Carbon fiber hulls, paint?

[Varooom]

I am considering a cf hull for my build, mostly because I like the look of cf.

Do you have to paint these hulls or can I run it as it comes?

Is a coat of clear required?

I am considering a cf Cheetah
thanks for your time,

Varooom

[siberianhusky]

Clear isn't required, up to you to decide if you want it though.
I'm a big fan of 2 part auto urethane clear coat, can be wet sanded then buffed to a super deep gloss that you look into.
Also almost as tough as epoxy....
I personally haven't found any one part clear that is anywhere near as good as the 2 part, You can get it from Napa in a single use spray bomb, push the button on the can shake to mix then spray.
Problem is it is kind of toxic, you need to use a carbon respirator when spraying it. Now that I'm a bit older and hopefully wiser I wear a respirator for all types of paint now. Need to hold on to the remaining brain cells, killed a few to many in my youth!

[srislash]

Clear is actually required. UV protectant clear. CF will breakdown in the sun as will epoxy/resin.

I use U-pol Clear#1. Pricey but brilliant.

I have some info in this thread on it http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...ker&highlight=

[siberianhusky]

WOW! Very cool, I learned something today! Thanks, I had no idea epoxy would break down under uv light.

[srislash]

WOW! Very cool, I learned something today! Thanks, I had no idea epoxy would break down under uv light.

Hence the gel coat, it protects the fibreglass.