buffing and polishing carbon fiber

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=61772
Printed Date: May 15, 2025 at 3:33 AM

Topic: buffing and polishing carbon fiber

Posted By: topspoiler
Subject: buffing and polishing carbon fiber
Date Posted: August 21, 2005 at 3:54 AM

I'm trying to make my Carbon Fiber hood more shiny but I want to know can I buff and polish CF or I should put a layer of clear coat?

Replies:

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: August 21, 2005 at 10:01 AM

It's easier to spray it with a new layer of clear than to try and buff out the scratches.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: abovestock
Date Posted: August 22, 2005 at 2:26 AM

I have always gone the clear coat road when polishing carbon. That will do two things. First give it a hell of a lot better gloss and second protect the expensive hood from turning white and yellow. Be sure to evenly scratch the hood with 1000 grit and use a good clear with U.V. blockers like H.O.K. UC 35 or an equivelant. Do not use anything in a rattle can, you will not get the results you want.

Posted By: topspoiler
Date Posted: August 22, 2005 at 4:24 AM

But is it safe to buffer CF?

Posted By: abovestock
Date Posted: August 24, 2005 at 1:29 AM

If you wanted to sure. I would look into having a bodyshop clear coat it to keep it from geting damaged by the sun. This is what is commonly done when a carbon hood is installed on a car by a bodyshop or a custom shop.

Posted By: uz2bauto
Date Posted: September 21, 2005 at 5:23 PM

just did one the other day...you can polish/buff it but if you want it to look even better than new then do this

wetsand with 800-1000 (any higher can result in adhesion problems)

clean with wax & grease remover like 2-3 times lol

*IMPORTANT* when spraying your clear add some fisheye eliminator b/c gel-coats have small imperfections and release solvents that will result in fisheyes (most of the time) unlesss you add some eliminator. trust me lol you now have a trade secret ssshhh don't tell anyone posted_image

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paint and body
"semi-professional"