Anyone seen a real Slate body panel?

[SailorDan]

Not the prototype, which I have read is subject to (possible) change, but the real thing. I am wondering if the shade of gray is the same, for instance, or whether the rough matte surface is a given. I am not against gray in general, but I don't like the flat surface. To me it just looks a bit too much like primer rather than a finished paint job.

I'm undecided on wraps. They seem like a great alternative to paint at first, but longevity concerns and UV damage and fading have me waffling. With wraps the number of colors available (never mind patterns!) is huge, whereas even a car manufacturer that makes many thousand of vehicles a year can only offer a handful of color options in paint. Gray is usually one of them, gloss gray that is.

Any idea whether the flat surface can be shined up a bit with ceramics or polish?

 

[KevinRS]

Nobody's seen one, but it looks like you only have to wait 11 more days.

 

[Adam W]

even a car manufacturer that makes many thousand of vehicles a year can only offer a handful of color options in paint. Gray is usually one of them, gloss gray that is.

In the case of the 2026 Maverick, shades of gray make up five of the nine color options.

 

[The Weatherman]

Not the prototype, which I have read is subject to (possible) change, but the real thing. I am wondering if the shade of gray is the same, for instance, or whether the rough matte surface is a given. I am not against gray in general, but I don't like the flat surface. To me it just looks a bit too much like primer rather than a finished paint job.

I'm undecided on wraps. They seem like a great alternative to paint at first, but longevity concerns and UV damage and fading have me waffling. With wraps the number of colors available (never mind patterns!) is huge, whereas even a car manufacturer that makes many thousand of vehicles a year can only offer a handful of color options in paint. Gray is usually one of them, gloss gray that is.

Any idea whether the flat surface can be shined up a bit with ceramics or polish?

On the subject of wraps. There two types Vinyl and PPF. Vinyl will last 3-5 years if it is garage kept and does not spend extended periods of time in the direct sunlight.

PPF will last 6-8+ yrs if it is kept in the same conditions.

Everything that Slate advertises so far appears to be a vinyl based option. I am definitely going to do a wrap, but won’t decide which until I see their final pricing on the vinyl kit.

Enough PPF to cover the Slate is going to run $600+ to $900+ depending the color and quality.

Not sure that helps, but thought I would share.

 

[EV Trek]

Add them one swatch at a time. Buy 12”x12” squares in multi color packs or solid colors and make your own pattern. If you have a Cricut or other vinyl cutter you can even cut them in different shapes and sizes. Replace as needed.

 

[AeroWolf]

I am curious about possibility of Plasti-Dip and the if that material can successfully adhere to the body panels as a potential coating compared to wraps.

 

[sodamo]

I am curious about possibility of Plasti-Dip and the if that material can successfully adhere to the body panels as a potential coating compared to wraps.

Likely a fairly easy test

 

[Vehicle Nanny]

I am curious about possibility of Plasti-Dip and the if that material can successfully adhere to the body panels as a potential coating compared to wraps.

I think it should be fine, as long as the surface is clean and free of wax, grease, etc. I've sprayed it on plenty of plastic emblems with no adhesion problems. I feel the guy at DipYourCar should feature a Slate getting sprayed.

 

[SailorDan]

On the subject of wraps. There two types Vinyl and PPF. Vinyl will last 3-5 years if it is garage kept and does not spend extended periods of time in the direct sunlight.

PPF will last 6-8+ yrs if it is kept in the same conditions.

Everything that Slate advertises so far appears to be a vinyl based option. I am definitely going to do a wrap, but won’t decide which until I see their final pricing on the vinyl kit.

Enough PPF to cover the Slate is going to run $600+ to $900+ depending the color and quality.

Not sure that helps, but thought I would share.

Yes, that is helpful information, thanks.

 

[The Dude]

Nobody's seen one, but it looks like you only have to wait 11 more days.

Nobody!

 

[E90400K]

Add them one swatch at a time. Buy 12”x12” squares in multi color packs or solid colors and make your own pattern. If you have a Cricut or other vinyl cutter you can even cut them in different shapes and sizes. Replace as needed.

Hi Danny, how is your Mom and the rest of the Band?

 

[slate808]

I will be getting the Blank Slate. I actually want the primer gray matte look.

 

[SailorDan]

I wonder if a simple clear coat would work for shiny?

 

[bloo]

Add them one swatch at a time. Buy 12”x12” squares in multi color packs or solid colors and make your own pattern. If you have a Cricut or other vinyl cutter you can even cut them in different shapes and sizes. Replace as needed.

 

[EV Trek]

I am curious about possibility of Plasti-Dip and the if that material can successfully adhere to the body panels as a potential coating compared to wraps.

My experience with plastidip on cars is after about a year it gets hard to remove. At least on wheels it has been a real PITA to remove.