[Z06] Waxing Carbon Fiber?
05-05-2010, 10:15 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Waxing Carbon Fiber?
What do you all use to protect your carbon fiber splitters, side skirts and rear spoilers from oxidation?
Anyone use Zaino or UPGP (Ultimate Paint Guard Plus)?
I am thinking that since these two do not dry hazy or white, that would be the best bet.
Any advice is appreciated.
Anyone use Zaino or UPGP (Ultimate Paint Guard Plus)?
I am thinking that since these two do not dry hazy or white, that would be the best bet.
Any advice is appreciated.
05-06-2010, 08:11 AM
#2
Premium Supporting Vendor
What do you all use to protect your carbon fiber splitters, side skirts and rear spoilers from oxidation?
Anyone use Zaino or UPGP (Ultimate Paint Guard Plus)?
I am thinking that since these two do not dry hazy or white, that would be the best bet.
Any advice is appreciated.
Anyone use Zaino or UPGP (Ultimate Paint Guard Plus)?
I am thinking that since these two do not dry hazy or white, that would be the best bet.
Any advice is appreciated.
You're not supposed to wax carbon fiber. There is even a GM bulletin about it for the ZR1. Microscopic porosities in the carbon can collect white wax and show as white specs which are difficult to clean out.
05-06-2010, 08:36 AM
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
Yes that is what I thought. I just saw some posts on detailing a ZR1 and they were using this UPGP (ultima paint guard plus). Now that I look at it, it is not a wax but a sealant. It will not dry white. It goes on clear and you just wipe it off. This is supposed to help protect against oxidization since all carbon fiber does this in the sunlight.
Thanks again for all of your help. Got the spoiler on, the side skirts and front splitter go on tomorrow!
05-06-2010, 04:37 PM
#5
Race Director
05-06-2010, 05:57 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
From GM ZR1 TSB:
"All of the exterior carbon fiber panels have a clear coat to protect them from UV light. If the clear coat protection is scratched, or rubbed away, the panel beneath is no longer protected. When unprotected carbon fiber is exposed to UV rays, the color will lighten significantly causing it to appear white or bleached. The delivering dealership will install the splitter and it should be inspected before the car is sold to the customer for any cuts or abrasions. Any cuts, nicks or abrasions will not be covered by the GM warranty. Carbon fiber can have rough and sharp edges. Caution must be used when handling the splitter and the rocker extensions and when washing the car after the parts have been installed.
Looking at the side of the car, you will notice the roof and roof halo bar are carbon fiber. These parts have a special clear coat to protect against UV fading and degradation. Customers should be advised that deep scratches cannot be repaired with regular clear coat. If a deep scratch occurs, the panel must be replaced. Replacement parts will come with the clear coat applied. Dealers should be aware that even though the carbon fiber looks smooth and glossy, there are small micro depressions where the clear coat has sunk to fill the space in the fiber weave. When waxing or polishing the carbon fiber panels, a wax or polish that is black in color is recommended. If a polish or wax dries to a white or light colored haze, the residue may fill the small depressions and it will be difficult to remove it. This is not a product concern but some owners may note that after waxing the part has small white dots. This is likely to be a wax residual in the pores of the fiber. This is especially true on the underside of the hood. Since the underside of the hood is not subjected to UV light it is not clear coated and tiny pores in the fiber are open. If customers wax or polish this surface they may note white specks in the paint. Advise them the white specks are residual wax and must be removed with a wax or polish remover.
Another noticeable feature on the ZR1 is the raised clear panel in the center of the hood. This is a polycarbonate surface and it has a very thin UV coat applied. This prevents the panel from crazing under the UV rays of the sun. Special attention should be given to the panel if the hood is being painted or buffed. Replacement hoods are currently being serviced with the clear panel attached. In the case of a collision repair, the paint facility must take care not to scratch the lens, not to apply any paint or solvent or use polishing or buffing equipment on the clear panel.
Notice: DO NOT allow any solvent or paint to come in contact with the clear hood insert as this will damage the UV coating.
Important: Never use wax, polish or spray cleaner on the clear panel in an attempt to remove any scratches as the protective coating may be removed."
Sources:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...t+Corvette+ZR1
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...d.php?t=107890
And I have always waxed any carbon fiber on any car I have owned!
"All of the exterior carbon fiber panels have a clear coat to protect them from UV light. If the clear coat protection is scratched, or rubbed away, the panel beneath is no longer protected. When unprotected carbon fiber is exposed to UV rays, the color will lighten significantly causing it to appear white or bleached. The delivering dealership will install the splitter and it should be inspected before the car is sold to the customer for any cuts or abrasions. Any cuts, nicks or abrasions will not be covered by the GM warranty. Carbon fiber can have rough and sharp edges. Caution must be used when handling the splitter and the rocker extensions and when washing the car after the parts have been installed.
Looking at the side of the car, you will notice the roof and roof halo bar are carbon fiber. These parts have a special clear coat to protect against UV fading and degradation. Customers should be advised that deep scratches cannot be repaired with regular clear coat. If a deep scratch occurs, the panel must be replaced. Replacement parts will come with the clear coat applied. Dealers should be aware that even though the carbon fiber looks smooth and glossy, there are small micro depressions where the clear coat has sunk to fill the space in the fiber weave. When waxing or polishing the carbon fiber panels, a wax or polish that is black in color is recommended. If a polish or wax dries to a white or light colored haze, the residue may fill the small depressions and it will be difficult to remove it. This is not a product concern but some owners may note that after waxing the part has small white dots. This is likely to be a wax residual in the pores of the fiber. This is especially true on the underside of the hood. Since the underside of the hood is not subjected to UV light it is not clear coated and tiny pores in the fiber are open. If customers wax or polish this surface they may note white specks in the paint. Advise them the white specks are residual wax and must be removed with a wax or polish remover.
Another noticeable feature on the ZR1 is the raised clear panel in the center of the hood. This is a polycarbonate surface and it has a very thin UV coat applied. This prevents the panel from crazing under the UV rays of the sun. Special attention should be given to the panel if the hood is being painted or buffed. Replacement hoods are currently being serviced with the clear panel attached. In the case of a collision repair, the paint facility must take care not to scratch the lens, not to apply any paint or solvent or use polishing or buffing equipment on the clear panel.
Notice: DO NOT allow any solvent or paint to come in contact with the clear hood insert as this will damage the UV coating.
Important: Never use wax, polish or spray cleaner on the clear panel in an attempt to remove any scratches as the protective coating may be removed."
Sources:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...t+Corvette+ZR1
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...d.php?t=107890
And I have always waxed any carbon fiber on any car I have owned!
