V-RAPTOR Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 What does everyone use on there carbon fiber bits to keep them looking great. I will be getting a carbon fiber engine lid cover for the Elise (shaving weight) in a matte finish. Any thing special to consider while detailing the matte finish? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 b_pappy Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 two words: Detail Spray Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 IMADreamer Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 Just remember with Carbon fiber you need to wax atleast twice as often as you would with paint. It really needs some extra attention I've been fabricating carbon fiber parts for various applications for five years now and it's inevitable that every few months someone complains their part is yellowing. Of course after some discussion I find out they haven't waxed it as often as they should. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 mc2hill Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 From another thread: I treat caron fiber the same as anything else, some have clear coat and some have a gel coat similar to a boat. Usually the one without a clear coat turn yellow due to UV and usually when they go bad it comes down to sanding and re-clearing with an automotive clear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 11chevz71 Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 Detail spray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 V-RAPTOR Posted July 19, 2009 Author Share Posted July 19, 2009 Just remember with Carbon fiber you need to wax atleast twice as often as you would with paint. It really needs some extra attention I've been fabricating carbon fiber parts for various applications for five years now and it's inevitable that every few months someone complains their part is yellowing. Of course after some discussion I find out they haven't waxed it as often as they should. So it is safe to use the Americana or buttery wax on Carbon fiber? For some reason I was under the impression it was not safe to wax? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Baron_Von_Awesome Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 So it is safe to use the Americana or buttery wax on Carbon fiber? For some reason I was under the impression it was not safe to wax? Is this a straight, dry weave carbon fiber we're talking about? Or is there a satin clear coat on it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 IMADreamer Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 So it is safe to use the Americana or buttery wax on Carbon fiber? For some reason I was under the impression it was not safe to wax? If it's a wet carbon fiber with a clear coat then yes it's perfectly fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 V-RAPTOR Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 Yes I believe it is a wet lay with a non glossy clear coat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 jjwvette Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I believe that anything made for interior or motor is not clear coated and not to be waxed. Just my .02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 V-RAPTOR Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 I still have not received the piece yet but have been told through broken English that there will be a coat to protect the cover from the elements. It might just be applied on the out side IE the side not facing the engine. I will have to see if I can tell when I receive the cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Baron_Von_Awesome Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I still have not received the piece yet but have been told through broken English that there will be a coat to protect the cover from the elements. It might just be applied on the out side IE the side not facing the engine. I will have to see if I can tell when I receive the cover. If there's a clear coat, you could go ahead and treat it like normal paint. However, since it's an engine piece, any wax or sealant you put on it will break down and dissolve about 30 seconds after you crank the motor. Your best bet is probably to hit it with some Detail Spray and call it a day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 V-RAPTOR Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 So is that the same for a regular car hood? That is the part I am talking about but its called a cover bc of the mid engine car. What temperature does wax break down does any one know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Baron_Von_Awesome Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 So is that the same for a regular car hood? That is the part I am talking about but its called a cover bc of the mid engine car. What temperature does wax break down does any one know? 180* - 190* F for waxes and about 350* - 400* F for sealants Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 V-RAPTOR Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 Cool I don't think I will have to worry about the wax breaking down then. Max temperature I see on my car is 193 and the heat is mostly escaping through my rear panel delete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Chewy Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 NEVER EVER use anything with silicon in it... It'll cause it to yellow! You're safe with Adams! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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What does everyone use on there carbon fiber bits to keep them looking great.
I will be getting a carbon fiber engine lid cover for the Elise (shaving weight) in a matte finish. Any thing special to consider while detailing the matte finish?
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