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A few weeks in and now we can’t keep up with him! A real game changer for our family. Thank you base bikes for understanding what kids need!

Vanessa 16/02/25

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Matte Paint: Easy to Maintain (With the Right Approach)

Matte blue bike

Your base bike has a lovely matte paint finish.  Matte finishes, while looking fantastic, might seem tricky to maintain, but they're actually straightforward. Once you know that the difference between a shiny finish and a matte or satin finish comes down to the ‘bumpy’ surface on the matte coating, understanding how to clean the painted frame becomes much easier. 

The primary goal when cleaning a matte finish is to avoid products intended to make your bike shiny, which they usually achieve by creating a very smooth, reflective surface. For example:

  • No polish or wax: Matte finishes are porous and designed to scatter light for that signature dull appearance. Using wax or polish can fill these tiny surface pores, creating uneven shiny patches and spoiling your bike’s aesthetic.
  • Silicone-based Products: Silicone, common in many general bike polishes, can cause matte surfaces to develop unwanted glossiness over time.

Cleaning Your Matte Finish Bike: Step-by-Step

Here's a matte-specific cleaning guide:

  1. Start With a Gentle Rinse:
    • Use low-pressure water to remove loose dirt.
  2. Use Mild, Matte-friendly Soap:
    • A gentle, pH-neutral shampoo or bike wash is ideal. Regular dish soap (biodegradable) diluted in water also works.
  3. Microfibre Is Your Friend:
    • Clean the frame with a soft microfibre cloth or sponge.
  4. Tackle Grease Carefully:
    • Stubborn grease spots can be removed with isopropyl alcohol applied to a cloth.  Do not apply directly to the frame.
  5. Rinse and Dry Thoroughly:
    • After rinsing, dry the frame with a clean, dry microfibre or cotton cloth.

How Often Should You Clean Your Bike?

Bike cleaning frequency depends heavily on usage.  But let’s be honest, cleaning a child’s bike is unlikely to be a top priority for most parents who lead busy lives.  However, if you can take the time to give the bike a good wash after particularly dirty riding sessions, or whenever it just ‘looks like its time for a wash’, then get out the soap and sponge and try to include the kids.  As an added bonus, regular maintenance can build a sense of ownership and responsibility for kids!

Final Thoughts

There's no need to shy away from matte finishes. With a basic understanding of what to avoid (mainly waxes and polishes), matte bikes are straightforward to maintain and just as easy as their glossy counterparts. Embrace regular gentle cleaning, and the bike’s distinctive matte charm will remain effortlessly intact.

Happy riding—and cleaning!

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