Wax on carbon fiber question. Post your opinions!

NYBladeZ · 12-29-2009, 04:16 PM

This is probably a question about waxing in general. We all know that the #1 concern with cf is clear coat fade. Seibon even states on their website to keep the parts out of direct sunlight whenever possible (probably why cf pieces in states like Texas look like sh!t so quickly). I am getting numerous panels in cf and they have yet to be waxed, does anyone know of a particular wax or detailing kit that would better protect the clearcoat?

Endgame · 12-29-2009, 04:25 PM

Wow.. great question... Anyone??

NXTAZEE · 12-29-2009, 04:56 PM

I believe CF is made with epoxy resin which can be wet sanded, compounded and polished to bring it back to it's original condition. You may protect it with any sealant or wax. Perhaps the best would be a polymer selant, as this is what the resin is made of.

NXTAZEE · 12-29-2009, 05:00 PM

I forgot to mention that CF doesn't have a clear coat. It's epoxy (polymer) which is a plastic. I wet sanded and polished my CF Z emblems and made them look like new, after working on them.

NYBladeZ · 12-29-2009, 05:17 PM

so I shouldn't use a traditional wax but rather something along the lines of Meguire's polymer sealant

Modshack · 12-29-2009, 06:26 PM

Most CF cosmetic parts are clearcoated with a traditional automotive clear, so treat it like any paint surface. Unfortunately, depending on the quality of the Epoxy used, this clear coat skin will not protect it from eventually discoloring as I doubt that provides much UV protection......

Kidcane · 12-29-2009, 09:17 PM

Dry carbon parts or wet laid? I assume wet in which case, ^^ what he said. To the OP, who is doing all your parts? Is it Mastergrade?

NXTAZEE · 12-29-2009, 10:40 PM

Clear or no clear, wax & sealants are fine.

NYBladeZ · 12-29-2009, 11:03 PM

it's wet carbon...dry carbon might cost as much as the car. It wasn't mastergrade

NYBladeZ · 12-29-2009, 11:04 PM

I'm thinking of going with Meguiars NXT 2.0 anyone try it on another vehicle?

Spec Jay · 12-30-2009, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYBladeZ

I'm thinking of going with Meguiars NXT 2.0 anyone try it on another vehicle?

exactly what i was about to suggest. i used it on all of the cf parts on my spec v(hood trunk sideskirts front lip) and it kept it from fading just the gelcoat turned yellowish. then when i stopped waxing it for a couple months it started to fade.

Endgame · 12-30-2009, 07:29 AM

good info guys. thx!!

Kidcane · 12-30-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYBladeZ

it's wet carbon...dry carbon might cost as much as the car. It wasn't mastergrade

LOL correct and GOOD its not Mastergrade. Care to share who then? Just curious.

azn370z · 12-30-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spec Jay

exactly what i was about to suggest. i used it on all of the cf parts on my spec v(hood trunk sideskirts front lip) and it kept it from fading just the gelcoat turned yellowish. then when i stopped waxing it for a couple months it started to fade.

How often do you wax carbon fiber?

Spec Jay · 12-30-2009, 08:54 PM

i did it every other wash just because i had a black car.

12-29-2009, 04:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
NYBladeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 2,158 Drives: Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 20	Wax on carbon fiber question. Post your opinions! This is probably a question about waxing in general. We all know that the #1 concern with cf is clear coat fade. Seibon even states on their website to keep the parts out of direct sunlight whenever possible (probably why cf pieces in states like Texas look like sh!t so quickly). I am getting numerous panels in cf and they have yet to be waxed, does anyone know of a particular wax or detailing kit that would better protect the clearcoat? __________________ 2009 Carbon Fiber/Red 370z aka Trish: Sports Package, Meisterschaft full catback, Fast Intentions Longtube Headers, Injen Long Tube Intakes, UpRev Tune: Sold 2008 Lotus Exige S Club Racer aka Bella, always leaves me smiling

