Carbon Fiber Black

3M Carbon Fiber Black is a carbon fiber film from 3M's 2080 range, catalogued as CFS12. 3M lists 1 other carbon fiber shade, so it is worth seeing them side by side before you settle on one.

This is color change wrap vinyl from 3M's 2080 line. It resurfaces the car in a new color and can be removed later without touching the factory paint underneath, which is why wraps hold resale value in a way a respray does not. Vinyl changes how the car looks; it is not impact protection, so if you also want the paint shielded from rock chips, the same kind of color exists as color paint protection film at a higher price.

The carbon fiber finish

This is a textured carbon fiber film with a real weave pattern and surface relief rather than a printed image. It is most often used on a hood, roof, mirrors, splitter or diffuser as contrast against a solid color rather than over an entire vehicle.

Living with carbon fiber in the Pacific Northwest

Carbon film is normally used as contrast against a solid color rather than over a whole car, so the practical question is which panels it goes on. Dark colors show water spots, dust and wash marks sooner than light ones, and our rain leaves spots the moment it dries on a panel. Drying the car after a wash rather than letting it air dry is most of the battle.

Care: hand wash with a wrap-safe soap and a soft mitt, and dry the car rather than letting it air dry.