The carbon on a steering wheel is chosen in two steps: first the type, woven or forged, then the finish, gloss or matte. This second decision changes the look as much as the first. The same pattern looks deep and bright under a gloss varnish, understated and technical under a matte finish. Here is how to decide.
What sets gloss carbon apart from matte carbon?
| Criterion | Gloss carbon | Matte carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Deep pattern, transparency effect | Crisp pattern, satin appearance |
| Light | Reflects light, pronounced reflections | Absorbs light, limited reflections |
| Character | Showy, a showpiece | Technical, inspired by competition |
| Pairs well with | Lacquered inserts, gloss black | Alcantara, satin finishes |
| Available in | 3K woven and forged | 3K woven and forged |
Both finishes use the same material. The difference lies in the surface appearance, and so in how it looks in the cabin.
Gloss carbon: who is it for?
The gloss clear coat gives depth to the weave. The fibres seem to float below the surface, and the pattern shifts with the angle of the light. It is the finish that gets noticed most, the one that makes the steering wheel a display piece.
It suits cabins already rich in lacquered surfaces: gloss black inserts, a varnished console or screen surrounds. On forged carbon, gloss shows off the marbling unique to each piece. The article woven or forged carbon presents the two patterns.
Matte carbon: who is it for?
The matte finish keeps the pattern readable while calming the reflections. The carbon takes on a satin, rawer look, close to competition parts. The steering wheel looks more understated and more technical.
It goes naturally with Alcantara, which is matte too, and with interiors with satin finishes. On a steering wheel that combines these two materials, the matte finish gives a uniform whole. The article Alcantara or carbon explains how these two materials complement each other.
Where should you place each finish on the steering wheel?
In the Apex Studio configurator, carbon can occupy several zones, and each is chosen separately:
- the top and bottom of the rim, in gloss, matte or forged carbon;
- the structure of the steering wheel, in gloss, matte or forged carbon, or in gloss or matte black;
- the secondary structures, with the same carbon options.
You can therefore keep a single finish across the whole steering wheel for a uniform look, or play with contrast: a gloss carbon rim above a matte black structure, for example. The sides of the rim, where the hands rest most, stay in Alcantara or nappa leather. The Materials page details the ten zones and their options.
Our verdict for your project
- A steering wheel that shows off: gloss carbon on the top and bottom of the rim, in 3K woven for the iconic pattern or in forged for a unique piece.
- An understated, sporty steering wheel: matte carbon paired with Alcantara sides.
- A balanced project: gloss carbon on the rim and a matte-finish structure, for a single point of light.
Carbon takes 4 to 6 weeks of production, in both gloss and matte. To place carbon among the other materials, read the guide to choosing your steering wheel material, then build your custom steering wheel zone by zone.
