30 replies to this topic

[lsto]

Hi all, have been restoring a 1991 Cooper since September last year, since I had her she has been treated to a new rear valance, new wings, front end, repairs to the scuttle panel, boot floor, new a panels and a 998 turbo lump which I have finished building just after christmas.

Anyway before I drop the lump in time has come for paint...and this is where we have a problem.

I was going to keep the original gloss black and white roof and mirrors, but as what usually happens I found so many bits I had to repair the only original paint is now on the roof and doors.

My girlfriend said why not paint it matte black, and the more I look into it the more I am thinking she may be onto something. Im thinking the whole car matte black, black grill with a chrome surround, and just leave the chrome on the bumpers, round the rear windows and headlamps. Then a set of deep dish minilites sticking out of some deep arches and a light tint on the rear glass.
 matte black.jpg   118.39K   57 downloads
Or

Back to the original black body, replace all the cooper stickers, white roof and mirrors, new brightwork and original 12" minilites in original arches???
 IMAG0362.jpg   47.01K   14 downloads
Im torn between a street sleeper or just go for the boyracer look.

Please feel free to voice your opinions lol...

[Summerill2]

I would go for the matte black but I wouldn't run any spot lights?

Jake

[JimminyBob]

I'd keep it gloss personally. People who paint their cars matte black tend to do it DIY out of a rattle can so it just looks cheap. Not to mention if you came to resell it'd worry me as a buyer, I'd wonder if someone had just sprayed over the car as quickly and cheaply as possible to cover up any bodges.

[jb93]

Do what you want to do.... if you're thinking of selling in the near future, keep it original

[lsto]

Na this is gonna be my toy for some time... Just sold the ST as I'm buying a new home so I'm in need something with a little poke.

I would go for the matte black but I wouldn't run any spot lights?

Jake

And I agree, I wouldn't run spotlights on it either.

[Chris99]

I'd say gloss. But the best thing about modding minis is you can pick what you like without people looking down on it.

[minimarco]

matte body with a gloss roof.

Also, the first picture you posted is more like a satin, more expensive looking like the bmw frozen paints. Most people who paint their car matte black from a can ends up with flat black.

Edited by minimarco, 24 March 2013 - 06:07 PM.

[tom1]

My wife has a matte black mini shorty with flames over the bonnet and down the sides. Painted by a professional he had to paint it with normal paint then use a matte finish over the top. We can only wash it with washing up liquid as normal car washing cleaner contains polish and you can't polish out small marks.

[Ryang556]

I'd say gloss, with matte you can't get the shiny look

[maieth]

First pic you posted looks like gloss too?

I don't think I could ever go matte on a car unless I was going for the proper rat look because it would be so difficult to keep it looking like it was well looked after. You can't protect matte paint with any kind of lacquer, polish or wax so it's not going to shed water well, it will fade and chip
more easily and the effects of weather will look a lot more noticeable. Small oil or petrol spills, bird droppings, tar from the road etc will also all leave their mark as there's no protective layer.

As I say, I love the matte or satin look on proper rat cars where they don't need to look loved, so it probably comes down to the way you see your car -
treasured possession? Go gloss. IMO black is one of the best looking colours kept at a high gloss shine and you'll be able to look after the paint.
Fun little runabout? Swing for matte, the wear on the paint may be a secondary concern compared to driving it, it will still look cool, a bit rarer with a bit more character and you may not feel so bothered if you get any nasty stonechips.

I do like previous poster's idea if matte/satin body with gloss roof though. That could look pretty good.

[lsto]

Yeah, Im not really after the rat look, just want a tidy looking motor, an everyday motor that I'm not gonna cry about everytime someone opens a door on it.

Although I have never had a matte car before...

I'm still torn between what to choose...

Maybe I should flip a coin lol, heads or tails...

[maieth]

I suppose price is also an important consideration. If you're careful and you practice you could probably do matte or satin yourself.

Do you go to shows? You're bound to see some good examples of gloss, satin and matte at himley, help make a better decision.

[lsto]

That could be worth a thought, I have trawled the web looking for pics I never considered seeing one in the flesh.

I believe your on to something lol

[jaydee]

You'll find out matt black to be boring at a certain point, go gloss..
And that mini is bob sinclair's

[mattprinn1997]

I'd say gloss, I've had the same problem as you in the past, the problem with matte is that it looks great but as soon as you touch it it will be marked, and that's not too great, you could go halfway and go for satin?