Hard to explain but my cf hood is all fadded almost looks like wax baked into the gel coat on it. but have not waxed it since i got it. any idea how to bring back the original look of it? when it is wet it looks fine till it drys then looks like crap again? i was told i might have to get it wet sand but i would like to keep that as my last resourt
Most CF hoods do not come with a clear coat...resulting in a "faded look"...in as little time as a year!
My hood did the same thing after about 2 years and since then, I've had it painted to match the car.
I did not know the hood didn't have any clear on it...you'll need to wet sand it and then clear coat it to bring back that "wet look" you talk of. You may be able to polish it up with a buffer if it's not too bad but expect a lot of time! The corners are the hard part as the yellow effect starts to show after about a year or so if not clear coated at the time of purchase.
On a side note...even with a clear coat, carbon fiber will fade and yellow over time.
Eh...old man with a Corvette now...it was bound to happen sooner rather than later right?
my buddies VIS hood on his rsx looks like hell, all around the edges the clear coats gone and faded and even in the middle where hes waxed it has faded.
im pretty sure all c/f has clear coat or the weave would be exposed.. lol it does go by fast but its cleared..
to fix u can either paint it the color of your car
or re clear it..
The CF fade is the epoxy resin breaking down just like polyester resin in a boat or unpainted camper shells. Clear coat is a temp repair allowing the fade to continue under the clear from sunlight. 2 meguires products help this problem and used a few times a year keep the protection up. Diamond cut compound first followed by Boat & RV polish and sealant second. I think the Mequires # is 44 in pint bottles.
