Trendy matt paint on carbon frames - what is it?

[Globalti]

It almost has the same qualities as Teflon; it's tough, much thinner (and lighter?) than the old paint and lacquer system and less likely to witness crack and flake off, it's hydrophobic as water beads up and runs off. If you allow the frame to rub on something hard the matt finish gets polished and becomes a little shiny and on the top tube where my leg contacts the frame occasionally, it's getting shiny.

What kind of paint is it?

 

[screenman]

A matting agent is added to the gel coat or laquer to give the matt look. Not that easy to replicate, in the car trade we use the same laquer for gloss or matt with the added additive for the matting, the more you add the flatter the look.

You can buy aerosol matt laquers , although they would certainly not last long on a high wear or even low wear area.

 

[Kestevan]

If it's like the finish on my matt black Planet X it's an absolute barsteward to keep clean. Looks like I've ridden across a well manured, ploughed field as soon as you ride it.
Oh and where Mrs Kes bike needs only a light wipe down with a baby wipe to restore it's pristine glossyness mine needs 2 hours worth of elbow grease before it looks good again (for 5 minutes anyway).

 

[JoeyB]

My 2012 Scott CR1 Pro has the same matt finish, it is hard work to keep clean!

 

[bpsmith]

My Bianchi has the same finish. It's not getting built until tomorrow, but can already see a few small shiny marks and the grease from components looks tricky to remove without spreading. Looking forward to a good detailing session once I get it built. Love the finish though.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Unpainted Ti is the same, looks great hanging on a hook in the shop, complete pants once you touch it.

 

[Herzog]

Bikes...clean...?