Clear Coating Carbon Fiber Parts

[BeShizz]

Anybody have experience with having their carbon fiber parts clear coated? Should they be clear coated? Benefits?

 

[jdm-rhd]

cf parts have clear on them...
are you considering adding an extra layer?

 

[BeShizz]

cf parts have clear on them...
are you considering adding an extra layer?

I read on another forum that it is better to give an extra layer of clear coat due to some aftermarket carbon fiber parts having just a clear resin that resembles clear coat, but easily breaks down when exposed to UV.

 

[jdm-rhd]

I read on another forum that it is better to give an extra layer of clear coat due to some aftermarket carbon fiber parts having just a clear resin that resembles clear coat, but easily breaks down when exposed to UV.

ok...i understand.
never had any problems, but i can see where it may be an issue depending on the manufacturer.

 

[Who.Am.Eye.2716]

Wonder if PPF will give the same results as clear?

If youre not sure, add clear. Extra wouldnt hurt

 

[BeShizz]

Wonder if PPF will give the same results as clear?

If youre not sure, add clear. Extra wouldnt hurt

I was also wondering about PPF, I was going to get PPF on my full car eventually and will have carbon fiber parts on it by then. Curious if anybody has had it done.

 

[ill-legal?]

I've had aftermarket carbon parts wrapped with PPF, due to living in AZ where it's common to see people's CF hoods / spoilers / etc. experience chipping, flaking, fading, and other symptoms of clear coat failure as a result of extreme temps and high UV exposure.

I had it on front spoiler, lip, sideskirts, and my rear diffuser, all the parts looked excellent about 7 years in, with no signs of damage or failing. Most higher quality PPF films will have a 10 year warranty. Also, for transparency, I did apply 2 coats of HALO ceramic coating when the PPF was initially installed, but nothing beyond that.

 

[BeShizz]

I've had aftermarket carbon parts wrapped with PPF, due to living in AZ where it's common to see people's CF hoods / spoilers / etc. experience chipping, flaking, fading, and other symptoms of clear coat failure as a result of extreme temps and high UV exposure.

I had it on front spoiler, lip, sideskirts, and my rear diffuser, all the parts looked excellent about 7 years in, with no signs of damage or failing. Most higher quality PPF films will have a 10 year warranty. Also, for transparency, I did apply 2 coats of HALO ceramic coating when the PPF was initially installed, but nothing beyond that.

Nice! Thanks for that reply, I will definitely be looking to PPF all the Carbon fiber parts when I get them. Puts me more at ease knowing you had it done in Arizona with that insane heat and it held up great.

 

[ill-legal?]

Just stick with a quality film (STEK, Xpel, SunTek) and find a competent installer (referrals, google/yelp reviews, etc), and you should be golden! The only thing I can't really speak to is what removal looks like as I've never really kept a car long enough to need that service...but if you get to a 7-8 year mark, I'd maybe have your installer just check it annually and they can advise on when you'd want to consider a removal and reapplication.