Matte DYNOcarbon

STEK Matte DYNOcarbon is a matte 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 matte finish

Matte kills reflection completely, which makes body lines read sculptural instead of shiny. It is the most demanding finish to own and the rules are simple but absolute: hand wash only, no wax, no polish, no machine buffer, and no automatic car wash. Any of those will burnish shine into the surface permanently, and the shiny patch cannot be undone.

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 only. No wax, no polish, no machine buffer and no automatic car wash — all four permanently burnish shine into a matte surface.