cleaning carbon fiber?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 880
Likes: 4
From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL/ Hampstead, London, England
'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
Carbon fibre is a high risk material for oxidation and ultra violet radiation damage due to its high heat absorbsion rate. Without wax or sealant, there is very little to protect the gel coat over the carbon fabric. They have a nice gloss, so most people assume that they have been 'clear coated', however this is sometimes not the case; they could be gel coated fibreglass or single stage paint, it would be the owner’s responsibility to clear coat and provide ultra violet (UVR) protection to the piece after purchase.
Correct surface imperfections with a finishing polish and soft foam pad (Menzerna PO 85 RD 3.01 SIP with a Blue finishing (very soft 100 PPI) LC CCS foam pad - 1100 RPM)
Providing protection from ultra violet radiation (UVR) is very important to avoid photo synthesis (colour fading) 303™ Aerospace Protectant UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular 45 to 60 day basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)
Application- this product should be sprayed onto a cloth and the surface to be protected should be wet, not just damp with the product. Use a clean, dry cloth and agitate to ensure the protected surface is dry (this product does not air-dry) After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, then using a 100% cotton cloth to lightly buff surface
For Gel Coat finishes - Collinite Fibreglass Boat Cleaner #920 easily removes dirt, film, oxidation, oil, grease, rust and exhaust stains from resin gel coat / fibreglass finishes. This cleaner restores the original colour quickly without hard rubbing or buffing and leaves a chemically clean surface to which waxes can adhere perfectly. Collinite Fibreglass Boat Cleaner Increases long-lasting brilliance and performance of protective wax coatings
An extract from “Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist” © – by Jon Miller
Correct surface imperfections with a finishing polish and soft foam pad (Menzerna PO 85 RD 3.01 SIP with a Blue finishing (very soft 100 PPI) LC CCS foam pad - 1100 RPM)
Providing protection from ultra violet radiation (UVR) is very important to avoid photo synthesis (colour fading) 303™ Aerospace Protectant UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular 45 to 60 day basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)
Application- this product should be sprayed onto a cloth and the surface to be protected should be wet, not just damp with the product. Use a clean, dry cloth and agitate to ensure the protected surface is dry (this product does not air-dry) After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, then using a 100% cotton cloth to lightly buff surface
For Gel Coat finishes - Collinite Fibreglass Boat Cleaner #920 easily removes dirt, film, oxidation, oil, grease, rust and exhaust stains from resin gel coat / fibreglass finishes. This cleaner restores the original colour quickly without hard rubbing or buffing and leaves a chemically clean surface to which waxes can adhere perfectly. Collinite Fibreglass Boat Cleaner Increases long-lasting brilliance and performance of protective wax coatings
An extract from “Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist” © – by Jon Miller
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
09 c300 4matic
Wow, this sounds complicated. Can someone break this down for me? im going to be buying a carbon fiber lip and diffuser and just want to keep it looking new.
Carbon fibre is a high risk material for oxidation and ultra violet radiation damage due to its high heat absorbsion rate. Without wax or sealant, there is very little to protect the gel coat over the carbon fabric. They have a nice gloss, so most people assume that they have been 'clear coated', however this is sometimes not the case; they could be gel coated fibreglass or single stage paint, it would be the owner’s responsibility to clear coat and provide ultra violet (UVR) protection to the piece after purchase.
Correct surface imperfections with a finishing polish and soft foam pad (Menzerna PO 85 RD 3.01 SIP with a Blue finishing (very soft 100 PPI) LC CCS foam pad - 1100 RPM)
Providing protection from ultra violet radiation (UVR) is very important to avoid photo synthesis (colour fading) 303™ Aerospace Protectant UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular 45 to 60 day basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)
Application- this product should be sprayed onto a cloth and the surface to be protected should be wet, not just damp with the product. Use a clean, dry cloth and agitate to ensure the protected surface is dry (this product does not air-dry) After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, then using a 100% cotton cloth to lightly buff surface
For Gel Coat finishes - Collinite Fibreglass Boat Cleaner #920 easily removes dirt, film, oxidation, oil, grease, rust and exhaust stains from resin gel coat / fibreglass finishes. This cleaner restores the original colour quickly without hard rubbing or buffing and leaves a chemically clean surface to which waxes can adhere perfectly. Collinite Fibreglass Boat Cleaner Increases long-lasting brilliance and performance of protective wax coatings
An extract from “Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist” © – by Jon Miller
Correct surface imperfections with a finishing polish and soft foam pad (Menzerna PO 85 RD 3.01 SIP with a Blue finishing (very soft 100 PPI) LC CCS foam pad - 1100 RPM)
Providing protection from ultra violet radiation (UVR) is very important to avoid photo synthesis (colour fading) 303™ Aerospace Protectant UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular 45 to 60 day basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)
Application- this product should be sprayed onto a cloth and the surface to be protected should be wet, not just damp with the product. Use a clean, dry cloth and agitate to ensure the protected surface is dry (this product does not air-dry) After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, then using a 100% cotton cloth to lightly buff surface
For Gel Coat finishes - Collinite Fibreglass Boat Cleaner #920 easily removes dirt, film, oxidation, oil, grease, rust and exhaust stains from resin gel coat / fibreglass finishes. This cleaner restores the original colour quickly without hard rubbing or buffing and leaves a chemically clean surface to which waxes can adhere perfectly. Collinite Fibreglass Boat Cleaner Increases long-lasting brilliance and performance of protective wax coatings
An extract from “Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist” © – by Jon Miller
Banned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 2
From: NY
Most carbon fiber pieces are clear coated like your paint is. Therefore you can treat them the same. I would recommend setting up a regular detailing schedule with a full detail at least 1 - 2 times per year and then a maintenance routine in between. I would highly recommend getting a quality sealant or wax. If you have any other questions please let me know.
Greg @ Detailed Image
Greg @ Detailed Image
