SUMMER SALE ON NOW 30% OFF ALL DECALS AND WRAPS! FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE UNITED STATES & CANADA

SUMMER SALE ON NOW 30% OFF ALL DECALS AND WRAPS! FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE UNITED STATES & CANADA

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Matte vs Gloss Black Vinyl Decals

matte black vinyl checkered flag decal on the side of blue car

Choosing the Perfect Oracal 651 Finish for Your Ride 

Gloss black pops with showroom shine and high contrast, while matte black delivers a stealthy, paint-like look that hides dust and minor scratches. Both finishes use rugged Oracal 651—rated 6-year outdoor life—so your decision really comes down to style, glare, and maintenance preferences.

1. What Exactly Is Oracal 651?

  • Intermediate-grade calendered PVC film—ideal for cut-vinyl graphics, striping, and lettering.

  • Thickness: 2.5 mil (0.064 mm), giving crisp plotter cuts without tearing.

  • Permanent solvent adhesive that bonds to metal, glass, fiberglass, and painted surfaces.

  • Outdoor durability: up to 6 years when properly applied and cleaned.

(Both the gloss-black 070 and matte-black 070M shades in our shop share the same adhesive and thickness—only the top-coat finish differs.)

Factor Gloss Black 070 Matte Black 070M
Reflectivity High mirror-like shine; picks up highlights from sunlight and street-lights. Low-sheen, non-reflective surface; diffuses light for a solid, “painted-on” vibe.
Visual Impact Bold logos, chrome-like accents, racing stripes. Stealth graphics, tactical themes, black-out badges.
Hides Imperfections Shows dust, fingerprints, and minor scratches more easily. Masks fine swirl marks and road grime; easier to keep “photo ready.”
Readability Excellent contrast at night when light hits the decal. Better legibility in harsh midday sun (reduced glare).
Maintenance Use pH-neutral soap; avoid abrasive polishes that can create swirl lines. Same cleaning routine; never apply waxes or ceramic coats that add shine.
Matching Factory Paint Works well alongside OEM gloss clear-coat. Ideal for satin or matte-wrapped vehicles and blackout trim kits.

 

Vehicle Type Finish We Recommend Why
Work Trucks & Service Vans Gloss Brand logos pop, easier to spot from a distance.
Off-Road or Tactical Builds Matte Non-reflective, rugged aesthetic pairs with bead-lock wheels & powder-coat bumpers.
Luxury Sedans & Coupes Gloss Complements high-gloss clear-coat; looks like factory badgework.
Motorcycles & Powersports Matte Hides chain grease and trail dust; matches powder-coated parts.

4. Installation Tips (Same for Both Finishes)

  1. Prep Like a Pro – Wash with a wax-free soap, clay-bar any contaminants, and wipe down with 70 % isopropyl alcohol.

  2. Temperature Window – Apply between +10 °C and +29 °C (50–85 °F) for best tack.

  3. Hinge Method – Tape, squeegee from the center out, and remove the application mask at 180° against the surface.

  4. Edge Sealing (Optional) – On high-pressure wash zones, run a thin bead of edge-seal tape or clear coat for extra security.



5. Care & Cleaning

  • Routine Wash: Mild car-shampoo + microfiber mitt once a week.

  • Avoid: Automatic brushes, high-pH detergents, and solvent-based tar removers.

  • Matte-Specific: Skip waxes; use a dedicated matte detail spray if you need extra protection.

  • Gloss-Specific: You can use synthetic sealants—just stick to non-abrasive formulas.

    If you value… Pick…
    Eye-catching shine & bold branding Gloss Black 070
    Stealth looks & easy upkeep Matte Black 070M
    Matching factory clear-coat Gloss
    Matching blackout trim or satin PPF Matte

     

    7. FAQs

    Does matte vinyl fade faster than gloss?
    No—both shades share identical UV inhibitors and ratings.

    Can I mix finishes on the same vehicle?
    Absolutely. Many customers run gloss logos over matte stripes for a layered effect.

    Will either finish damage my paint on removal?
    Not when installed on OEM clear-coat and removed with a heat gun at correct angle within lifespan.

    Ready to transform your ride?
    When ordering choose either Gloss Black 070 or Matte Black 070M Oracal 651 cut-vinyl decals today, or request a custom size for the perfect fit. Every order ships with a free squeegee .

     


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