I'm having a new carbon fiber hood delivered to me soon, it is your basic carbon fiber with a clearcoat.

Any advice on what products to use on it for the best UV protection as I won't be painting it ?. I assume there is no need to clay the hood. I have some Menzerna Powerlock sealant that I use on the vehicle body, and I have some Autoglym wax that I've used on other vehicle parts. I also have some Plexus that I use on my hardtop rear window for UV protection.

If anyone has a recommendation on the best products to use on a large carbon piece such as a hood I'd appreciate any replies. I'm mostly concerned with UV protection so it doesn't yellow over time. Thanks for reading.

 

You can still clay the hood if it does have a clearcoat on it. It will remove the impurities that have stuck on it over time. I clayed mine and then added a light layer of UAZ protectant that I had from a headlight resto kit, let it sit, then wiped it down. After that I applied a couple coats of wax. I would post results but the hood has sat in my basement since I did this

 

Some kind of UV protectant like a good sealer and apply it often. If the car is out in the sun often it will yellow and eventually fade. The best thing may be to have a body shop spray it with actual clear as most carbon parts have a gel coat which is different from the clearcoat on you paint and that is what yellows.

 

Thanks for the tip, I'll check the hood to see if it will benefit from a clay rub. I have some protectant that is used on clear plastic lenses too.

 

That is good to know . After reading your reply I just checked the hood manufacturer's website. The hood manufacturer says that it comes with a clearcoat over the gel coat, but an additional coat will help to protect it longer. I'll have my local paint shop check it out and see if they can improve it. Thanks

 

If it already does have a coat of clear on it, then the power lock will be just fine. Thats a fantastic sealant with very good UV blocking capabilities. Re-apply every 6 months or so (less if garaged) and you will be good to go.

If you want to know to clay or not (if it is clear coated) put your hand in a plastic baggie and gently move your hand on the surface. If you feel at small bumps then go ahead and clay to make sure you get the best possible gloss and protection from embedded contaminants.

 

Okay thanks that sounds like a good way to go, I will run with the Menzerna then as I already have a supply of it. I'd see how it feels when it arrives and judge the claying as you have listed, thanks very much

 

As others have said, Menzerna Power Lock is an excellent choice.

I would maintain it with a good spray wax, like Optimum Car Wax. This product is packed full of UVA and UVA absorbers. Spray, wipe, and you're finished.

 

Awesome info, thanks very much, I will look into that spray wax. I appreciate all of the replies on this.

 

Let us know what you end up using and how it turns out!