Carbon fiber adds high-end, high-performance appeal to vehicles, but polishing it requires a delicate touch. Unlike painted metal panels, carbon fiber is often coated with a clear resin or clear coat that’s thinner, more prone to heat damage, and easier to haze if you use the wrong technique.
Whether you’re correcting oxidation, light scratches, or restoring gloss, here’s the Detail King Training Institute’s approach to safely polish carbon fiber.
Understanding Carbon Fiber Surfaces
Before reaching for a polisher or pad, it’s critical to know what kind of finish you’re working with:
- Clear-Coated Carbon Fiber: Common on hoods, spoilers, and trim. Polishes like standard paint but with a thinner top layer—risk of burning through is higher.
- Raw/Matte Carbon Fiber: No polish here! Use only matte-safe products or ceramic coatings designed for textured surfaces.
This guide focuses on how to polish clear-coated carbon fiber, which is safe to correct if you’re cautious and follow the right steps.
How to Polish Carbon Fiber by Machine or Hand
Step 1: Clean and Decontaminate
Wash the panel thoroughly with pH-balanced soap. Follow up with a clay bar if needed to remove any bonded contaminants. The surface should be smooth and squeaky clean before you polish.
Step 2: Assess the Finish
Inspect under good lighting to identify swirls, oxidation, or clear coat failure. If the finish looks dull or scratched but still intact, it’s a good candidate for polishing.
Step 3: Choose the Right Polish and Pad
Use a fine-cut polish or carbon fiber-specific product, something like Detail King’s Foam Pad Glaze or a finishing polish designed for sensitive surfaces.
For pads:
- Foam finishing pad (soft)
- Microfiber pad (only if more correction is needed)
Avoid aggressive compounds or heavy cutting pads unless necessary.
Step 4: Machine Polish (or Hand Polish)
Using a DA or orbital polisher set to a low speed (3–4), work in small sections:
- Apply 3–4 pea-sized dots of polish
- Light pressure, slow arm speed
- 3–4 section passes, overlapping slightly
- Wipe residue with a clean microfiber towel
Polishing by hand? Use a soft foam applicator, light pressure, and circular motions. This takes longer but is safer for sensitive edges.
Step 5: Inspect and Repeat if Needed
After each section, inspect with an inspection light. Repeat the process on deeper imperfections, or finish with a less aggressive pad for added clarity.
Step 6: Protect the Finish
Once the carbon fiber looks flawless, protect it with a ceramic coating or sealant. This locks in the clarity and prevents oxidation or UV damage. Avoid waxes with abrasives, and never use harsh APCs on polished carbon fiber.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to polish carbon fiber is essential for any detailer working on exotics, performance cars, or high-end trim. The key is caution: lighter products, slower speeds, and proper inspection. With the right polish, pad, and technique, you can restore the deep, wet look carbon fiber is known for—without compromising the integrity of the panel.
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