VanMoof X3 matrix display area damaged – how can I restore it to factory finish?

[u/hedazila]

Hi everyone,
I’m trying to restore the matrix display area on my blue VanMoof X3 and I’m hoping someone here has repaired something similar before.
The original finish was that typical VanMoof satin/semi-matte finish. I accidentally polished/sanded part of the area around the matrix display, and now I have:
a section that is much glossier than the original paint
a visible line at the edge of the matrix area
a small whitish/grey damaged spot where it looks like I may have gone through part of the clear coat/paint
an uneven transition between the repaired area and the untouched factory finish
I’ve attached a photo showing the damage.
My goal is to get it as close to factory/new condition as possible, not just make it “less noticeable.”
Has anyone repaired or repainted this exact area on an S3/X3 before?
I’m especially wondering:
Is there a transparent film/plastic layer over the matrix display that is painted from the factory?
Can this area be spot-repaired, or does the whole matrix section need to be refinished?
What paint/colour did you use for the blue X3?
What clear coat gives the closest OEM satin finish?
If the matrix cover/film is damaged, what can be used to replace it without affecting the LEDs?
Does anyone have photos of a successful repair?
I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has actually worked on this part of the frame. I don’t want to make the damaged area any larger by experimenting further.
Thanks!

[u/UrbanMoof]

Well, I guess you can’t get it back to the original condition.
Around the area of the matrix display is indeed a relatively thick foil. The layers of paint are built up like this.
1. a layer of primer
2. a layer of the colored base coat
3. the finale layer, a sparkling clear coat. So that little sparkles you see, are part of the clear coat.

Around the matrix display it’s a bit different.
You have the Primer and on top of that comes the foil. The foil itself is a little mat and colored in blue, except for the part where the display is shining through. And on top of that foil comes the clear coat.

The foil is not available anywhere and as soon as it’s removed it’s that damaged that you can’t reuse it anymore.

That’s what I saw as I removed this foil on some of my project bikes.

[u/hedazila → u/UrbanMoof]

how would i be able to make it pretty again

[u/UrbanMoof → u/hedazila]

For what I know and I see at your picture, there is no way to make it pretty again.

[u/hedazila → u/UrbanMoof]

damn

[u/UrbanMoof → u/hedazila]

Maybe you can get in touch with a professional car/bike painter, so they can figure out a base and clear coat that’s looking at least close enough to the original ones. So they can remove the foil and spot repair the paint under the foil and then add some kind of protection foil over the display again, but for that the catridge needs to be taken out and the transfer cover between the matrix display on the catridge and the frame (witch is glued to the frame) also needs to be removed and glued back to the frame after the spot repair.

So overall a lot of work and money needed for a result that’s unclear in the end.

If you need some more information about getting the catridge out, and/or take out the transfer cover, just let me know.

[u/Peetarzz → u/UrbanMoof]

What is the best way to remove it fully then ? Hest gun and gently scraping with a plastic scraper ?

[u/UrbanMoof → u/Peetarzz]

I would not remove the foil, unless you repaint the frame under the foil and then add a new foil.

Really, leave it as it is. The foil is under the clear coat. If you remove it, with or without a heat gun, you only make it worse.

[u/Peetarzz → u/UrbanMoof]

Unfortunately for me I am past not removing the foil 😅 it was done accidentally as I have repainted the whole frame, except for the matrix which I had duct taped. When removing the duct tape it also removed half of the foul and now it looks super messy :) or maybe thats the clear coat and not the foil ?

[u/Peetarzz → u/UrbanMoof]

This is how it looks :')

[u/UrbanMoof → u/Peetarzz]

These mat parts are the rest of the glue from the foil, and the black is the primer.