Methods for imparting an image to a painted exterior surface on a motor vehicle and kits for use in such methods are described. The methods include applying a mask to an outer clearcoat layer of the painted exterior surface, the mask having a masked portion that covers part of the clearcoat layer and an open portion that leaves part of the clear coat layer exposed, the masked and open portions cooperating to define the image, abrading the exposed part of the clearcoat layer to provide it with a matte finish, and removing the mask to reveal an image having a matte finish region and an unabraded region. The clearcoat layer in the matte finish region of the image is capable of being provided with a surface gloss appearance that is consistent with the surface gloss appearance of the clearcoat layer in the unabraded region of the image and without painting the surface of the motor vehicle. The kits comprise a mask that is adapted to be removably attached to the outer clearcoat layer and an abrasive that is capable of removing a portion of the outer clearcoat layer to generate an image having a matte finish region and an unabraded region, and one or more materials that may be used to provide the outer clearcoat layer in the matte finish region of the image with a surface gloss appearance that is consistent with the surface gloss appearance of the clearcoat layer in the unabraded region of the image.