By Daren Foertsch

Black wheels have become something of a rite of passage among gearheads—an instant way to give your ride a bold, aggressive look without screaming for attention. But when you narrow your options down to “black,” you quickly realize that not all black finishes are created equal. At Legends Auto Parts, we get asked all the time: Should I go glossy or matte? Both have their die-hard fans, and both come with their own set of quirks. Here's what you can expect from each so you can pick the finish that’s right for your build; and your lifestyle.

When you first lay eyes on gloss black wheels, they instantly pop. The high-shine finish accentuates every curve and contour of the wheel design, making even a basic spoke pattern look premium. But with great shine comes great responsibility. Those mirrors—if you will—of your wheels aren’t just for admiring; they show every scratch, every swirl, every little blemish. When you clean gloss black wheels with brushes, you risk leaving "love marks" in that glossy clear coat.

It’s almost ironic: the very sheen that turns heads is also so delicate that an overzealous wash can leave light micro-scratches that dull the effect. On the flip side, if you do manage to get a nick from that drive-thru curb or a scrape from a rogue parking block, fixing a gloss finish is a relatively straightforward process. Also, if you notice dullness or light swirl marks, a quick polish session can bring back that showroom shine. In other words, scratches happen—and they’re easier to manage—provided you don’t mind taking the time to buff them out.

Matte black wheels, on the other hand, are almost like the stealth fighter of the wheel world. If you prefer the “under-the-radar” aesthetic but still want that blacked-out aggressive look, matte is your answer. Because they don’t rely on a glossy clear coat everyday cleaning tends to be more forgiving. You can scrub away brake dust and road grime with less worry about leaving swirl marks—just be sure to use a safe wheel cleaner, and soft bristle brushes. As long as you’re gentle, that muted finish will stay looking sharp year after year.

However, matte finishes come with their own potential pitfalls. Use a strong acidic wheel cleaner on matte black, and you risk having the finish fade or develop uneven spots. This is especially true if you leave harsh chemicals sitting on the wheel too long—once it etches in, you can’t reverse the damage by simply polishing, because matte wheels are designed without the high-gloss clear layer that makes polishing possible. In other words, scratches or scuffs on a matte wheel aren’t something you can simply buff out—you’re looking at refinishing or swapping wheels altogether.

So, how do you choose between the two? It really comes down to how you use your vehicle and ultimately preference:

• If you love that mirror-like shine and don’t mind putting in the work to maintain it—polishing out scuffs, touching up curb rash, or babying it during a wash—then gloss black is going to give you that head-turning look you crave. The fact that it’s relatively easy to repair scratches and dull spots makes it a solid choice for drivers who want to keep that showroom vibe alive, even after a few rounds of spitfires on the pavement.

• If you’re more about function over flash, or if you live somewhere your wheels get hammered by rocks, dirt, or salty winter roads, matte black might be the smarter play. You can clean it without fearing swirl marks, and minor blemishes are less noticeable, thanks to the flat finish. Just be mindful of harsh cleaners—stick with gentle, pH-neutral soaps, and you’ll avoid unwanted fading. But remember: once a matte finish is scuffed up, there’s no polishing it back to new, so be prepared for the possibility of refinishing down the road.

At Legends Auto Parts, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—just what’s right for your car, your driving habits, and your aesthetic goals. If you’re chasing that gloss black allure, go for it; but stash a touch-up pen and a good polish in your garage. If you lean toward the low-key, bulletproof vibe of matte, do yourself a favor and invest in a high-quality, wheel-specific cleaner.

No matter which way you lean, black wheels never go out of style. Swing by our Wheels Collection to check out both options, talk with our team of wheel aficionados, and find the perfect match for your build. Because at the end of the day, making your ride look and feel Legendary is what we’re all about!