Black vs Basalt Black

[Sierra Mike]

Which would you choose and why? I like solid black but have always ordered Basalt Black because it's supposed to have more depth and shine. Do you agree or do you think it's just another way for Porsche to suck up something extra on the options?

[schwarz993]

Non-metallic, or flat black looks a deeper shade to me whereas metallic looks "off-black" in sunlight.

I prefer flat black, but any scratches or swirl marks are far more visible on it.

[LuckyP]

As above. A well maintained flat black is beautiful to behold. Just too much of a stretch to live with. The fleck in the Basalt allows a few more dusty miles before the car looks dirty.

As said above, the Basalt can look deep purple in some lights, which adds another dimension.

[IMI A]

I'd go solid black out of the two but would never buy a black car again as nightmare to keep in good condition.

[Gouldian]

Tricky one - Most difficult colour to always look good but when clean nothing comes close. I only have black cars and I'm not a Funeral Director. Basalt Black and Santorini Black, both metallic. Also had many "flat black" cars that without doubt have greater "Blackness depth", but as said above much more difficult to avoid swirl marks. Personally prefer "flat" but needs a lot of work!!

[ORD]

Even the Basalt Black shows up small stone chips like it is screaming "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! I'M CHIPPED!! MY OWNER DOES NOT LOVE ME!!!".

My car has some very minor swirl marks (not caused by me), but they are quite hard to see when it is shiny clean. When it isnt clean, they are covered by dust.

I doubt swirls are a hugle problem in any colour, if YOU (or someone competent and using proper technique and materials)cleans the car.

[pilchardthecat]

Mine is basalt, and it looks amazing when it's clean and waxed

It gets dirty fast, especially the rear/rear quarter..... but i think there's a certain something about a slightly dirty 911..... it's a post-coital flush

[DoubleSix]

Solid black.

Basalt will never look this glossy and sleek...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnEMv1Q5JKg

Edited by DoubleSix on Friday 8th November 11:44

[cayman-black]

I have had both and to me the Basalt never looked black enough a sort of greyish black.The metalic black i had on my Range Rover at the same time was a far better black. Solid however is great but hard work.

[David W.]

pilchardthecat said:

Mine is basalt, and it looks amazing when it's clean and waxed

It gets dirty fast, especially the rear/rear quarter..... but i think there's a certain something about a slightly dirty 911.....

or indeed Cayenne, not sure if mine is solid or basalt underneath but I love it.
dw

[DiscoColin]

Having had both, I think that I actually prefer the solid black of my last car to be honest. Both only stay pristine for the minute or so after you finish cleaning them though, so my solution is mostly not to be a polisher (at which point it matters little which you choose)

[Koln-RS]

IMI A said:

I'd go solid black out of the two but would never buy a black car again as nightmare to keep in good condition.

My sentiments entirely. I'd never buy a black car - even if I was an undertaker or a London cabbie. However, Basalt is the least worst IMO.

[OggyDJ]

+2 for basalt

[rObArtes]

with a bit of spit & polish, basalt looks shiny enough for me

[ianmcg]

This weeks entry for guess the paint code:




Ian

[ianmcg]

David W. said:

or indeed Cayenne, not sure if mine is solid or basalt underneath but I love it.
dw

Your 4x4 isn't trying hard enough:





Probably basalt after a bit of spirited cross country driving....

Ian

[mollytherocker]

ianmcg said:

This weeks entry for guess the paint code:




Ian

[Zyp]

ianmcg said:

David W. said:

or indeed Cayenne, not sure if mine is solid or basalt underneath but I love it.
dw

Your 4x4 isn't trying hard enough:





Probably basalt after a bit of spirited cross country driving....

Ian

Pffftttt......



That's black under all that ste...
(Ok, it's not a Porsche....)

[anonymous-user]

My CR below is flat black and IMHO looks superb. Easier to sort out stone chips on a practical level, ignoring the fact that you'll pick up a new hobby with a black car anyway.

[griffgray]

First black car, doesn't stay like this on Wiltshire's rural roads for long.