Carbon Fiber. Who doesn't love it?
It looks great on almost every car and alongside any color.
Let's begin by talking about what carbon fiber is:
Carbon Fiber is a polymer that when weaved together creates a very strong material that is also extremely lightweight. Carbon fiber is five-times stronger than steel and twice as stiff. Though carbon fiber is stronger and stiffer than steel, it is much lighter; making it the ideal manufacturing material for many parts. Not to mention it looks beautiful (and because racecar, right?)!
So are there any downsides to carbon fiber?
The problem with carbon fiber is that it can quickly deteriorate if not protected. The beautiful, glossy finish, we all know and love can begin to yellow and fade if exposed to UV without a protectant.
So how do you protect it?
Carbon Fiber is a common option on many cars these days. Roofs, spoilers, mirrors, and other accents all can be offered in carbon fiber depending on the make. Most OEM carbon fiber pieces are clear coated, just like the paint on your car. This is ideal as the clear coat helps to protect the carbon weave from fading; however, you still need some type of protectant. For this, we recommend a wax, paint sealant, or ceramic coating just like what goes on your paint.
Aftermarket carbon fiber pieces can be a mystery. Many of these pieces are not clear coated, only covered with a clear resin that easily breaks down when exposed to UV. This can cause cloudiness, yellowing, and fading in the carbon weave and can also be etched easily by acidic bird droppings and bugs. It is extremely important to protect these pieces. For this, we recommend a ceramic coating. Ceramic coatings can act almost like a clear coat as they are extremely durable, long-lasting, and chemical resistant. We offer several options for ceramic coatings depending on finish, budget, and lifespan.
So enjoy your carbon fiber, but keep it protected so that it stays looking great.
Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding ceramic coatings or price quotes!
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