BMW started a project in 2006 to make automobileswith a matte paint. Dubbed “Frozen colors”, matte clear-coat finish used creates velvety surfaces with a high-quality look and a pleasant touch while enhancing the design lines of a BMW.

BMW says that it took three years to develop this new surface technology, which uses silicates in a clear-coat finish as a matting agent. It was a complex process since the paint had to be fully suitable for everyday use. What is more resilience to chemicals and abrasion are required for serial production. The matte finish must not develop a shine over the course of time, and has to be able to cope with passing through a car wash, too.