. I think I’ve done a video on painting hardware, or a least a bridge plate, before.

[@ianrayfabros3784]

Great video! I do have a question. I really like the 2k ultra cover glossy navy blue spray can, but i would like a matt finish on my motorcycle gas tank. My question is, if i use the 2k ultra cover matt clear spray can will it give me that matt finish that i want?

[@BradAngove]

Is it 2K, or 2x?

[@barrett2013jb]

Hey buddy I had a question on flat black spray paint and clear coat I plan on painting my rims flat black and then putting a clear coat on afterwards what would you suggest

[@AJmartinez93]

Hello Brad, your video was very useful and it is very easy to follow the steps. I am painting my guitar matte black and i just have a couple questions. How long do i wait for sanding after the two coats of matte black? What kind of sandpaper do I use. Thank you

[@BradAngove]

I would wait two days and use 800 grit paper.

[@djmattplay]

Going to do matte black with matte clear on my windshield wipers that are faded.

[@BradAngove]

Good choice. I’ve done those in spray cans before.

[@yanikartalis3750]

Thank you for the great video. Say you wanted to spray paint a handlebar (meaning you have few exposed areas) would you consider dropping the clear layers? Also, thinking about possible thickness issues (when sliding the controls back in place), should I remove the paint completely first? And would I need a different primer for the metal surface then?

[@BradAngove]

This primer should be fine for metal. I almost always use clear to protect my paint. You may want to tape off the areas where the controls go to eliminate the thickness issue.

[@jackhammer8439]

Thanks for the tips. Any suggestions for clear coating non-painted metals Specifically copper?

[@BradAngove]

There are specific clear coats made for copper. I believe Mohawk has one.

[@MrJavasan01]

Thanks for this. Two questions: 1) Do you typically sand after second coat of paint before hitting with matte clear? 2) How much time do you wait for the paint to dry before the clear?

[@BradAngove]

Yes. And if I’m going to sand I wait a day at least.

[@christopherkimmer8240]

I used a 800 grit scuffing pad it baby left miniature scratches that I could only see in direct light is that enough scuff I was afraid if I left bigger actual scratches that it would show in the clear?

[@1337million]

Bought a guitar DIY kit of a Les Paul Junior and I'm doing it in a matte black, just finished priming it. My first guitar paintjob, so hopefully it ends up at least okay :D

[@BradAngove]

Awesome; let me know how it goes.

[@1337million]

I think it went fairly well, minus some dripping I didn't sand down properly. I made a journal on DeviantArt with some photos of my progress which I will update as I start the final assembly 9joakim7.deviantart.com/journal/DIY-guitar-kit-from-Gear4Music-620817761

[@BradAngove]

Nice work. It looks pretty good to me. Thanks for the shoutout in the beginning as well. You can put the matte black on in slightly lighter coats. The same goes for the clear. They don't need to be that heavy really. Also, don't worry about that guy who says you have to use nitro. Very few companies use nitro these days. I bet if I repainted one of his les pauls with poly he wouldn't be able to hear the difference at all haha.

[@1337million]

Thank you :) I went a little overboard with the coats yeah And the guy is cool, he just wanted to help

[@benwatkins391]

Hey man I know this is an old video but I love this matt black guitar neck that MGKs schecter has and was wondering what you recommend to get this affect on a neck

[@BradAngove]

I’d probably use the matte black 2K epoxy from car rep.

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

If I use rustoleum flat black, and clear it with spray max 2k, will I still get a nice wet look even though I used flat black? I want a wet look..using a spray can because of the surface size

[@BradAngove]

Yes, it will still end up gloss.

[@Santiknws23]

Nice biceps. Thanks for the info.

[@Tex58tex]

Hey brad if I was going to try to repaint a guitar that is already lacquered should I take it back to bare wood or could I get away with roughing it with 400 grit then priming the roughing again with 400 then painting ? Or what would be a good process

[@BradAngove]

No need to take it back to bare wood greener ally. 400 should work fine.

[@vicerrico773]

What would you recommend for spray painting an indoor metal handrail along the stairwell? It's currently painted a flat black but is wearing in spots where it's being grabbed?

[@BradAngove]

If you use an enamel with a bit more sheen it will be more durable again that abrasion polishing.

