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Matte Paint Care Guide
If the painted surfaces of the vehicle are dirty, wash the vehicle immediately.
(Washing your vehicle P. 32)
Due to the slight unevenness, matte
clear coat surfaces are more likely to
trap dirt and other foreign matter com-
pared to normal clear coat surfaces.
If dirt or foreign matter is left on the
vehicle, it may settle into the textured
surface of the matte clear coat, making
it more difficult to remove. Additionally,
as the surface of the matte clear coat
will become more flat when dirty, the
vehicle body will start to look glossy,
ruining the textured finish.
Therefore, make sure to clean the vehi-
cle regularly and not allow dirt to
remain on the vehicle for extended
periods of time.
If dirt or foreign matter is allowed to settle and cannot be cleaned off with normal
washing, it will be necessary to remove the dirt with the upper layer of the tex-
tured finish and then to repaint the entire part.
Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
Dirt
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Matte Paint Care Guide
Take care in order to not damage the painted surfaces.
When minor damage occurs to a vehicle with a normal clear coat, it can be
repaired by polishing it or using touch up paint. In contrast, a matte clear coat
cannot be repaired using these methods.
If these methods are used the unevenness of the matte clear coat may be
removed or filled in. In either case, the surface will become more flat, making it
appear more glossy, possibly permanently losing its matte properties.
In order to maintain the matte finish when repairing damage, it will be necessary
to repaint the entire part.
Repair of paint damage
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Matte Paint Care Guide
■General washing tips (P. 32)
■If the vehicle body is dirty (P. 28)
Question: What should I do if any of the following have attached to the vehi-
cle?
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are frequently asked questions about the matte clear coat and
their answers:
Washing the vehicle
QuestionAnswer
Can the vehicle be washed?Yes. The vehicle should be washed immediately if it
is dirty.Can the vehicle be washed fre-
quently?
What is the proper method for
washing the vehicle?The vehicle should be washed by hand, using only
water and a chamois cloth.
Is there anything I should be
careful about when washing the
vehicle?Make sure to start by rinsing the entire vehicle with
plenty of water from top to bottom.
Can I wash the vehicle in an
automatic car wash?
No.Can I use a high-pressure pres-
sure washer to wash the vehi-
cle?
ItemAnswer
Leaves, flowers, branches, etc.
Remove immediately.
They may scratch the matte clear coat and if they
are allowed to remain on the vehicle, dirt may settle
into the matte clear coat, making it more flat. As a
result, it will become more glossy, possibly perma-
nently losing its matte properties.
Dead insects, bird droppings,
etc.
Remove immediately.
They may scratch the matte clear coat and if they
are allowed to remain on the vehicle, dirt may settle
into the matte clear coat, making it more flat. As a
result, it will become more glossy, possibly perma-
nently losing its matte properties.
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Matte Paint Care Guide
■Vehicle washing products (P. 33)
Sand, pollen, and other particu-
late matterWash off with water immediately.
If the contaminants cannot be removed with water
alone, use a neutral detergent solution. If the con-
taminants are allowed to remain on the vehicle, they
may settle into the matte clear coat, making it more
flat. As a result, it will become more glossy, possibly
permanently losing its matte properties.
Oil stains
Asphalt (tar)
Water stainsUse dilute citric acid (citric acid powder dissolved in
distilled water) to remove the water stains.
Water repellent glass coating
Remove immediately.
Even if removed, depending on the contaminant, the
matte clear coat may be damaged, possibly perma-
nently losing its matte properties.
Glass treatment remover
Tire cleaner
Gasoline
Oil
Washer fluid
ItemAnswer
QuestionAnswer
Can I use car wash shampoo/
soap?
Only use a neutral detergent which is approved for
car wash use and water. Make sure to rinse the vehi-
cle with plenty of water after using detergent.
Do not use alkaline (including weakly basic) deter-
gents, as they may damage the matte clear coat.
Can I use a general household
neutral detergent?Only use a neutral detergent which is approved for
car wash use and water. Make sure to rinse the vehi-
cle with plenty of water after using detergent.
What should I use to wipe off
dirt?
Use a soft chamois cloth.What should I use to dry the
vehicle?
Can I use a water stain
remover?
Lexus does not recommend the use of water stain
removers, as they may damage the matte clear coat.
Do not use alkaline detergents or products contain-
ing abrasives.
Can the vehicle be waxed?
Can a coating be applied to the
vehicle body?No. Do not wax the vehicle or apply a coating to the
vehicle body, as they may cause the matte clear coat
to lose its matte texture.
Can I use an iron remover?No, as it may cause the matte clear coat to lose its
matte texture
