For all you gear heads, I have been noticing here (Central Europe) a few of the sportier cars with Matte-black or dark gray paint. Touching one, it felt like un-sanded primer.
Is this a new “stealth” finish that is supposed to avoid radar detection, or a “go-faster” stabilizer like golf ball dimples?
I saw an example of this a few months ago. It was a restored 1949 Ford, and in addition to the matte-black body, it had a metallic gold roof and dash. I couldn’t get a thorough look at it, since we were both in traffic.
It’s done for aesthetic reasons, there’s no functional benefit. I hear they are hard to clean. You can’t use a car wash with wax as it makes it all blotchy looking.
Neither. It’s a “look-cooler/badder” feature. Think “Caped Avenger in Dystopia” badder. Best done with an Angelina Jolie-like girlfriend in a skin-tight outfit.
Yeah, I thought it would be hell to clean, especially anywhere the salt and sand the roads for winter.
there are 2 ways you can get the matte look. Higher end manufacturers are offering Matte paint as a option. Otherwise, you can get a Matte wrap for the car - done well and it’s hard to see the difference - except it’s likely seen on a 10 year old Honda!
Actually, I guess you can also re-spray an older car too
Spraying a car with Plasti-Dip is also a thing.
Yes, there’s special cleaning needed as you can’t use normal products on these finishes.
MINI has a special matte black and the cleaning kit for it is over $400 according to the dealer! :eek: