Carbon Fiber finish preference with poll!

[smallblock]

Hi everyone,

I want to find out what everyone's preference is when it comes to exposed carbon fiber exterior body parts I am developing for S197 cars. I'm talking about aerodynamic parts such as wings, splitters, canards, and diffusers. The options are satin or gloss clear-coat.

Please participate in the poll above and let us know what you think! Additional explanation in the thread is appreciated.

Thanks,

John

Photo for reference:
Untitled by smallblock, on Flickr

 

[Mad Hatter]

I tend too like shiny things! But would be interested in which ever of the two was more durable for track use.

 

[Grant 302]

Nice.

You should post the parts in the aero thread!

 

[smallblock]

I tend too like shiny things! But would be interested in which ever of the two was more durable for track use.

Gloss will show more imperfections such as scrapes and bruises, however these imperfections can be polished out much like car paint. Satin on the other hand, will show less abuse but imperfections can't be polished out. It must be sanded and re-sprayed satin clear. Finishes of course have no bearing on the actual strength of the part.

I'm struggling with the "function>form", "no-nonsense" look of the satin compared with the beautiful "show" appearance of clear. It is for that reason that I'm opening it up to potential customers to decide.

For initial launch it will be one or the other for the sake of efficiency (read: part cost), with the possibility of opening up options down the line.

Thanks,

John

 

[smallblock]

Nice.

You should post the parts in the aero thread!

When we get closer to launch I certainly will.

 

[Grant 302]

I know it's not part of the poll...and I understand the cost and risk of offering both...

Why not offer both? Even if you regularly stock one finish, I'm sure there would be people who would wait for their preferred finish in separate production runs. I don't really see people mixing styles on their cars, and that there would be requests for the 'other' finish regardless of which one you produce.

 

[ArizonaBOSS]

Satin. It's going to get beaten up anyways. What are you up to?

 

[venom52]

Satin for sure as the default and you can always add Gloss to upgrade or options of the buyer. Interested to see what you design for canards and wing.

 

[Grant 302]

Satin for sure as the default and you can always add Gloss to upgrade or options of the buyer. Interested to see what you design for canards and wing.

Great idea! Especially if Satin is cheaper to produce.

 

[smallblock]

I tend too like shiny things! But would be interested in which ever of the two was more durable for track use.

Nice.

You should post the parts in the aero thread!

Great idea! Especially if Satin is cheaper to produce.

We had considered this as a satin part can be sprayed gloss relatively easy but the other way around not so much.

 

[TymeSlayer]

Either is fine. Gloss for show, Satin to go. All my CF pieces are shinny but I split the cars tyme almost evenly between the two.

 

[Sam I Am]

I personally prefer the look of the satin. I like the fact that it hides the imperfections.

 

[venom52]

Great idea! Especially if Satin is cheaper to produce.

You said it first @Grant 302.

 

[Drlee50]

Id take some 4" fog light brake ducts.
and front canards. Id love a big ass rear wing too!

 

[smallblock]

Looks like the results are pretty split with the edge going to satin.

Satin. It's going to get beaten up anyways. What are you up to?

I won't be showing anything for 8 weeks but the initial products will be for 2010-2012 Mustangs.

 

[Grant 302]

initial products will be for 2010-2012 Mustangs.

Nice. Seems like the ignored body style and I got two of 'em!

 

[venom52]

In for 13-14. There's two in my garage.