The "weave" carbon fiber is real, but not the stuff doing most of the work these days. The weave is mainly a cosmetic layer on current bikes, if it's there. Look at the new Cervelos, any Trek OCLV, and others...you'll see what structural CF looks like...they aren't using the weave layer

Paint? Don't let your friend be your source of info. You might find painted or even decaled "carbon fiber" on Wal-Mart bikes...but not on your Argon

Gerard has posted on this question...in the past...I'd take his word over an ill-informed friend anyday...