How to Polish a Carbon Fiber Hood
Carbon fiber hoods are loved by many car enthusiasts because they are durable and yet weigh very little compared to other hoods. Polishing these hoods is similar to polishing fiberglass hoods. In most cases, unless the hood is seriously blemished, you can polish carbon fiber hoods by hand to a high, beautiful shine. All you'll need is a few supplies, which are readily available from automotive stores, an hour or two of spare time and a clear, rain-free day.
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Things You'll Need
- Car wash shampoo
- Garden hose
- Bucket
- Soft towel
- Car polish (by Sonus, Turtle, Meguiar's, or similar car polish brands)
- Foam applicator
- Microfiber polishing cloth
Instructions
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1
Mix water and car wash shampoo in a bucket. Wash the hood thoroughly to remove greasy residue and dirt particles. Dirt and grit left on a hood can scratch the finish when you polish it--so make sure it is clean. Dry the hood well with a soft, lint-free towel.
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2
Apply car polish to a foam applicator. If the hood has areas of anodizing or swirl marks--either of which can occur on carbon fiber hoods--apply polish to these areas first. Work on these areas longer than other parts of the hood. Rub the polish in with the foam applicator, using back and forth strokes.
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3
Apply polish, using the foam applicator, to the rest of the hood in sections (approximately 2 feet square at a time). Don't rush through this--taking time to rub the polish in does make a difference.
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4
Use a clean microfiber polishing cloth to buff the entire hood. When finished, inspect the hood again for any problem areas--these may require a little more polish.
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Tips & Warnings
Some polishes are better than others at treating swirl marks or other hood blemishes. Most will state on the label what the product is best for.
Polishing by hand is sufficient for most polishing jobs; however, significant anodizing or deep swirl marks may require power polishers or professional assistance.