[@headspace369]

Hey Brad. Can I use the rustoleum flat black primer+paint in one and use the matte clear on top? It’s for a guitar. Thanks !

[@BradAngove]

You can. I don’t like those two-in-one products but sometimes they’re all that’s available.

[@DarkPrinceVergil]

Hi Brad, I'm not great at spray painting at all and sometimes get a slightly noticeable build up with my matte finish. I have not put the clear finish on because of this. Any suggestions on fixing the build up? Saw some of your vids on it, but not sure which way to go. Thanks for the help!

[@BradAngove]

+Kevin Infante I would sand it back flat and try to do a light coat of the matte clear to even everything out.

[@satyanarayan4488]

And brother one More thing... Can i use it for my bike colour.. please reply

[@dralpaca2834]

Hey brad I have a few questions on wether or not you could tell me the brands of everything in the video because I’m currently painting my own guitar and I need to know because I’m using your video as a guide

[@BradAngove]

It’s rustoleum

[@satyanarayan4488]

Please provide me both matte colour's link with the primar colour. Please

[@michaelvolk7976]

Great videos, all of them! I stumbled upon them because I want to paint my guitar (DIY kit) matte black. So far, I have little experience painting anything with spray cans, and I am worried about "orange peel" is that a similar issue with matte paint? Do you have any tips on how to avoid them?

[@BradAngove]

Matte paint can still get orange peel but seems less prone to it. Usually we sand and polish it out, but you can't really do that with matte. So, just sand your second last coat of clear really flat and smooth (after drying of course) and keep your final coat light.

[@michaelvolk7976]

@@BradAngove Thanks Brad, I appreciate the help. Good luck with the Guitar Build off!

[@Y0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0ow]

Oh boy! Glad I found this. Same procedure for a bike frame, right?

[@BradAngove]

Yes.

[@Y0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0ow]

Brad Angove Alright. I got a few more questions: 1. How long does it take for the paint to cure? I want it to completely harden before reassembling. 2. I got some grainy spots on the frame. When I rub it with my thumb the paint comes off. I'm already two coats down and applied 1 day apart. Should I just sand it off and reapply another coat or is there another way to go with it?

[@BradAngove]

I'd give the paint a couple weeks to harden before reassembly. It sounds like you have some overspray on there. I would sand it back smooth and put another coat on.

[@Y0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0ow]

Brad Angove thanks brad. I have the video of the bike frame on my channel if you wanna see it

[@krishnajawda2443]

Hey Brad! great video. i have a question. 2 days ago i painted my speakers matte black using spray cans however i did not use the clear coat as i was not aware. the final product looks great, but i noticed the paint was not durable at all. is it okay to spray matte clear coat now?

[@BradAngove]

Yes, you should be able to clear coat now as long as it's the same type of paint. You will probably want to lightly scuff the surface of the paint first with some sandpaper or scotch brit to help the clear coat stick.

[@gamemakerx0]

so I'm planning to do this with some plastics glasses I bought do you recommend sanding it first ?

[@BradAngove]

I'd give them a quick little scuff and a bit of adhesion promoter first to allow the paint to stick properly.

[@keatonodling-thomas819]

Hi Brad, Love the videos. I plan on creating a dual finish on my guitar body, half with a satin wood finish and the other half with matte white paint, in what order do you think i should apply the two finishes?

[@BradAngove]

I would apply the satin natural finish first and let that dry fully. Then I would mask, sand the area getting the white, and apply the white finish.

[@keatonodling-thomas819]

@@BradAngove thank you!

[@joshsexton9707]

Awesome! Am I able to do this for a guitar too?

[@BradAngove]

+Josh Sexton sure thing.

[@wayankusumajati]

Great video. Btw do I need to sand my base coat paint before applying the matt top coat? Thanks before

[@BradAngove]

You should scuff it if you’re not within the re-coat window, yes.

[@wayankusumajati]

@@BradAngove okay, what grid that I need to use? Is 800 enough?

[@isaactuscano7470]

Sir ive got a new bike frame.... So do I have to remove that old color...Or just i repaint directly onto it...Pls reply Btw it's on aluminum

[@BradAngove]

Sand it with 400 grit first so the primer will stick. You don’t need to remove the paint.

