What Is Texalium? Understanding Colored Carbon Fiber Alternatives

Authentic carbon fiber is typically a black or gray weave. When products claim to be ‘colored carbon fiber’, they’re often using a different material—such as aluminized fiberglass or silver‑coated Texalium—rather than dyed carbon fiber itself.

What Is Texalium?

Texalium was created by Hexcel, a California‑based company, and is a fiberglass‑based fabric that receives a proprietary finish and a very thin coating of 99.99% pure aluminum. The aluminum layer, about 200 angstroms (one‑tenth of a micrometer) thick, gives the material its strikingly reflective appearance. The fabrics are woven in a 2/2 twill pattern and are typically sold in 100‑yard rolls.

What About Other Colors?

If a colored carbon fiber isn’t made from Texalium, it usually incorporates a different fiber interwoven with the carbon, such as aramid (commonly known by the brand name Kevlar). This blend gives the weave a distinct texture, as seen in our carbon/aramid keychain and in the Status Racing carbon‑fiber/Kevlar seat displayed at SEMA.

By default, aramid fiber is yellow and can be dyed into shades like blue or red.

A third approach is to tint the clear coat applied over genuine carbon fiber. High‑performance manufacturers such as Pagani and Bugatti use this technique to achieve vivid colors. Strip the clear coat and you’ll uncover the underlying black carbon fiber.