Fixing a scratch in Carbon Fibre? | FerrariChat
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Fixing a scratch in Carbon Fibre?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Challenge64, Jan 15, 2011.

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  1. Challenge64

    Challenge64 F1 Veteran
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    Ron
    #1 Challenge64, Jan 15, 2011
    What is the best way to fix scratches in the Carbon Fibre clear coat over stock Ferrari (as opposed to aftermarket) Carbon Fibre?

    I can feel the scratch with my fingernail and it doesn't seem too deep and not all the way through. Ideas?
     
  2. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    chris
    #2 cf355, Jan 15, 2011
    What is the difference between "Ferrari" carbon fiber and "aftermarket" carbon fiber?..... they are either carbon fiber or they are not.
    I have repaired real carbon fiber (motorcycle gas tank protectors) with light scratches by lightly wet sanding with 1000 grit paper (to get rid of the scratch) followed by polishing with a rubbing compound.
    If the scratch is very light however, I would try first with the polishing compound alone ....see how that comes out before any water sanding
    Should come out like new.
     
  3. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
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    #3 Nuvolari, Jan 15, 2011
    No difference between OEM carbon and the quality aftermarket stuff. That said to correct a scratch first try some rubbing compound however if the scratch is too deep fill the scratch with some clear touch up paint (any kind works perfect), let it dry well, then water sand and polish to a perfect shine. The repair will be almost invisible and is easier and cheaper than re-clear coating the whole part.
     
  4. Challenge64

    Challenge64 F1 Veteran
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    #4 Challenge64, Jan 15, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2011
    The scratch is in the clear finish over the carbon fiber. I would image (like Ferrari paint jobs) a Ferrari clear coat is a different thickness than an aftermarket finish. So a thinner clear coat (I imagine) would require more care in wet sanding the clear coat. I tried polishing compound and the scratch is too deep. On to the next step. Thanks!
     
  5. finnerty

    finnerty F1 World Champ

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    #5 finnerty, Jan 16, 2011
    About 3 times the cost!
     
  6. notenuphstuph

    notenuphstuph Formula Junior

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    Ivor Hewjun
    #6 notenuphstuph, Jan 16, 2011
    AHHH,, the black art of wet / colour /color sanding,,be carefull, BE VERY CAREFULL
     
  7. Challenge64

    Challenge64 F1 Veteran
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    #7 Challenge64, Jan 19, 2011
    update - I have been using a polishing compound only so far..and the scratch is all but gone. It would take a very sharp eye to spot any scratch now!
     
  8. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    #8 cf355, Jan 19, 2011
    Excellent
     
  9. naford

    naford Karting

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    #9 naford, May 31, 2014
    What is the best polishing compound, live in the UK ... just wondered what to buy, have the same .. slight scratch on the carbon fibre shroud around rev counter ?
     
  10. cheesey

    cheesey Formula 3

    Jun 23, 2011
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    #10 cheesey, Jun 5, 2014
    as the OP found out using an abrasive solved the problem... which abrasive is appropriate ( better )... depends on the task... polishing compound is a abrasive... the only thing that matters is the "grit" or cutting ability not the brand... light / shallow scratches do not need much to clear them while deep scratches need a heavier abrasive. A clear finish is much like "plastic" headlight covers.... stone chips etc and other damage may need a multi step process starting with a "sand paper" with a courser grit before moving on to a finer grit and finally polishing compounds.

    recoating clear coated carbon fiber is easily accomplished if one is experienced...it's a like refinishing wood... using the wrong product and poor prep can lead to a disaster in a short time when done wrong... the end result is that the new finish will peel like the clear wrapper off a pack of cigarettes... the issue is compatibility of the materials ( resins ) used and poor prep. Bad refinishes may look great initially but will not last
     
  11. docf

    docf Formula 3

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    #11 docf, Jun 5, 2014
    Buy a Lexan windshield repair kit from an aviation site. The sand paper goes to 8000 grit along with lube for the sanding. Sand and polish in the direction of the scratch, not perpendicular. Start with a 1000 -3000 sand paper, then move up the line to the finer
     

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