Flat Black Cars in Style

June 20, 2020
Flat Black Cars in Style

Although flat black cars have become increasingly popular because of how they look, the flat black trend ironically started out as a cheap option to cover hot rods with as little paint as possible so more money could be spent on engine upgrades.In other words, the car enthusiasts of the '50s and '60s weren't considering style or the "cool factor" when they murdered out their hot rods with matte or flat black primer; it was merely a more affordable way to put a flat layer of paint down that prevented cars from rusting up.You could think of the rise of flat black cars as something similar to the trend of worn-look jeans. In the past, worn jeans got their look from actually being worn for a long time. Today, though, some new jeans are pre-worn to capture that look. And if these pre-worn jeans come with holes in them when you buy them, which many of them do, so much the better to capture that worn look, right?So where worn jeans with holes in them were a sign of being too poor to buy a new pair of jeans in the past, they are now a fashion item that even the wealthy want to sport. The same is true when it comes to the matte black car trend.

A Counter-Culture Option

One of the reasons flat black cars have gained popularity is because this type of finish is a unique option that basically thumbs its nose at the shiny paint jobs car owners have become accustomed to. We often get sick of the same old thing, and flat black paint is the alternative. Put simply, the flat black finish offers a look that's different than your typical paint job.

A Nod to the Past

People love their nostalgia, which is another reason why flat black has come back. The color and texture of this finish often reminds people of the glory days of hot rods and muscle cars. The non-shiny paint offers a rugged, powerful singular look, which is what these earlier vehicles are known for. In terms of color, it really doesn't get any tougher or more intimidating than black.

Better-Looking Than Ever

Aside from the tough look and the counter-culture appeal, another reason the look for flat black cars has become more popular is because the finish is now better-looking than ever. Lacquer primer used to be your only option for flat back painting, and this primer wasn't good for covering sanding scratches and the color also faded quickly after application.Today, though, there are better options such as flat black car wraps, flat black protective enamel, and traditional clear-coat paints with specialized "flattening agents."

Our Love: The Flat Black Car Wrap

Flat, or matte black car wraps especially are growing in popularity because they offer a number of additional benefits besides looking great:

  • Perhaps the most important for many - Vehicle wraps, of any color, act as an extra shield of protection for the paint underneath.
  • A flat black car wrap costs less than a high-quality paint job. While a paint job ranges from about $2,000 to $10,000, a car wrap costs from about $1,500 to $5,000.
  • It takes less time to apply a car wrap than it does to paint a car. Wrapping typically only takes 2 to 5 days, while a paint may require up to 2 weeks.
  • A flat black vinyl car wrap not only looks great but can last 3-5 years, sometimes more. It can also be removed safely without damaging paint underneath.
  • Car wraps never need to be waxed, which will save time, effort, and money.

Because of all these benefits, many customization shops have seen business grow primarily from customers that want these matte car wraps.If the garage specializes in these wraps, all the better. A recent Boston Globe article pointed out that an auto shop in the Northeast has seen business triple in each of its 5 years in existence, and he says it's mostly due to people looking for matte finishes (3).

Take the Flat Black Style Beyond the Car Body

If you are ready to ride inside a flat black wagon, there has never been a better time than now. There are affordable options if you choose to DIY, but you should strongly consider getting a flat black vinyl car wrap professionally installed. if you want the best, most enduring look.When you have that stealth-bomber looking finish, you can murder out your car further by tinting the windows, buying or painting your rims black, and blacking out all your accents if desired. This is a unique look that has an impact rolling hard down the boulevard.

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