As most of you know, I purchased the carbon fiber panel from Aerosport Products. Once I stop grumbling under my breath about how much it cost, I really have to admit I absolutely love this thing! The modularity and the look of it was well worth it to me, I can't imagine my panel without it at this point.
If you go this route, a couple tidbits to point out. First, although you cant really tell when you get it because it looks darn good, it doesn't have a finish on it yet. It is basically raw, right out of the mold. Carbon fiber, and fiberglass for that matter, do not like UV radiation. What you'll need to do is apply a clear UV coat to the panel.
First you need to scuff the surface. I used some fine grit sandpaper and scotchbrite to dull the finish. Don't go so deep to get to the fibers. Then scrub it with the scotchbrite and acetone to remove any leftover mold wax. Don't worry, it will dull during this process, perfectly normal and desired to get a good surface to paint.
I was planning to buy a quart of good quality clear UV. Don't buy cheap stuff, you don't want to redo this in a couple years. I found a local Sherwin Williams auto paint store here in Boulder and asked the guy about what he had. He asked me the size of my panel, and then said, I have just what you need. He pointed me to this rattle can. I recoiled...and said everything that comes out of a rattle can is crap...no? He said, not so fast...not this stuff. Its a patented delivery system. Its a actually a two part paint, it actually is the good stuff. You depress a plunger in the bottom of the can and it releases the catalyst. You shake it and you're ready to shoot. It will be usable for 48 hrs after mixing for touch ups. Best thing is, it was only $25...vs. $100 for a quart. Finally found a good deal during this build!
It worked flawlessly! I highly recommend it if you can find some. I put three coats on, although I probably should have stopped at two, which the paint guy recommended. I got two very small runs on the last coat...but you can hardly see them so I left 'em alone. It really came out great...considering I had never shot clear before. It is pretty glossy however...which I didn't think I'd like, but man does it look purdy. We'll see how bad the canopy glare is?
Anyway, bottom line, prep your panel with UV clear or it will turn yellow and degrade in the sun. These babies cost too much not to protect them well. Happy painting!
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