Everybody adores carbon fibre. The material is versatile in that it is both lightweight and robust. Many people are unaware that carbon fibre requires special treatment to extend its life. So, what happens if part of the care that carbon fibre needs has been neglected? This article will help you understand how to restore and repair your car’s carbon fibre bonnet.
Is Your Carbon Fibre Bonnet Looking Old?
Carbon, like paint and metal, deteriorates without regular maintenance. The outer surface of the carbon component deteriorates slowly due to oxidation. Damage to carbon fibre’s glossy coating makes it lose its shine over time, giving the material a worn, old appearance. This happens with both paint and oxidised metal components. The carbon fibers’ binding resin becomes yellow when exposed to ultraviolet light. Without repairing the underlying problem, no waxing or polishing can bring back the shine.
Is it Possible to Repair Carbon Fibre?
Thankfully, yes! Carbon fibre that has become dull or faded may be renewed with the right approach. Depending on the damage’s extent, repaired carbon fibre can have a long life span. Fixing anything may be classified as either aesthetic or structural.
Aesthetic Repair
The carbon fibre on your sports car’s hood or spoiler may get scratched or lose its shiny appearance after a long drive. To conceal the damage and restore the area’s “fresh” appearance, aesthetic restoration is necessary. The carbon fibre component’s structural integrity may be easily restored without sacrificing appearance. Although special equipment is not required, having an automated polishing machine simplifies the procedure.
Structural Repair
If you’re unlucky enough to pump your automobile into a pothole or another vehicle on the roadway, you’ll need a structural repair that fixes the damage. It takes more expertise and a lot of hard work to fix structural damage. The strands on the carbon portion are woven together in a certain direction, which increases the difficulty of structural repairs to carbon fibre. As a result, the technician must think about the total number of fibres and their orientation. Moreover, to maintain the same qualities, each layer of carbon fibre must be a replica of the first. Remember that parts of your car or its accessories may be permanently damaged and beyond repair.
How do you restore carbon fibre?
1. The first step is to get rid of any surface contamination.
Get rid of any dirt or oxidation that could be on the surface of the component. Apply a cleaning spray to a microfiber cleaning cloth, and use it to wash and wipe the treated area.
2. Sand off the old, faded coat.
Once the part has been cleaned, the damaged coating can be removed with sandpaper. Sanding the surface of the carbon fibre bonnet when wet produces a tan or yellowish residue. Take care not to cause any more harm than necessary throughout this process.
3. The next step is to repair cracks or chips in the clear coat.
After sanding, a final inspection should be carried out to ensure that the part is free of cracks or large chips. If imperfections like cracks or chips, you should fix them using resin. It would help if you waited overnight for the resin to cure fully.
4. Apply the new finish and polish until satisfied.
When ready, apply the fresh coating and buff it with a machine until the part is shining. This process can be repeated several times using additional layers to guarantee that the component receives an adequate amount of the substance.