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?
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Intermediate-grade calendered PVC film—ideal for cut-vinyl graphics, striping, and lettering.
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Thickness: 2.5 mil (0.064 mm), giving crisp plotter cuts without tearing.
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Permanent solvent adhesive that bonds to metal, glass, fiberglass, and painted surfaces.
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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)
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Prep Like a Pro – Wash with a wax-free soap, clay-bar any contaminants, and wipe down with 70 % isopropyl alcohol.
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Temperature Window – Apply between +10 °C and +29 °C (50–85 °F) for best tack.
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Hinge Method – Tape, squeegee from the center out, and remove the application mask at 180° against the surface.
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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
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Routine Wash: Mild car-shampoo + microfiber mitt once a week.
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Avoid: Automatic brushes, high-pH detergents, and solvent-based tar removers.
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Matte-Specific: Skip waxes; use a dedicated matte detail spray if you need extra protection.
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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?
Ready to transform your ride?
Not when installed on OEM clear-coat and removed with a heat gun at correct angle within lifespan.
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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