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HansenJC - 2/13/2019 6:57:54 PM

I have found one on-line vendor offering  UV inhibitor, but the video tutorials that are available do not discuss the need for any added step to protect carbon fiber products. Will the resin used in all three methods of Carbon Fiber fabrication (Resin Infusion, Hand Layup, and Prepreg) have UV inhibitors included in the resin chemistry?

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Lester Populaire - 2/14/2019 8:14:17 AM

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HansenJC - 2/13/2019 6:57:54 PM

I have found one on-line vendor offering  UV inhibitor, but the video tutorials that are available do not discuss the need for any added step to protect carbon fiber products. Will the resin used in all three methods of Carbon Fiber fabrication (Resin Infusion, Hand Layup, and Prepreg) have UV inhibitors included in the resin chemistry?

they usually do not. if you want serious UV protection i would recommend an automotive clearcoat on top of your parts.

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Warren (Staff) - 2/14/2019 12:03:39 PM

It all depends on the environment you use the parts in.  A lot of race and track cars are only outside for relatively few days or weeks of the year so never see significant UV exposure.  In most of northern Europe, the mixed weather again means the UV exposure is not that bad - we have seen bonnets on cars for almost 8 years now that have been kept outside and show no sign of yellowing.

If you are in the sunny states of the USA or the middle east, the massive increase in UV exposure means that you may well be better off having the part lacqered with a UV stable clear coat.