Gloss DYNOcarbon

STEK Gloss DYNOcarbon is a gloss carbon fiber film from STEK's DYNO Carbon range. STEK lists 1 other carbon fiber shade, so it is worth seeing them side by side before you settle on one.

This is color paint protection film from STEK's DYNO Carbon line, not a vinyl wrap. The color sits inside the film itself, so one layer changes the car and shields the paint from rock chips at the same time. It is thicker than wrap vinyl, the top layer is elastomeric so it absorbs impact instead of transmitting it, and light swirls and scratches self-heal with heat. It costs more than vinyl in the same shade, and it is the choice when you want the color change to also be the protection.

The gloss finish

The gloss finish reads as deep wet paint and is the closest of any wrap finish to a factory respray. It is also the most forgiving to own: it washes like paint, tolerates sealants, and light marring can be worked out rather than lived with. Gloss does show swirls under direct sun the way dark paint does, so a two-bucket wash and a soft mitt matter more than any product you put on top.

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: washes like paint. A two-bucket hand wash and a wrap-safe sealant keep gloss looking new; skip automatic washes with brushes.