[@isaactuscano7470]

@@BradAngove so I need to do a primer coat....If yes how many

[@BradAngove]

Yes. 2.

[@isaactuscano7470]

@@BradAngove thanks man

[@THRobinson]

Great stuff... doing a guitar and this helped a lot. Had a question(s) though... if I did a few coats of satin or matte black (not decided yet) then follow up with the satin/matte clear, can I wet sand the clear when done? I'm certain if I did 4-6 coats of clear for a good solid coating, it probably won't be as smooth as I'd like. Would wet sanding be a good idea? would it be a good idea to sand before applying the clear if runs/ripples? Also... if wanting a satin/matte finish, does the black coat have to be satin/matte?

[@BradAngove]

If you've got runs etc. in your black you'll want to sand that out before applying the clear. The black doesn't necessarily need to be satin/matte, but if you're letting it dry to sand it before clear coating, you'll need to sand off any glossiness so that the clear will stick. You could wet sand it, but I don't see why you would need to. Normal sanding with no-load paper would suffice.

[@freeangie11]

Should I use those 2 on silver kitchen cabinet nobs? I was wondering what was best if matte or flat.

[@BradAngove]

Matte and flat are the same.

[@accountemail9712]

Would a matte clear coat cover light indentations only visible by angled glares? (I had to fill in a gap around the front route in the bridge area)

[@BradAngove]

It would lessen it, but may not cover it entirely.

[@youcanthide004]

Hi Brad, would you recommend this technique to paint a logo on a motorcycle gas tank? The log is letters only, aprox 4" x 4". The bike is a 2017 Indian Scout and the tank is Matte Black. the logo would be Matte Red. If not this technique, any other suggestions would be appreciated. I have a shop in my garage and i am very hands on, and have done a ton of custom work of all kinds. However I have very minimal painting experience.

[@BradAngove]

I believe I have a video out on how to paint add graphics to a guitar which covers how to do logos. There would be no need for the primer in the circumstances you’re describing. Just sand the whole thing lightly with 600 grit, paint your logo, and then spray the whole thing with matte clear.

[@myriamlopez6080]

If using the 2x Paint+Primer GLOSS Key lime, can I use as topcoat the MATTE CLEAR ? thanks

[@BradAngove]

Yes. Let the green dry first for at least a day or two, sand lightly with 600 grit, and then clear coat.

[@tseemntshiabthao6028]

What's your opinion on the spraymax 2k matte clear coat ? Will it be the same depth/protection coat as the 2k gloss clear coat ? Is it worth to pay more for the 2k matte coat or will it not be worth the money and that I should just get the 2x from rust oleum? Im looking for a flat/matte clear coat for my 12 foot aluminum boat that I painted camo for hunting/fishing and looking for durability.

[@BradAngove]

The spray max will be more durable than the rustoleum 2x. I’m pretty confident this stuff won’t hold up in water like that for very long. Gloss always has more depth and better protection.

[@briangordon8061]

i want to do some lace work with a gloss black base and a matte black overspray. What clear do i use??? Btw your vids rock man. Ive never painted anbything until i watched one of your vids and now ive painted half my car and want to do lace work now. got the bug bad

[@BradAngove]

I’m not sure if I fully understand what you are aiming for, but take a look at my video on how to paint matte and gloss patterns and let me know if that helps.

[@naomiedon8917]

What happens when you have a lot of relief for the sanding after the priming? I'd like to make Snape's wand and it's matte black but it's definitely not a smooth surface for the handle.

[@BradAngove]

What kind of wood are you using? Walnut?

[@reasonbass]

Hi Brad. I've been binge watching all of your videos and I just have a quick question. I will doing. a ceruse finish on an Ash body and I wondering if I needed to add primer for it? It will be a flat black with red or silver grain filling.

[@BradAngove]

You shouldn't use primer for that. You want to keep that black finish thin to allow the grain to stay open for your other color.

[@reasonbass]

@@BradAngove Thank you so much!

[@dblood8529]

Hey Brad, can I accomplish this on MDF if I seal it correctly like you did in one of your videos?

[@BradAngove]

+Dblood85 Absolutely!

[@zesmarkdupahnay3463]

Can you do a matte grey spray paint tutorial too..im kinda having problem painting my motorcycle wheel mags..thank you hope ur read this.

