A couple weeks ago we made a post about how one of our customers clearcoated the vinyl. We decided to do a little experimenting ourselves in order to try and get a great result. What we found to work best was Valspar Clear Gloss Enamel, which you should be able to pick up at any local home improvement store:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou can see a few samples on the right-hand side of the above picture, here’s a closer shot followed by an explanation of the differences:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs you can see, the piece on the left is DI-NOC as it comes with no clear coat. The other two pieces were clear-coated, the middle has just one coat, while the right piece has three coats. The pictures make it hard to show how it really looks in person because it’s highly dependent on the lighting. You’ll need to take a look at the video below for a better idea. We also tried doing another with five or six coats, but it starts to get a bit blotchy and fills into the texture.\r\n\r\nWe only tested on these sample pieces so we’re not sure how it will hold up over time or once installed. Upon inspection it seems like it would be just fine. With the three coats it starts to bend back a little (although it’s still bendable without issues), I would suggest clearcoating once the material is installed rather than before. This may seem obvious, but I just want to make that apparent. Make sure and mask off any areas prior to spraying that you don’t want cleared.\r\n\r\nFor spraying techniques take a look at the below video:\r\n\r\n
When you want the carbon fiber look without the cost
Carbon Fiber Film - The best carbon fiber film/vinyl on the market
Here at Carbon Fiber Film, we only sell genuine 3M™ DI-NOC™, the best carbon fiber vinyl in the industry.
- Not just a printed pattern, but has an actual texture that reflects light
- 4 year outdoor/12 year indoor lifespan*
- Self-adhesive back with 3M™ Comply adhesive
- Water resistant
- Available in 9 different color/finishes
- Endless number of applications
What is 3M™ DI-NOC™?
3M™ DI-NOC™ is a high-end vinyl from 3M™ from their Architectural Finishes series. The vinyl can be installed on all sorts of surfaces, regardless of the curvature. This means there are an unlimited amount of applications, from the interior of your car to the back of your laptop.
The original CA-421 (black) model that we sell gives a dry carbon look, though it's available in 9 different color/finishes. Contrary to initial belief, carbon fiber DI-NOC™ is not just a printed carbon fiber pattern, but in fact has a three-dimensional texture to it. This allows it to reflect light the same way that real carbon fiber would, making it the best real-world alternative to carbon fiber when you just want the look without paying a ton of money. There are plenty of other benefits that make the 3M™ DI-NOC™ carbon fiber vinyl so great, read our FAQ for more info!
Latest Blog Posts
Videos
Carbon Fiber Film is run by Carbon Fiber Gear. All orders are processed and shipped by Carbon Fiber Gear, which is owned and operated by dpitMedia, LLC.
© Copyright 2024 Carbon Fiber Gear, a part of dpitMedia, LLC.