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Carbon Fibre care

The Truth About Carbon Fibre and Yellowing Carbon Fibre is not cheap and it should be treated with care. No matter where your carbon fibre comes from , cheap or expensive, pre-preg or wet , it will yellow and fade over time if it’s not properly looked after. The main cause of this is UV exposure from the sun, which breaks down the clear coat and resin over time. We have a 6 month guarantee on all our Carbon products however if looked after properly , your part can last many many years. The good news? With the right care, you can slow this down massively. How to Make Carbon Fibre Last Longer: 1. Regular Cleaning Dust, dirt, and contaminants ( especially bird droppings ) can damage the clear coat if left sitting on the surface. - Wash your carbon parts regularly using a PH-neutral car shampoo , finishing off the wash with a wax is great as it acts as a sacrificial layer that will get damaged before the clear coat, similar to ceramic coating but not as long lasting - Avoid harsh chemicals or strong degreasers - Use a soft microfiber cloth to prevent scratches 2. Apply Paint Protection (PPF or Ceramic Coating) One of the best ways to protect carbon fibre is by adding a protective ( sacrificial ) layer: - PPF (Paint Protection Film), physically protects against chips, scratches, and UV rays - Ceramic coating adds a strong layer of UV protection and makes cleaning easier 3. Keep It Out of the Sun When Possible - the best cure is preventing the cause !!! UV rays are the biggest enemy of carbon fibre. - Park in shaded areas or a garage whenever possible - Use a car cover if the car sits outside for long periods Even small habits like this make a big difference over time. Carbon fibre isn’t maintenance-free but if you take care of it properly, it can look incredible for years. The key thing to remember is that UV exposure will always win eventually if the carbon isn’t protected. A bit of maintenance goes a long way. Protect it early, clean it properly, and your carbon parts will stay looking sharp for much longer.

Pre-Peg VS Wet Carbon

What is Pre-Peg Carbon Fiber ? Pre-peg carbon fiber is manufactured with resin already infused into the carbon weave under controlled conditions. These parts are then cured in high-pressure ovens (autoclaves), resulting in extremely strong, lightweight, and consistent components. What are the benefits of Pre-Peg Carbon ? - Lighter weight ,this is something to consider for large components like bonnets and trunks if you are looking to save weight. - Stronger and more durable, important for components such as wings that experience huge forces during high speed. - Perfect weave alignment , Pre-Peg is much more uniform than wet carbon , you won't see any milky haze , dimples in the resin , resin pools or distorted weaves. - Better heat resistance ideal for engine bay components such as engine covers , strut braces and intakes. - Increased UV resistance due to the curing process in the Autoclave , very important for the longevity of parts in harsh sun of South Africa. Pre-peg parts also don't have an ABS base structure like many Wet Carbon parts, they are pure carbon. This is important for parts such as mirror caps as wet carbon can detach and warp from the ABS base over time due to heat and warping. - Superior Fitment , Pre-Peg parts are far more consistent in shape and size , they also allow for better clips to be attached or built into the mould. If you prize high quality , good fitment and longevity , Pre-Peg Carbon is the best option for your build. What is Wet Carbon Fiber ? Wet carbon fiber (wet layup) is made by applying resin manually to dry carbon sheets. This method is far more common in the aftermarket world because it’s cheaper and easier to produce. You’ll usually find wet carbon used for: Benefits of Wet Carbon: - More affordable , this can ge a good option for lips as they can be damaged easily and more affordable to replace. - Easier to repair locally However, wet carbon parts are generally: - Heavier due to excess resin - More prone to imperfections like air bubbles, slight weave distortion , mily resin or resin pools. - More susceptible to UV damage - Can detach from base structure and warp In the end the choice depends on a few things: budget , goals for the build and whether you daily the car. We always recommend Pre-Peg as the quality and longevity outweighs the small price difference between the two. However Wet Carbon also has great applications and is also budget friendly.