5 Common Matrix Paint Problems (Explained)

The kind of paint you decide to use on your car determines how good the finish will look as well as how long it will last.

When it comes to painting cars, most people think that prep work is the only factor that needs to be heavily considered.

And even though this is true. If you choose the wrong car paint brand, you are likely going to run into issues later on.

Matrix is a popular automotive finish brand. Their paints are affordable, easily available and they will sell you the right match.

However, matrix paint has in the past few years received its fair share of criticism. Not that it’s the only paint brand that gets negative reviews.

All paint companies do get both positive and negative reviews. However, if you look up other people’s opinions on car forums, you will realize that a good number of people dislike Matrix paint. Some swear by it as well.

If you are interested in getting some Matrix paint for your car before you do, here are some of the common problems that have been reported against it.

This article aims to help you decide whether Matrix is the ideal paint for your car or if you should look elsewhere.

matrix paint problems

Let’s begin with an Overview of the Brand – Who are Matrix Automotive Finishes?

Matrix is one of the oldest auto paint brands. It was launched in 1983 in Detroit. According to the company, they take pride in making quality paint that has rich pigments.

Matrix assures its clients that you don’t only get the right match but you and your car will enjoy the color performance provided by their paints.

There is one particular sector that Matrix stands out and that is with their price factor. Compared to other automotive finishes brands, Matrix sells its paint at a relatively affordable price.

So if you are looking to save a couple of bucks, they may be the right company for you. However, are you familiar with the phrase – you get what you pay for?

Matrix Paint Problems

• Their Paint Colors Don’t Match

One of the most common complaints that Matrix Paint has received is that the colors they sell their clients do not match the original color of the paint.

If you are only painting a certain section of a car, should you get paint that doesn’t match the original color, then you will be messed up big time.

Have you ever seen a car with two colors that don’t match? This is most evident on the doors and hoods. This can lower your vehicle’s resale value and make the exterior look terrible.

There are two ways this can happen. Either a client doesn’t share with Matrix the correct VIN. Or, Matrix messes up the color code when formulating the paint.

• Matrix Makes Transparent Basecoats

The second thing that they have been in the limelight for is their transparent basecoat. If you know a thing or two about car painting is that the basecoat provides color for the final coat. And if it’s transparent, the finish won’t look that great when you are done.

• Delamination of the Clear Coat

The clear coat of any car is expected to weaken with time and peel off. However, the clear coat of Matrix paint delaminates faster than any other brand.

When it fades, it leaves the paint naked and vulnerable to damage from contaminants. A good paint brand should formulate all the layers of car paint to bond strongly with the car surface. This ensures the paint lasts longer and doesn’t peel easily.

• Their Customer Support is Terrible

Understandably, most car paint brands focus their efforts on marketing and sales. But customer support is critical. And this is something that Matrix Paint lacks.

From the comments of those who have had trouble with Matrix paints, one evident thing is that this company rarely takes its time to solve customer complaints.

And even if they do, the entire process is packed with excuses and endless delays. This could be one of the main reasons they get such a bad rap.

• Matrix’s Clear Tends to Have a Yellowish Reflection When Dry

This must have something to do with the formula. There have been a few complaints that the clear coat of Matrix gives off a yellowish tint when it dries up.

This can be a bit scary especially if you have a color that will look terrible when it gets a yellow reflection.

Is Matrix Paint Any Good?

At times, hearing only the negatives can leave you with a fixed opinion of a certain brand. But that shouldn’t be the case, you should evaluate the pros and cons of a product before making a choice.

Though it may be hard to believe, there are a couple of good things that have been mentioned about Matrix Paint and they include;

Their paint is quite affordable. Living in times when the prices of everything are skyrocketing, Matrix has managed to keep the prices of its paints in check. And it’s among the reasons why they still have loyal customers.

Matrix paint is great for painting the entire car. We don’t need to remind you of the outcome you most likely may get when you decide to match paint with it.

Their clear coat is known to give off an impressive glossy finish. Moreover, it is easy to cut and buff.

Matrix makes very clear primers.

It sprays well.

Paint Problems that Aren’t Related or Caused by Using Matrix Automotive Finishes

Some paint issues occur due to poor painting skills. It is unfortunate that Matrix still gets blamed for these problems.

To give you a clear picture of this brand, we decided to look at common paint issues that occur due to other causes and not just using Matrix paint. They include;

• Fisheyes

These are circular openings that imitate the look of a crater. They form when you are done spraying a primer or while doing it.

Some people blame the formation of fisheyes on certain paint brands like Matrix. This is however not true.

Fisheyes are caused by applying paint to a surface that contains oil, grease, or wax. This is why during paint preparation, you are advised to use a wax remover.

• Lifting

Matrix automotive finishes aren’t prone to lifting or wrinkling. If the paint does this, you are probably not giving the urethane coats enough time to dry.

• Air trapping

Matrix paint won’t trap air bubbles if you hold the spray gun at a considerable distance and use the right air pressure.

Even though bubbles aren’t a big deal, having to sand the area requires more effort that could have been avoided by just holding the spray gun at a reasonable distance.

• Dulling of the paint gloss

Matrix paint is known for its remarkable gloss. And should you find the finish hazy, you probably didn’t give the undercoat enough time to dry.

• Sagging

This is very common, especially among beginners. The quality of the paint has nothing to do with making it sag. If you do hold the spray gun very close to the surface, you may get such a result.

PPG Vs Matrix Paint

One of the biggest competitors of Matrix Paint is PPG. This is a company that has been around for longer than Matrix and that’s why they are more popular and have their products in nearly all corners of the world.

If you don’t like the negative reviews Matrix Paint receives, then you can explore what PPG has to offer.

Unlike their counterpart, PPG paints are known to be perfect for color matching. Above, we have mentioned that matrix paint is ideal when being used on the entire car.

However, if you want to color-match paint, you have a better chance of not regretting your decision by going with PPG.

This band is also an industry standard and you will find their paints in most body shops near you.

if you are contemplating between PPG and Matrix car paint, weigh out the pros and cons of each and find out which suits your painting needs the most.

Is It True that Matrix is A Relabelled PPG?

Before we can move on from PPG, we need to address one of the rumors surrounding the two brands. There are allegations that Matrix is a relabelled PPG. This is false.

These are two companies that make automotive finishes but use different formulas and even the packaging is different.

The results also vary because when you compare paints from Matrix and PPG, you will see a couple of notable differences.

How Long Do Matrix Paints Last?

If taken proper care of and applied correctly, matrix paint can stay intact on your car for about 6 or 8 years. You will have to prep the surfaces thoroughly, ensure the paint is sprayed correctly, and top off with a clear coat.

Regular waxing can also help prolong the life of the paint.

Polishing can also contribute to that. Should you skip any of the above processes, it obviously won’t last that long. Moreover, you can’t compare matrix paint’s durability to other quality car paints.

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