This large carbon fibre piece in need of some TLC, but it's not on a car. My desk is made of CF and due to poor cleaning techniques (how many times do I have to explain to not use Pledge and a paper towel???), it's looking very bad. There are heavy swirls and deep scratches on the top I want to correct. Given the value and rarety of this piece, I am reluctant to have this outsourced. This is what I'm working with... I did a small test area with the rotary. IP on a foamed wool pad at 600 rpm and very light pressure, followed by IP again on a blue finishing pad at 900 rpm, and finished the section with 106 on black at 900 rpm. The products broke down easily, but when using the wool, there was an odor similar to heated resin and a blue coloration on the pad. Visually all but the deepest scratches are gone, but I'm concerned about the smell and substance on the pad. Test Area... My second area of concern is spots of milkyness that is developing under the resin. Any clues as to what is going on here? Any recommendations or concerns with this project?
Lots of carbon fiber manufacturers use gelcoat instead of clearcoat. That might have something to do with it. I had my bodyshop guy put an extra coat or two of clear on my CF hood when I got it.
Try to find out if the topcoat is a gel coat or a epoxy with clear on top. If it is a gel coat look for polish made for gel coats. Some options detailing with CF: 1. use 106FF with a white pad and see if it works 2. Use IP on a orange or white pad follow with 106FF 3. This is the scary one - wet sand and apply a quality clear (ONLY do if you know how to do it right and paint it correctly and if needed. If there is a paint thickness gauge that can work on CF i would try to see if you can use that and see what you are working with. Breaking the clear on CF is not a good thing as you cant just apply on top of it because it messes up the weave. Side note, that is a amazing table!
Thanks. The only information I can get from the company is this; It is the same material and process as Ferrari Interior Trim. They have not said whether it is a poly or epoxy resin nor what the top is coated with. I do know that the "clear" is quite thick, approx 2 - 3mm. Given it is nearly 20 years old and never was a consumer retail item, I can understand their reluctance to give me information. I just don't want to f it up, but am sick of looking at it in this state.
Did you get the table from Ferrari . I think the Ferrari is clear coated if i am not mistaken but mille has some sound advice as he works for a company that makes them. But, clear coating the top can do two things, 1. gives a good finish once you put a nice clear on also 2. you will know that it is automotive clear and you can use a fine polish to clear up any scratches. More pics of said table from distance please, if possible
