Favorite Carbon Finish?

[MTNRCKT]

So as I was writing my "Characteristics of carbon" post I started wondering what people's preferences are when it comes to which carbon finish to use.

Might as well start a poll to find out. Here's that thread that contains pics of all the different finishes in case you want to check them out before casting your vote http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,173.0.html

My guess is UD matte or 3k matte wins, I could be wrong tho.

[MTB2223]

For my IP-256 I  chose UD matte. Because I like the stealth idea and it good to combine with red accents.
But if I had to choose the practical way, I chose a glossy finish or a custom paint. that's better to clean.

I added the custom paint option to your poll.

[MTNRCKT]

Oh ya.. totally forgot about the custom paint option, thx.

[Patrick C.]

Mine is painted, so I have to say Paint!  I really like UD matte as well.

[MTB2223]

Mine is painted, so I have to say Paint!  I really like UD matte as well.

This was my second choice. When I saw this color, I doubted to change my order and painted my IP-256 this way.

[MTNRCKT]

Very nice Patrick! Very unique color, I really like it a lot.

MTB2223 you saying you went with the same color choice?

[brmeyer135]

I like UD matte because it is a good base.   You can add decals or paint.  They are the focus and frame doesn't take away.  Chiners are all about customization.

[luis biker]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, I'm from Spain.
 

My favorite is the 3k matte finish I see beautiful

[SamSkjord]

There's also marble finish which imo looks damn cool for components:



Light-Bicycle have said they can do wheels in this finish if wanted.

[Carbon_Dude]

I voted painted but my preference is a combination of partially painted and 3K gloss.  Makes the frame look very finished.

[Ianitis]

3k matte wins hands down for me, the pattern is really pleasant to look at.

[carbonazza]

When I ordered my HM-256 from Honsen Bikes, I asked for a 3k matte.
And Leo told me they were only doing UD (IPlay do the same) because of the weight.
UD being lighter than the other usual weaves.

[Carbon_Dude]

Since the weave you see is only the top layer, there can't be much difference in weight between 3k and UD.  Even if it's 100g, I'd be willing to sacrifice that extra weight for the cool weave pattern on the frame.  I would bet that just adding paint is similar to changing from a UD to 3k weave.  So if you are that concerned about weight, then sure, you'd want a UD matte finished frame.  Then again, how boring is that?

[carbonazza]

Yeah I was surprised by the weight related answer too.
UD is a quite boring finish indeed.

For me 3k is the one that look the most "carbon" of all.
But only UD was available for the X-256 frame.

As a consolation the other carbon parts will be 3k.
And the Lefty tube is 12k.

[Oolak]

UD matte for me. I love the flat black industrial look!

That said, I've never seen that marble finish before either, and looks really nice too. Wish it was available as an option for a chiner.