Real carbon fiber vs. “carbon fiber wrap”

[matt@oCarbon]

Lately I’ve seen an uptick in tuning companies selling a fabric that they call “carbon fiber wrap.” It is meant to be a low cost imitation carbon fiber for the masses. I think this is great. It’s an excellent alternative for people who otherwise couldn’t afford a real carbon fiber upgrade and want to spruce up their interiors. Furthermore, it only increases the exclusivity of real carbon fiber parts.

However, I’ve also noticed that some people that sell this “carbon fiber wrap” are seemingly purposefully vague about what it really is. They aren’t forthcoming about it essentially being a vinyl sticker with a carbon fiber pattern stamped on it. Some even go as far as to say it looks just like the real thing at a fraction of the price and this just isn’t the case at all.

Because of this, I get quite a few emails/phone calls from customers who are confused about "carbon fiber wrap" and what the difference is between it and my parts. Obviously my parts are made of real carbon fiber and the wrap is an imitation. Hopefully this post will clear things up for anyone who is on the fence about which route to go on their interior trim. If money is tight and you're sick of your wood trim, I say go for the "carbon fiber wrap." It is a great solution for a budget minded modder. For the discerning enthusiast, going with real carbon fiber adds a touch of authenticity to the interior.

I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking, they speak for themselves:







More comparison photos here.

[hercfe]

I've seen some really expensive wraps that are basically a real weave/twill, but they cost more than actual carbon fiber in the long run so I don't see the point. The vinyl wraps are nice for what they offer, the only issue with them is that they fade FAST, where a good cleared carbon piece should never fade. I personally like the look of real C/F the best, but with some of the wraps available now its really hard to tell.

[manguyen]

matt, if you have some time, see what the "carbon fiber wrap" looks like when you put a gel coat over it.

[schaefer921]

also whats your price for a full set of the carbon fiber trim for the b6. (the real shit not that gay fabric)

[matt@oCarbon]

I've seen some really expensive wraps that are basically a real weave/twill, but they cost more than actual carbon fiber in the long run so I don't see the point. The vinyl wraps are nice for what they offer, the only issue with them is that they fade FAST, where a good cleared carbon piece should never fade. I personally like the look of real C/F the best, but with some of the wraps available now its really hard to tell.

All real carbon fiber parts will yellow eventually. Using good materials (epoxy and clearcoat) will slow it down though. I have sets that are 3-4 years old that have not yellowed yet, but it wouldn't surprise me if some of them started to lose their colors in another few years.

matt, if you have some time, see what the "carbon fiber wrap" looks like when you put a gel coat over it.

I have tried clearcoating them and had poor results. I have no intention of attempting to add epoxy.

also whats your price for a full set of the carbon fiber trim for the b6. (the real shit not that gay fabric)

Price is $550.

[manguyen]

^^^ yup agreed. looks like crap. ive always wondered what it would look like.

[orangelmo]

^ +1 on both accounts

[nofearhawk]

All real carbon fiber parts will yellow eventually. Using good materials (epoxy and clearcoat) will slow it down though. I have sets that are 3-4 years old that have not yellowed yet, but it wouldn't surprise me if some of them started to lose their colors in another few years.

I did not know that even good real cf parts will yellow. I thought the yellowing was a result of poor materials and preparation. So I guess its good to assume that this process of yellowing will be significantly faster on exterior pieces exposed to the elements?

[matt@oCarbon]

I did not know that even good real cf parts will yellow. I thought the yellowing was a result of poor materials and preparation. So I guess its good to assume that this process of yellowing will be significantly faster on exterior pieces exposed to the elements?

Correct. Cheap materials will yellow in a matter of months. Quality materials should last years, but there is no such thing as an epoxy that will "never" degrade.

[b6onboost]

Heat will rapidly speed up the yellowing process of CF. Anyone with CF engine covers can attest. They really should only be for 'show', if you daily with them, especially with a turbocharger under the hood, they will yellow in a matter of months.