Visual Carbon AM Hulls - UV Degradation

[topnitroracer]

With more and more aftermarket hull manufacturers offering visual carbon fiber hull options, has anyone seen seen signs of degradation in appearance after prolonged exposure to sunlight?

Usually the epoxy resin is the weak point in not being very UV stable. Some resins might purely turn cloudy, others might get to the point of delaminating. I would imagine each hull manufactured would be different in their materials/process, but usually with the OEM auto industry it is costly to ensure a visual carbon fiber panel remains looking good for the long run.

I love the way a visual carbon ski looks when it is integrated well with graphics. However, in the end I would settle for a painted ski if it means I wouldn't need to worry about the hull eventually looking like crap. If I ever went with a visual carbon hull I am hoping the manufacture would let me know the resin type and/or any special clear coat they use so I could make my own determination.

Any insight/experience you guys have would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[orangefinger]

define " long run " ....:0)

 

[sinisterjosh209]

We use automotive clear to keep this from happening. I'm sure everyone else that builds a visual ski does the same. I personally use House of kolor Show klear

 

[topnitroracer]

That is what I was asking. Infused hulls right out of the mold have an awesome finish, if done right. It may be tempting to not put clear on. However unless they use a UV stable resin, or good UV protection clear on the exterior this can happen. I would assume it would be standard to clear visual carbon hulls - if anything to help increase the thickness of the outer coating before you would get to fiber.

An example is the OEM carbon fiber spoiler on a mitsubishi evoluition. The 03-05 models had a crap clear and as soon as a year or two, the carbon fiber surface was complete crap. A new one from the dealer was $2k unpainted and the same thing would happen. In 2006 they changed a few things and must have improved the clear. The carbon surface on 10+ year old 2006 models looked better most 1-2 year old earlier models. This type of thing is common on many aftermarket carbon fiber car panels as well.

 

[air blair]

if like to here results too. Marine clear in mold used here. I can speak beyond 2 years on this.


Air blair cell