Carbon Fiber without paint Question?

[djkorn1]

I am wondering about these XFT hulls and other unpainted Carbon Fiber parts. Won't they break down in the sun? Doesn't West Systems specifically say to paint anything you glass? Won't Clear Coating it just amplify the Sun?

Maybe Trinity can chime in on this...

 

[SUPERJET-113]

There is a UV additive you can add to the resin for protection.

 

[Takeastand SJ]

Gelcoat adds strength to carbon and protects it. If you get a scratch or nick in carbon it can spread from there.

 

[crammit442]

Gelcoat adds strength to carbon and protects it. If you get a scratch or nick in carbon it can spread from there.

Clear gelcoat provides almost no UV protection. Visual fiber parts degrade quickly with only GC as a finish.

I am wondering about these XFT hulls and other unpainted Carbon Fiber parts. Won't they break down in the sun? Doesn't West Systems specifically say to paint anything you glass? Won't Clear Coating it just amplify the Sun?

Maybe Trinity can chime in on this...

They are cleared. They would yellow quickly w/o clear. With clear they weather very well.

Charles

 

[tomski]

Clear gel coat is made to protect colors and blends. The uv protection is built in. That is the purpose of clear.

West system has a 207 hardener that is somewhat uv resistant

 

[crammit442]

Clear gel coat is made to protect colors and blends. The uv protection is built in. That is the purpose of clear.

West system has a 207 hardener that is somewhat uv resistant

They are better than nothing, but are far, far inferior to clear automotive urethanes. Been doing this for a LONG time and have seen many really nice looking carbon parts go to crap with nothing but clear gel.

Charles

 

[crammit442]

Here are a couple of quick examples of the differences in protection between clear gel and clear urethane. Both parts were made within a month or so of each other. The roof rack fairing is clear gel. The sunroof fairing is clear urethane. Both have been in the sun for 5 years or so. Worst case scenario for UV damage. Both were elevated temp cure and were sanded and buffed. Both waxed after installation. The pics should speak for themselves.

Charles

 

[tomski]

They are better than nothing, but are far, far inferior to clear automotive urethanes. Been doing this for a LONG time and have seen many really nice looking carbon parts go to crap with nothing but clear gel.

Charles

I to have seen many carbon parts that are abused go to crap. Most people do not understand that proper care of any gel coated part is important for lasting shine.

Most high end composite parts are cleared with automotive based paint as in some of the xft hulls.

 

[Matt_E]

Most people do not understand that proper care of any gel coated part is important for lasting shine.

What's that have to do with UV resistance?

 

[DsmRacing]

Crammit did you make those yourself? Look good. I have a VIS Carbon Fiber hood that went to crap looking here in Florida, Faded badly. Know any tricks to revive it? Tryed waxing it, made it worse, used meguires Scratch X, and helped a little where I applied it, but not really.

Thanks,

Chad

 

[tomski]

What's that have to do with UV resistance?

No gel coat is going to shine forever without extra care.

You could help protect the finish with something like this:

http://yachtbrite.com/Shurhold_Industries.asp?PageToLoad=/chemicals_propolish.asp

 

[djkorn1]

So are the CF parts that are sold to us PWC guys protected from the sun, or not?

 

[Matt_E]

No gel coat is going to shine forever without extra care.

You could help protect the finish with something like this:

http://yachtbrite.com/Shurhold_Industries.asp?PageToLoad=/chemicals_propolish.asp

That I do understand. But is there also an added benefit in the UV resistance of clear gelcoat with proper care?

 

[Mark44]

t

So are the CF parts that are sold to us PWC guys protected from the sun, or not?

Not as well as a painted surface. If you will notice on aircraft all carbon parts are painted and that is for a reason.

I would keep my carbon parts in the shade if I expected them to last for years also touch up any scratches.

Mark44

 

[Idok]

Here is a question...

In my fx-1 that just saw the water for the first time this weekend I have some carbon/kevlar layed in for reinforcement (ok, at least it looks pretty)..as it was NOT vaccuum bagged...I used a fresh batch of west systems and mixed as per the instructions..


after the first ride, it turned completely white! when I first saw it I tought it was covered in premix/water


I let it sit overnight and it went back to normal


WTF?

 

[sjetrider]

Here is a question...

In my fx-1 that just saw the water for the first time this weekend I have some carbon/kevlar layed in for reinforcement (ok, at least it looks pretty)..as it was NOT vaccuum bagged...I used a fresh batch of west systems and mixed as per the instructions..


after the first ride, it turned completely white! when I first saw it I tought it was covered in premix/water


I let it sit overnight and it went back to normal


WTF?

:boggled:

 

[yankeeboy]

how does blowsions carbon fiber hulls retain look? ( the ones that are carbon look on the outside )

 

[sjetrider]

Just paint to look like CF and no worries:woot:

 

[Mark44]

Just paint to look like CF and no worries:woot:

Best idea yet!

Mark44

 

[sjetrider]

Best idea yet!

Mark44

Yep