[@BradAngove]

It’s the same process.

[@renards90]

me the clear gloss make it rough and ruff like paper sand on my paint x-x how fixe that

[@jarhead1659]

I want to repaint my guita with that color do i need to remove the old paint and do i need to put a primer before i painted it pls reply

[@BradAngove]

No and no. But you do need to sand your old paint and clean.

[@JeffGillis1]

Im curious if you had a chance to experiment with the new flat metallic paint now available? Rust-Oleum 271473 Universal All Surface Spray Paint, 11 oz, Flat Metallic Soft Iron?

[@BradAngove]

I haven’t tried that one specifically.

[@TRIP5_GAMING]

If you are doing a car with cans ... Should you scruff it between the paint and the clear? .. And u mentioned to use a flat clear coat with uv protection .. .. I am doing a gloss black design on the flat black base coat ... So my question is ... Do i scuff the matte black base before tne gloss design .. Then scuff the whole thing before the uv protection flat clear .. I think the consistant clear ove both the flat and glossy areas will make for an awesome look .. What are your thoughts.. And if u could answer me about when and when not to do a 2k grit wet sand ... Or a dry 2k grit sand ... Or just a scotch bringht scuff .. I'd greatly appreciate your input and expertise! .. Thanks

[@BradAngove]

Hi Jeremy. I’m having a bit of trouble deciphering exactly what your plan is, but I suggest you start by watching my video on how to do matte and gloss designs. Once you’ve seen that, leave a comment there with your remaining questions and we can discuss.

[@richardwebb6045]

Hi Brad, I've just painted a bare aluminium flat tray with etching primer and satin black paint. Can I put a clear satin lacquer on top for extra outside use durability or is it not required? Also if I put vinyl decal stickers on the satin black paint, can I spray on a clear satin lacquer to permanently seal the decals?

[@BradAngove]

You can put a satin clear coat on there, as long as it is compatible. And yes, you can use clear coat to seal in decals.

[@billsbuilds5961]

If you were looking to use a color, could you use the satin finish and get a similar result? I’ve only seen black and camouflage colors in flat finishes, but I have a metal project I’d like to in corporate red or blue but still want that Matt/frosted finish. I don’t have an HVLP setup at the moment, so rattle cans are my only option. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge on these videos, they’re very helpful. 👍🏻😉👊🏻

[@BradAngove]

You can spray your colour in whatever finish you want. Then let it dry fully, sand it with some 800 grit so your clear will stick, and then use a matte clear on it.

[@billsbuilds5961]

Brad Angove Excellent, I will give it a try! Thanks for the info! 👍🏻

[@BradAngove]

You’re welcome.

[@rosegold-beats]

If you add more layers will it hold up longer?

[@BradAngove]

Not necessarily. Adding more layers of paint increases the opportunity for something to go wrong with them.

[@AleMazMaz]

Excuse me sir, what is the grit size of the sand paper to use before spraying the black? Couldnt understand, thanks in advance for the help

[@BradAngove]

400 grit

[@hevilymedic8ed936]

Not looking to do the whole truck just the roll pan and it's already a different color what grit should I scuff before primer

[@BradAngove]

320

[@danielluna9213]

Hi Brad, I've been binge watching your videos lately! I just found out about your Channel. Quick question, when do you wet sand? Is there any difference?

[@BradAngove]

Do you mean as opposed to dry sanding?

[@danielluna9213]

@@BradAngove Yes! Is it a matter of preference or are there situations/materials where it's better to wet sand as opposed to dry sand?

[@BradAngove]

I prefer to dry sand when wood is involved except in very specific circumstances where I want to raise grain. I wet sand only during the polishing process and only on materials where moisture isn’t an issue.

[@Floo-Z]

Hey man, your videos have been really helpful!! So just to get this clear you do 2 coats of primer, scuff it with 800 grit, 2 coats of flat matte then a final coat of matt clear?? I plan on doing this on my guitar and was wondering how many cans i will need? Also do you have and advice on spraying glosss stripes on a matte finish?? Thanks!!!

[@BradAngove]

I did two or three coats of the clear as well. You should be able to get away with one can of each, particularly since you don't necessarily need to sand back your matte and polish it. Spray your matte finish first, let it cure, then mask off the gloss stripes and spray them. Polish them if you need to before you remove the tape. I should be doing a video on this process some time reasonably soon.

