Not a fan of the flat black look - just beginning to tolerate gray (silver). Both look like the car is in primer. Is this the look they're going for?

 

Flat black is not an acquired taste. You either like it or you dont.

Personally I'd go for the dual personality that comes in a color like BMW's Carbon Black. Black in the dark, very dark blue in bright light.

 

I think it's a so-so look. Just reminds me of a primered car prior to paint. Maybe they are trying to save weight and want the minimal of rust inhibitors. Ot maybe it integrates STEALTH technology against missile guidance/tracking systems.

 

I think it doesnt look good

 

Looks like primer? Sure, but so what? Flat black is nuts!

 

How are you going to polish flat black cars? its gonna end up shiney in some places...
Hehhe more friction to slow the car down.

 

I would do flat black for track cars only.

 

Only flat black cars that I've seen that actually look good IMO...











And best of both worlds...

 

 

Yeah I concur. Flat black is awful.

 

how much are flat-black paint jobs on a normal car? Are they more expensive than conventional paint jobs because of any special processes?

 

They shouldn't be; it's just a single stage paint job with a smaller amount of enamel in the paint. In fact it'd probably be less costly because you can do it with less coats (no need for clear to add gloss).

Id say they are probably a lot less durable than "typical" single stage or two stage jobs though.

 

Gferg, nice pics. I like FB on the old classics, that's about it.

 

thanks for the info.

Yeah I thought it would be less durable as well due to the missing clear coats. Are there any "dull" clear coats out there? lol.

 

A single stage job would still have acrylic enamel in the paint to protect it like a clear coat (clear coat is just clear paint); but it'd have to have less to keep it matte. I guess an upside would be that you could tremclad over any stone chips.