Satin Or Gloss Black For Trim n Misc Parts?

[Nihil]

So...I'm hopefully gonna get to painting my car, I've got all the supplies, just not sure if I'll be able to finish up the body work/prep before the weather turns to crap and winter comes...(seems like I'm always working). I've always liked the contrast of black and white and am going with white on a first gen...question is, the grey that was stock on the car (the mustache and rear license plate area, window seals, hatch trim etc.) what would you go with, satin, or gloss?

I think satin would look best, but gloss would be easier maintenance with waxing and buffing, satin you can't really wax and take proper care of, without altering appearance...

So, what are your thoughts? I was debating just rattle canning those areas with satin, so when they start lookin shitty, I can just spray'em for a few bucks, but...that's kinda GHETTO to me...

Thoughts?

[Psychotron]

Ive seen the areas you speak of on the first gens painted the same color as the car and I think it actually looks better one color especially the mustache on the front bumper, it would also require less masking, maintenance etc.

[Nihil]

Yeah, I see a lot of them all one color, it looks okay, definitely don't agree on the 1g rear bumper being one color, we all know the 1g matches the 99 rear garnish and having that area painted anything other than black doesn't look right. Front bumper looks best one color if the mustache has been shaved.

[mb3000]

I went with a flat satin finish, IMO looks best that way.

[Nihil]

That's what I'm thinkin...I wonder if anyone's done gloss...trying to imagine in my head and I think it'd look super cheap and cheesy, satin would be perfect, but I'm wondering on upkeep and everything since you can't wax it.

What did you use? I was thinking, since the black is such a small amount, I'd go with top quality two stage paint, using a flattening agent in the clear coat...either that, or go super duper cheap and just touch it up a couple times a year. I'm just wondering, since you can't really wax it, without altering its appearance, how well it'll hold up to U.V. weather which is why I'm thinkin high quality paint with an added flattening agent, so you have at least the U.V. resistance

[mb3000]

I used spray paint this time to get me through until I respray the car. Not sure what I'm going to use when I actually do it right. The link to the write up should be in my sig.

[Nihil]

Yeah, I think it's settled, satin black for all trim pieces...it's the only way it'll look right and look nice

[IPD]

Yeah, I think it's settled, satin black for all trim pieces...it's the only way it'll look right and look nice

excellent choice. painting it body color is FUGLY, imho; and gloss gives it too much attention. deep, satin black is a great way to pull of the look properly. you can also paint your hatch trim, the area by the sails, and the wiper cowl with the same color--which will really tie it all together.

p.s.
you can also do your bay in the same satin black color for even more "match"....

[Nihil]

Yeah, that's what I was planning on doing, everything that came stock, grey, will be painted satin black, not doin engine bay at the moment, that won't happen until an engine rebuild happens...and it'll be white to match the rest of the car. I like black, but white is nicer for being able to see things, more contrasting I suppose...

[IPD]

Yeah, that's what I was planning on doing, everything that came stock, grey, will be painted satin black, not doin engine bay at the moment, that won't happen until an engine rebuild happens...and it'll be white to match the rest of the car. I like black, but white is nicer for being able to see things, more contrasting I suppose...

my opinion (yes, opinion) is that a black bay tends to make color additions in the bay "pop" mor than they would on a white or otherwise colored bay. black also tends to hide some dirt better. ask linchpin how easy it is to keep his bay immaculate. i believe his technique is "seldom driving it"...or some such. :p

[Nihil]

Agreed, my favorite color is red, but that's the least favorite on a car...other wise, I like shades, black&white and chromes are my favorites on cars I think...I like a black engine bay, true, but white is nice for seeing dirts and things, leaks, lighting and working easier in my opinion...(I sound like some old dude with bad eye sight! lol) I'm not really into black in the engine bay, though, I plan on chrome, black and some white for the bay, when I get to detailing in there, and have been tryin to think of a good block color, since black hides everything...I like to see my leaks when they happen, white would def be too much, maybe red, or maybe just a clean, paint free block...I dunno ha, probably won't get in there until next summer, other than just maintenance...