[@Floo-Z]

thats awesome man thanks for the help!!! im subbed so i'll look forward to the video!!

[@19Alex27]

Nice vid Brad, keep up the good work! I bought some Dupli color Flat Black General Purpose Acrylic Enamel to paint my wheels. Can I put 2 clear Matte on those? Will the result would be great? I’m not sure ‘cuz it’s not the same brand, and 2k Clear are mor for profesionalish paint job. Help me plz.

[@BradAngove]

You can use the 2k clear over that. It will be better than the duplicolor clear. How great it is will depend on how well the surface is prepared etc.

[@hazardgeek]

Hello Brad! This technique can be applied on a guitar body too, right?

[@BradAngove]

Certainly.

[@Chew_Chuy]

Can an acoustic guitar have this finish?

[@BradAngove]

I would recommend using a nitrocellulose lacquer if you’re doing this on an acoustic. The paint type can affect how they sound.

[@NilesLuther]

Hey Brad, thanks for the video. I have a very ornate gold painting frame that I want to spray paint this matte black. Is it fine that I can’t sand it? Its not a flat surface, there are a bunch of grooves and textures, so I just want to make sure that I won’t ruin it by trying something like this.

[@BradAngove]

Have a look at the video I just did on metallic spray cans. I spray a textured ornate frame in that one and show how to prep it.

[@danielruiz5907]

Can I wet sand the flat black paint with a 2500 grit if I have imperfections? If so what are the steps after, since it’s matte do I just leave it like it is after sanding and cleaning with soap and water and then paint the clear matte paint?

[@BradAngove]

You would sand with 800 and the clear coat. 2500 is too fine.

[@Stephen8454]

Now I have been trying to use this matte clear but am having a lot of trouble in sanding it down to get a smooth finish. I am painting sheet metal and often the can itself sprays real globby. So how do you sand the matte clear? I tried wet sanding and it gets a real grey soapy look after.

[@BradAngove]

You can dry-sand it with no-load paper, probably 400 or 600 grit, and then put on another light coat. If you're having trouble with your paint can spitting, have a look at this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJKTn6xphMZ2bpY

[@Stephen8454]

Brad, thank you SO much for responding the my question/comment. I will watch that video and Ive already learned a ton from watching some of your other ones! Keep up the good work. What I do is make custom parts for computer cases out of sheet metal and have been trying to match colors of existing cases as best I can. Turns out Satin might be the kind I need instead of matte :-D

[@BradAngove]

Oh, I see. You can spray a satin clear coat over it, if you need to, or in the worst case you can actually polish a matte finish out to a satin finish.

[@craigcampbell3063]

Hi Brad. Thanks for the videos. I am busy using Rust-Oleum Painters Touch 2X Ultra Cover "Paint & Primer" (Satin) to finish a Les Paul Kit. My first general question is: Are these considered Enamel paints? Or something else? I never know the difference. My next question is: I have finished my satin colour and satin clear coats by waiting 10 minutes between each. 48h has passed and I would however like to add an additional clear coat or two, just to give it a bit more protection. Must I sand the previous clear coat (that I sprayed 48h ago) before adding my intednded follow-up clear coats, with this specific paint? Or can I get away by just spraying without sanding? Thanks in advance.

[@BradAngove]

Hi Craig, Those paints are acrylic as far as I understand. Although I consider them acrylic enamel, because they seem to be formulated to behave somewhat like enamel. You will want to sand with 800 grit before adding additional coats, otherwise you risk adhesion issues.

[@MNB730]

Can i use flat black as the primer and top it with doff black? I saw that my guitar has a flat black colour as the primer paint for the guitar and then doff black for the matte part.

[@BradAngove]

You can get black primer, yes.

[@reddbaron82]

Any advice on how to get a sand textured matte black finish? Fairly smooth and light texture

[@BradAngove]

Truck bed liner.

[@daceyatesfdfband3209]

Would there be any problems if the Matt/ clear was appiled a week or so after the paint?

[@BradAngove]

Generally that shouldn’t be an issue.

[@boboycucing6341]

support from malaysia

[@lucashandfield7448]

What type of clear would you recommend for a carbon fiber bike wheel 1k or 2k ?

