Transparent over carbon fiber. Paint or clear tint?

[jonwatts]

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice on how to paint carbon fiber so that the weave is still visible beneath the color.

I don't know if it would be better to use light coats of base coat or tint the clearcoat to match the body color. My fear is that the base coat method might not look even and the clear coat method might not match the body color.

I'm just starting to look for a shop to do the work (full paint job) so I'm not even sure which system will end up being used; it might not even be a base coat - clear coat job.

Thanks!

Jon
San Jose, CA

[CARS]

I would use the tinted clear method. I use tinted clear on taillamp lenses all the time for a smoked look.
The only catch is that you need to find a clear and single stage paint that uses the same hardeners and reducers for compatability. Talk to your local paint supplier about this.
You will (or the shop will) have to carefully prep the panel for adhesion by scuffing and wet sanding the gel-coat (?). I would talk to the manufacture of the carbon parts about the recomended way to do this.

[freerider]

A tinted clear will be the only way to go. main stream basecoats (not candies or customs), even over reduced will cover too much and you will loose your intended effect. AND, there are no basecoats that I am aware of that have an extender or clear that will mix with them and leave a real transparent effect.
As previously stated, a single stage or maybe a custom color like the RM Carrizzma Colors could work. They have a clear that you mix with the candies or other rm colors that reduces the intensity of the color, that could be a possible option. They also have an activator to mix with it? BH02 I think is the number. Then you can clear the panel. The others that may offer a solution are House of colors and Alsa for candies. As far as a main stream paint companies, PPG's custom line or maybe Montana Products system 22 single stage can be intigrated with Crystal 22 clear.
You should have plenty of options depending on the color you choose and who your local paint jobber is. ;)

[Slamin Sam]

Everything the others have said is true, there are many options availible out there. The only problem you will have is the hood will still be a different color than the rest of the car, because you will only be putting a tinted clear on the hood.

Slamin Sam