12-29-2009, 04:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
NXTAZEE Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 530 Drives: 2010 370Z 7AT Rep Power: 17	I believe CF is made with epoxy resin which can be wet sanded, compounded and polished to bring it back to it's original condition. You may protect it with any sealant or wax. Perhaps the best would be a polymer selant, as this is what the resin is made of. __________________ 2010 Carbon Silver 370Z 7AT charcoal int. sports package \| Clear Bra \| Invidia Gemini CBE \| CF B-Pillars \| CF Fangs \| CF Z emblems \| Swift Springs \| 20mm & 25mm Spacers \| SPC Camber Arms \| Brushed Aluminum shift knob

12-29-2009, 05:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
NXTAZEE Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 530 Drives: 2010 370Z 7AT Rep Power: 17	I forgot to mention that CF doesn't have a clear coat. It's epoxy (polymer) which is a plastic. I wet sanded and polished my CF Z emblems and made them look like new, after working on them. __________________ 2010 Carbon Silver 370Z 7AT charcoal int. sports package \| Clear Bra \| Invidia Gemini CBE \| CF B-Pillars \| CF Fangs \| CF Z emblems \| Swift Springs \| 20mm & 25mm Spacers \| SPC Camber Arms \| Brushed Aluminum shift knob

12-29-2009, 05:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
NYBladeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 2,158 Drives: Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 20	so I shouldn't use a traditional wax but rather something along the lines of Meguire's polymer sealant __________________ 2009 Carbon Fiber/Red 370z aka Trish: Sports Package, Meisterschaft full catback, Fast Intentions Longtube Headers, Injen Long Tube Intakes, UpRev Tune: Sold 2008 Lotus Exige S Club Racer aka Bella, always leaves me smiling

12-29-2009, 06:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
Modshack A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greenville NC Posts: 2,883 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 976	Most CF cosmetic parts are clearcoated with a traditional automotive clear, so treat it like any paint surface. Unfortunately, depending on the quality of the Epoxy used, this clear coat skin will not protect it from eventually discoloring as I doubt that provides much UV protection...... __________________ Steal my car! (SOLD)...Now Porsche Cayman S Oil Cooler DIY: Here!

12-29-2009, 04:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
Endgame A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,613 Drives: Nothing Now! Rep Power: 224	Wow.. great question... Anyone??

12-29-2009, 09:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
Kidcane Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Tampa Posts: 73 Drives: 2008 G37S Rep Power: 15	Dry carbon parts or wet laid? I assume wet in which case, ^^ what he said. To the OP, who is doing all your parts? Is it Mastergrade?

12-29-2009, 10:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
NXTAZEE Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 530 Drives: 2010 370Z 7AT Rep Power: 17	Clear or no clear, wax & sealants are fine. __________________ 2010 Carbon Silver 370Z 7AT charcoal int. sports package \| Clear Bra \| Invidia Gemini CBE \| CF B-Pillars \| CF Fangs \| CF Z emblems \| Swift Springs \| 20mm & 25mm Spacers \| SPC Camber Arms \| Brushed Aluminum shift knob

12-29-2009, 11:03 PM	#9 (permalink)
NYBladeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 2,158 Drives: Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 20	it's wet carbon...dry carbon might cost as much as the car. It wasn't mastergrade __________________ 2009 Carbon Fiber/Red 370z aka Trish: Sports Package, Meisterschaft full catback, Fast Intentions Longtube Headers, Injen Long Tube Intakes, UpRev Tune: Sold 2008 Lotus Exige S Club Racer aka Bella, always leaves me smiling

12-29-2009, 11:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
NYBladeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 2,158 Drives: Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 20	I'm thinking of going with Meguiars NXT 2.0 anyone try it on another vehicle? __________________ 2009 Carbon Fiber/Red 370z aka Trish: Sports Package, Meisterschaft full catback, Fast Intentions Longtube Headers, Injen Long Tube Intakes, UpRev Tune: Sold 2008 Lotus Exige S Club Racer aka Bella, always leaves me smiling

12-30-2009, 07:29 AM	#12 (permalink)
Endgame A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,613 Drives: Nothing Now! Rep Power: 224	good info guys. thx!!

12-30-2009, 08:54 PM	#15 (permalink)
Spec Jay A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Bummerton Posts: 1,510 Drives: MtB 09 370z Rep Power: 19	i did it every other wash just because i had a black car. __________________ 09 Monterey Blue Global Time Attack Street Class Build Build Thread:Saber! Instagram:@SpecJay

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