[@BradAngove]

Probably 2K if you have the appropriate safety equipment

[@Pinthar]

great video. I have a nitro blond finish on my strat. can I primer over that and then do the matt finish, or should I strip the old finish off first?

[@BradAngove]

You don't need to strip the finish off, but you will need to sand it lightly so that the primer can bond mechanically to the surface. New paint doesn't stick to gloss properly. I'd go with 400 grit.

[@Pinthar]

Thanks. I will try that approach.

[@BradAngove]

You're welcome. Best of luck with your project.

[@spookyintentions989]

Hey Brad, would you primer on a guitar if youre doing a matte finish?

[@BradAngove]

If I'm doing it on bare wood I would for sure. Over another finish I might not bother.

[@zhuyue1280]

Hi does standard color coat work instead of flat? Because there isnt a flat variant for the color i that want.

[@BradAngove]

Yes, if you’re going over it with the matte clear that should be fine.

[@Csimon2429]

Hey Brad, how durable is The Krylon Matte Clear Finish? I've tried The 2x Rust-Oleum Matte Clear and it was NOT matte at all! It looked more like Satin/Gloss to me. Not a fan of Rust-Oleum clear products. it either cracks or poxes on my Acrylic flat coats. I wanna try a Krylon Matte Clear on a Ikea computer desk top i've painted with a Exterior acrylic black, and just wanna know how durable it is for stains and scuffs.

[@BradAngove]

I haven’t really used the krylon, but I’m guessing it’s not very durable at all.

[@dha588]

How's the scratch resistant on clear coat?

[@asmircar1]

im here becouse i want to get my car painted mat black :) afc we want clear coat over it, becouse paint needs to survive few years at least and we get damages from rock chips and car washes.....

[@mordecai9714]

Hey brad great vids man, im in the process of repainting my strat and had a question. Looked through other comments but couldn't find exactly what I'm thinking about. I have a gloss color and matte clear coat. Can i flash clear coat it? I dont really care if it's matte or clear it's just what I have already. I see you told others to wait a few days and then re-sand and apply the matte clear. What will the result be if i just wait the 10 mins and hit it with the matte clear after gloss color?

[@BradAngove]

+Jordan Elliot There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to do that, as long as it doesn't result in you firing 5-6 coats total on in one session. If you're doing a couple of each it should be fine. The concern is that if you build up a bunch of layers without a drying session, the ones underneath will never harden properly.

[@theguitaristthatdrums6062]

How do you clean a matte guitar.what cleaner do you use.i have Kyser wooden instrument guitar polish cleaner.will that work with a matte finish?

[@BradAngove]

It should work fine. Just test it in an inconspicuous area first.

[@0Orion]

I have read that some people use Magic Sponge to remove the shine from playing/rubbing hand on guitar. What do you think about using magic sponge for this purpose? I have also removed finger smudges and superficial scratches from a matte Thinkpad T530 laptop lid with Magic Sponge and windex. It worked great and it made the laptop look almost new.

[@BradAngove]

I’ve never tried it, so I have no idea. Sounds cool though.

[@bernardashley8211]

I have a cardboard project I want to paint flat black, would this technique work or is it over kill?

[@BradAngove]

Overkill. Just shoot flat black spray paint. No primer or clear needed.

[@rhettmccoullough6990]

Stupid question time as I know little about paint. I have a matt black guitar, my finger rests on the body and has created a shiny spot on the surface. Easy way to fix this or do I just live with it? Thanks.

[@BradAngove]

+Rhett Mccoullough Check out my video on how to turn gloss finishes matte or satin. If it's just a small area, you can knock back some of the shine with a piece of grey scotch brite.

[@yopappy2785]

Do you know if that 2x clear will work over oil based paint pens?

[@BradAngove]

I’m not sure. I know it works fine over water based paint pens.

[@MclarenF1rocket]

We're thinking of using spray cans to provide a matte black finish to a panel on one of our products - it's part of a home furniture set. Do you recommend using spray cans for production (we're looking at a few hundred to a thousand units) ? Or is there a better approach ?

[@BradAngove]

In my view you would be better of setting up a proper spray setup for that kind of volume. Particularly if it is a relatively large piece that you’re working on.