MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

mini44 · #1 11-07-2007, 08:32 AM

I am considering astro black for my next mini. I hear lots about how difficult and soft jetblack is . How does astro black compare? Can I get good depth with all those sparkles? My pure silver bores me, I can get a good gloss but I love depth and reflection. Pics?

**OctaneGuy** · #2 11-07-2007, 02:00 PM

Astro Black doesn't look like black in the sunlight. It actually seems to change colors in the light. It will never be as deep and rich as Jet Black, but like most metallics, it's easier to take care of, and it is a great color.

How about a new paint job instead of a new MINI. LOL.

Richard

Quote:

Originally Posted by mini44

I am considering astro black for my next mini. I hear lots about how difficult and soft jetblack is . How does astro black compare? Can I get good depth with all those sparkles? My pure silver bores me, I can get a good gloss but I love depth and reflection. Pics?

Darkness · #3 11-07-2007, 02:13 PM

I always felt that astro black looked like a dusty (dirty) jet black. If they didn't drop JB I would have upgraded to a '06 S. oh well.

But like OG said it's easier to take care of and keep looking good because metallic helps to hide swirls and marring.

mini44 · #4 11-07-2007, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

How about a new paint job instead of a new MINI. LOL.

Richard

LOL, its also missing the S

gr8stat · #5 11-07-2007, 02:37 PM

I just bought astro black and I actually really like the color. I agree the jet black is rich and deep, but the shimmer to the astro is really quite sharp. The jury is still out on whether AB is black or actually blue. Some people say my car is black, others see it as dark blue. Depends on the light and the person I guess. I love it either way. I have some pics my gallery of this great color.

mini44 · #6 11-07-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr8stat

I just bought astro black and I actually really like the color. I agree the jet black is rich and deep, but the shimmer to the astro is really quite sharp. The jury is still out on whether AB is black or actually blue. Some people say my car is black, others see it as dark blue. Depends on the light and the person I guess. I love it either way. I have some pics my gallery of this great color.

Thanks, your car looks great. Blue was my second choice so maybe I have a winner here

MTRHED · #7 04-20-2008, 05:55 AM

New AB guy here. From the dealer the car had some swirls and 3, what looked like power burn marks, on the rear passenger quarter panel.

I clayed the car followed by 3 coats of Eagle One Nanowax. This stuff is quite good for an off the shelf product. It takes some light on the paint (in the garage) to make sure it is all removed. As usual, I go in circles then go up and down on the vertical paint and front to back on the horizontal paint. I read this enhances metallic paints reflectivity a few years ago. All I do know is the swirls and "burns" are gone and the paint is slickkkkk. A duster stays in the back space along with a spray bottle of pure water and a clean micro towel.
Yes, I have a problem.

**OctaneGuy** · #8 04-20-2008, 10:21 AM

A just detailed AB is gorgeous!

Course I love my JB/JB--it needs polishing though--taken yesterday after detailing a customers DS R56 and another friend with a DS R53 detailed his own car.

Doesnotcompute · #9 04-20-2008, 10:36 AM

As a firm believe that black is the one true colour for all vehicles, I was really upset to find out that Mini discontinued the Jet Black - hence I ended up with Astro Black.

Here's two threads that show you many angles of Astro Black in different conditions:

From very dirty (california dust+rain storm) to clean:
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...d.php?t=132670

From quite clean, through claying, polishing waxing and bling bling:
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...d.php?t=135231

Needless to say, I love it! If you want black and blue is your second choice colour, I think you'd be very happy with AB

Volker · #10 04-20-2008, 10:46 AM

or you could wait for MY 2009 like me because a new black is announced

CR&PW&JB · #11 04-20-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mini44

I hear lots about how difficult and soft jetblack is . How does astro black compare?

Jet Black does take a little work to maintain but the rewards for the effort cannot be beat.

Of course, unless you're looking to buy a previously loved MINI, then you can't own Jet Black.

Astro Black... misnamed, IMO. Astro Blue would be a better name. If you're looking for a black MINI, wait a few months until the 2009s come out and you have have a truly black car, albeit one with metallic flecks.