Protection for carbon fiber hood

[Jesstzn]

Any suggestion what might be the best wax/sealants for UV protection on a Carbon Fiber hood?

 

[boostdfd3s]

Ditto to BlackRegal's words. If it's clearcoated, just wax it like a normal painted surface.

 

[Jesstzn]

Thanks guys .. I'll pass that on ..:up

 

[imported_2wheelsx2]

the majority of my car club has carbon fiber hoods(mostly vis, and fiber images) and all of them have faded or rough spots i dont know why though

 

[Paintxpert]

Most, if not all CF hoods/bonnets are designed to be painted (although some may think this defeats the object!).

 

[JHP]

Here is my vis cf hood with klasse on it.

 

[imported_nadir]

this is an old thread... sorry to bring it back, but in light of newer products...



would a couple layers of NXT plus some coats of zaino on top be effective? I was recommended to add another clearcoat for better protection... my friend's hood really crapped out on him so I am scared (different brand of hood though).



thanks

 

[LouisanaJeeper]

I would do straitght Zaino w/o any NXT for max protection

 

[admac]

why not just get it clearcoated? seems like the smartest thing to do. obviously carbon fiber comes with a gelcoat (that holds it together) but i don't think that protects it from the sun. i'm going to clear some of my motorcycle parts soon.

 

[drdetail]

Ive used Sg on cf hoods ive detailed and it worked nicely.

 

[TLL]

Here is the skinny on Carbonfiber hoods. This is from a company that fabricates quality carbon fiber parts for the automotive/marine/racing.



In low quality carbon fiber parts there is very little gel on the outer surface of the part which can leave the carbon fiber exposed with little or no protection (i.e UV). As a result these parts are typically clear coated to provide some protection. This clear coat applicaiton will leave the surface wavy. The ruoughness you feel is the carbon being exposed. Fading is the result of no UV protection.



Another problem is where there insufficient reinforcement. Carbon fiber does not like to flex. When it is allowed to it causes delamination from the gel.



That said the best coarse of action would be to use a quality part. If not use a product that has a good uv protectant.

 

[admac]

i wouldn't think the surface would be wavy if you could put enough clear on and wetsand it.

 

[TLL]

They guys I deal with are pros. The lack of gel coat is the real problem. This is why the surface is dulling out and why it gets rough. The roughness is the carbon fiber being exposed