How to Preserve Your Hyundai IONIQ EV With Matte Paint

Owning a Hyundai IONIQ EV with a matte or low-gloss finish is a unique and thrilling experience. The IONIQ EV’s innovative design, combined with the distinctively different appearance of its matte finish, sets it apart from the crowd. However, to maintain the striking look of your IONIQ EV, it requires special care and attention. Unlike traditional high-gloss paints, the matte finish demands a different approach to ensure its longevity and beauty.

Understanding the IONIQ EV’s Matte Finish

The Hyundai IONIQ EV’s matte finish is unlike the standard high-gloss paints found on most vehicles. While high-gloss finishes provide a shiny and reflective appearance, the IONIQ EV’s low-gloss coating diffuses light, creating a flat and distinctive look. This unique characteristic makes it stand out on the road, but it also requires specific care to retain its original beauty.

General Cleaning Recommendations

To ensure your Hyundai IONIQ EV’s matte finish remains stunning for years to come, follow these cleaning instructions:

Do Not:

• Use commercial car wash facilities with mechanical brushes or towels, as they can damage the low-gloss finish.
• Apply any type of wax, polish, or detailing spray meant for standard, glossy finishes. Only use products specifically designed for low-gloss or matte finishes.
• Use mildly abrasive products like rubbing compounds or glazes.
• Utilize mechanical cleaners or polishers.
• Wipe the finish vigorously, as it may create a permanent shiny spot.
• Rub the vehicle in a circular motion, which could lead to swirls in the finish.

Do:

• Remove foreign substances like insect remains, tar, and road debris using a soft applicator and a mild solvent. Remember to saturate and soak the area before gently cleaning it.
• Hand wash the Hyundai IONIQ EV with a soft wash mitt and a cleaning product suitable for low gloss or matte finishes.
• Use microfiber cleaning cloths with an alcohol-based window cleaner for basic surface cleanup.

Spot Cleaning Recommendations

For quick spot cleaning to prevent stains and lasting damage to the finish, follow these steps:

Equipment/Supplies:

• Alcohol-based window cleaner (not vinegar or ammonia-based) or a mixture of 50% alcohol and 50% de-ionized water.
• If needed, tar remover or mild solvent.
• Microfiber soft cloth suitable for low-gloss or matte finishes Cleaning Tip: Always test cleaning products in hidden areas before using.
• You can also order Hyundai-approved soap through our parts department. Click here to get in touch!

Cleaning Procedure:

1. Apply cleaner to both the microfiber towel and the spot.
2. The surface needs to be cleaned. Note: Using a dry towel can damage the finish.
3. After applying the cleaner, allow the spot to soak and soften.
4. Using a backward and forward motion, lightly wipe the surface. Avoid using a circular motion as it may leave swirls in the finish.
5. Rinse with water, making sure the cleaning product does not stay on the finish.
6. Repeat the above steps if necessary.
7. Removing Tough Road Debris and Stains
8. Spray the area with water to remove any loose debris.
9. Spray the area with alcohol-based window cleaner or a solution of 50% alcohol and 50% deionized water and allow it to soak. For tar or tree sap, dampen debris with tar remover and allow it to soak.
10. Apply cleaner to a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
11. Wipe the finish lightly to remove the debris using a backward and forward motion (avoid using a circular motion).
12. Once the debris is removed, wash the area with matte paint finish soap, using a damp microfiber cloth rinse well with water.
13. Dry with a clean damp microfiber soft cloth.

Cleaning Tip: Saturate/soak microfiber cloth with tar remover and place on the debris. Allow to soak for approximately five minutes.

Washing Your Hyundai IONIQ EV

When washing your Hyundai IONIQ EV, remember that pressure washing should not exceed 83 bar / 1,200 psi. Follow these steps for a successful hand wash:

Pre-Wash Check List:

• Car wash soap specifically formulated for a matte or low-gloss finish (available at Walser Hyundai).
• Soft car wash mitt, wash pad, and/or microfiber sponge.
• Two buckets with dirt separator grids at the bottom.
• Hose and sprayer with a shut-off nozzle.
• Alcohol-based window cleaner (not vinegar or ammonia-based) or a mixture of 50% alcohol and 50% de-ionized water.
• Tar remover or mild solvent if needed.
• Microfiber soft cloth is suitable for matte or low-gloss finishes.
• Chamois cloth for drying.

Washing:

1. Pre-rinse the vehicle with a hose or pressure washer to cool the finished surface and remove large debris that can scratch the finish.

Cleaning Tip: Keep the hose handy for frequent rinsing throughout the wash.

1. Prepare one bucket with matte/low-gloss finish car wash soap.

1. Fill the second bucket with clean water. This is to be used for rinsing the mitt throughout the wash. Always rinse and keep the mitt clean before placing it into the wash solution.
2. Soak the wash mitt/wash pad/microfiber sponge in the wash solution and wash the vehicle lightly. Work in small sections starting at the top. Work your way to the bottom.
3. Wash a section and then completely rinse before proceeding to another section.
4. Continue washing each section and repeat the rinse, wash, and rinse steps until the car is clean.

Cleaning Tip: Keep the clean sections wet as you finish the next section. This thoroughly rinses the soap residue and prevents water spots from forming.

Drying:

• For the best appearance, use a clean damp chamois, sponge cloth, or microfiber towel before it air dries. If the surface begins to air dry, dampen the areas that you are not drying.

Cleaning Tip: Water blades are NOT recommended for matte / or low-gloss finishes.

Protecting Your IONIQ EV’s Matte Finish

To ensure long-lasting protection and easy maintenance for your Hyundai IONIQ EV’s matte finish, consider using products specifically designed for this purpose. Regularly treating your vehicle with these products from Walser Hyundai will not only protect the finish but also prevent water spots from forming.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and test the product in a hidden area before applying it. When using the protection product, lightly wipe the surface in a forward-and-backward motion, avoiding circular motions that may leave swirls in the finish.

By following these care guidelines, you can preserve the distinctive appearance of your Hyundai IONIQ EV’s matte finish and enjoy its head-turning allure for years to come. Proper maintenance and attention to detail will ensure your IONIQ EV continues to stand out on the road, drawing admiration wherever you go. With the right care and products, you’ll maintain the stunning look of your Hyundai IONIQ EV and drive with pride knowing that it remains a unique vehicle.