The Cost and Reality of Covering a Car with Vantablack

Vantablack is one of those materials that toe the line between scientific marvel and a publicity stunt. Its so black that it absorbs 99.965% of visible light, virtually swallowing any light that dare touch its surface. This stuff is like a black hole in a can. But before we dive into the practicalities, lets explore what it takes to cover a car with it.

Understanding Vantablack

Vantablack is not a traditional paint; rather, it is a series of extremely tiny carbon nanotubes that absorb light in a unique manner. Because of its unique properties, applying it is not a task for your everyday Joe with a paintbrush. Its application requires precise lab conditions and a substrate that can withstand high temperatures, making it a challenging material to work with.

Complexity and Cost

Making Vantablack is not as simple as slapping on a coat of Rust-Oleum. Surrey NanoSystems, the creators of Vantablack, are a bit choosy about who they sell it to, mainly because of the complexity of the application process and the intended uses of their product. It has primarily been developed for space equipment like telescopes and satellites to absorb extraneous light that interferes with sensitive readings.

Even if you were to obtain the right permissions, the cost of covering a car with Vantablack would be substantial. It would likely range into the thousands or potentially tens of thousands of dollars, taking into account the cost of materials and professional application, which you would absolutely not want to skimp on.

Practical Considerations

While the material itself is not paint in the traditional sense, it is a coating that can be wiped off almost as easily as it is applied, albeit at an advanced stage. Beyond the high cost, there are also practical considerations. Vantablack is super-absorbent, which means your car would virtually disappear at night, posing a potential hazard. Its dark surface also makes it hard to see and maintain the car, let alone keep it visible to other drivers.

Research and Misconceptions

There have been numerous comments and even a claim that it would cost millions to coat a VBX6. Some have also discussed creating their own 'as black as Vantablack paints' at home. While the material is intriguing, it is far from trivial. Unless you can grow graphene or manufacture carbon nanotubes, you are unlikely to be able to create anything even close to Vantablack. Vantablack is a highly specialized and advanced material, and the process to create it is complex and beyond the reach of most home enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The allure of Vantablack lies in its unique properties and the intrigue it raises, but covering a car with it is far from a practical or financially viable solution. Its application and maintenance require specialized expertise, and the associated costs make it an impractical choice for most car owners. Whether you are a car enthusiast or a fan of innovative materials, it is essential to understand the true nature and limitations of Vantablack before considering such an extensive and costly modification.