Posts Tagged ‘matte’

Glossy Black Carbon Fiber DI-NOC Is Finally Here!

If I could only tell you how many times we’ve been asked if DI-NOC is available in a glossy black!  The glossy version (CA-421GN) is considered an indoor-use only material, but we wanted to see how it would handle being outside in maximum UV exposure over a long period of time before we made it available for sale to you guys.  So we tested for many months in an horizontal application in Virginia.  Even though the material is considered indoor-only, months later is still looked brand new.  While every environment is different, it looks like it actually does have some decent outdoor lifespan, just don’t expect 3M to stand behind it.  Basically, use at your own risk.\r\n\r\nAnother thing to note is that although it is considered a glossy version, it’s not going to be like a full gloss real carbon fiber piece that you may be used to seeing.  Normally, something like that is either a polished epoxy or has a clear coat applied, but more importantly, it’s typically smooth.  Because DI-NOC has texture to it, the look is more like the original CA-421 (the matte version) with a sheen to it.  In all reality the differences between the two are pretty subtle, and hard to even show in pictures.\r\n\r\nIf you’re really having trouble deciding whether to get CA-421 or CA-421GN, we highly recommend purchasing samples from us just to be able to see it in person.  We’ve snapped a few pictures below in a number of different environments to help give you an idea of how it looks.\r\n\r\nMatte vs glossy carbon fiber DI-NOC\r\n\r\nMatte vs glossy carbon fiber DI-NOC\r\n\r\nMatte vs glossy carbon fiber DI-NOC\r\n\r\nMatte vs glossy carbon fiber DI-NOC\r\n\r\nIf you have an outdoor application where you really want glossy, but have concerns about lifespan, you can always consider clear coating the matte material.\r\n\r\nWe also put together a video for you to show the differences:\r\n\r\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIkY8-LACDc

3M Carbon Fiber DI-NOC Now Available In 9 Different Colors/Finishes

Previously we’ve only made the black carbon fiber material from 3M’s DI-NOC series available for sale. We actually have 9 different color/finishes of carbon fiber vinyl available from 3M:\r\n

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  • CA-418 – Silver
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  • CA-419 – White
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  • CA-420 – Graphite/Gunmetal
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  • CA-421 – Black
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  • CA-1170 (Aka 421GN) – Gloss Black
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  • CA-422 – Light pewter
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  • CA-423 – Dark pewter
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  • CA-424 – Brown
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  • CA-5429 – Semi-Gloss Red
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\r\nTake a look at the lineup:\r\n\r\n3M DI-NOC CA-421 Black 3M DI-NOC CA-421GN Gloss Black 3M DI-NOC CA-420 Graphite 3M DI-NOC CA-418 Silver 3M DI-NOC CA-419 White 3M DI-NOC CA-5429 Semi-Gloss Red 3M DI-NOC CA-422 Light Pewter 3M DI-NOC CA-423 Dark Pewter 3M DI-NOC CA-424 Brown\r\n\r\nTo get a better idea of how each colors looks, especially when reflecting light, watch the below video we made showing all of the colors (does not include CA-421GN or CA-5429):\r\n

\r\n\r\nEven though some of the colors actually cost us more money, we’re price matching all colors to our current pricing.  You’ll find that no matter what color you purchase, it’s all the same price!\r\n\r\nPlease note that the CA-419, CA-419, and CA-422, CA-1170, and CA-5429 (silver/white/light pewter/gloss black/semi-gloss red) don’t have the same outdoor durability testing from 3M as the other darker colors, and don’t have the same expected outdoor durability of 4 years.  With that in mind, we haven’t heard any issues from customers yet, and for applications like show cars or garaged cars where they won’t be under the sun too much we don’t expect many issues.  In fact in a recent trip to London we saw this Porsche Cayenne outside of Harrod’s with white 3M carbon fiber DI-NOC…looked amazing!\r\n\r\n

Porsche Cayenne with white carbon fiber 3M DI-NOC

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Porsche Cayenne with white carbon fiber 3M DI-NOC

\r\nIt’s barely noticeable from further away, but up close you can see the carbon fiber pattern.  I really love that subtle look.\r\n\r\nTo order any of the new colors, simply click the buy now button and you’ll be forward over to our parent site at Carbon Fiber Gear.  From there, simply choose the size and color you need.  We are still offering 4″x8″ samples of all colors for just $8 shipped if you want to get an idea how it looks in person.\r\n\r\nAs always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us or reply in the comments.