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Learn how Darkside Studios graphics are built, how our add-ons work, and how base materials and protective finishes affect the final appearance of your graphics.
Last updated: July 2026
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Important: Matte and Xtreme Bash protective finishes will significantly reduce the reflective effect of chrome base materials, including both STR8 Chrome and Oil Spill Chrome. Specialty protective finish add-ons such as Fracture, GeoHex, Metallic Flake, and Prism are manufactured with a gloss sheen only and are not available in Matte or Xtreme Bash.
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Every Darkside Studios graphics kit is built using a premium layered construction system. Each kit begins with a base material, receives printed ink artwork, and is finished with a protective laminate.
Standard White Vinyl is included at no additional cost with every compatible graphics kit. This option produces the truest printed colors and is the most common base material.
STR8 Chrome is a mirror silver chrome base material. Printed colors retain their original color while gaining a reflective chrome appearance. Blue becomes blue chrome, red becomes red chrome, green becomes green chrome, and other printed colors become metallic versions of themselves without the prismatic color shift found in Oil Spill Chrome.
Oil Spill Chrome is printed onto a prismatic holographic chrome base material that creates shifting rainbow reflections as lighting changes. Most printed ink colors inherit the prismatic chrome effect, while black ink remains solid for dramatic contrast.
Every Darkside Studios graphics kit is protected by a premium laminate. Customers may select from several protective finishes depending on the product.
Gloss Finish is a smooth clear protective laminate that enhances color vibrancy while providing excellent protection.
Matte Finish is a low-sheen laminate that reduces glare while maintaining excellent durability.
SuperGloss is an ultra-high-gloss laminate designed to create maximum shine, depth, and a wet-look appearance.
Metallic Flake uses silver metallic flakes embedded within the protective laminate to add sparkle and depth while allowing the printed artwork beneath to remain fully visible.
GeoHex uses a reflective hexagonal chrome pattern embedded within the protective laminate. The printed artwork remains visible between the reflective hex cells.
Prism creates subtle prismatic reflections embedded within the protective laminate. The effect shifts with light, angle, and movement.
Fracture uses a reflective fractured chrome pattern embedded within the protective laminate. The printed artwork remains visible between the fractured reflective pattern.
Xtreme Bash is an ultra-thick textured protective laminate designed specifically for RC chassis skins. It offers maximum abrasion resistance and a rugged clear textured finish for extreme durability.
Yes. Every graphics kit receives a protective laminate. Gloss and Matte are included options, while specialty finishes may be available as add-on upgrades depending on the product.
No. Protective finishes do not change the printed design itself. They change the surface appearance, texture, reflectivity, or level of protection.
Oil Spill Chrome is a base material that your artwork is printed onto. Prism is a protective finish applied over the printed artwork. They affect different layers of the graphics kit.
No. Some add-ons are not compatible with each other or are only available for certain products. If a conflicting combination is selected, we will contact you before production and refund any incompatible add-on charges.
Chrome, prismatic, metallic, and reflective materials change depending on lighting, viewing angle, and movement. This is normal and part of the material effect.
Got questions about materials, finishes, compatibility, or which add-ons work best for your graphics kit?
Shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to help before your order goes into production.
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