PPF on carbon roof

[repoman89]

Worth it? It can't exactly be repainted if it gets dinged with a rock or etched by something, so thought covering it might be prudent. Is there any concern with removing the material down the line?

[Cronenberged]

Roof already clear coated or exposed weave?

[repoman89]

Roof already clear coated or exposed weave?

Karb roof, so clear coated. I spoke with an installer and he wouldn’t make any claims about removing it down the line and peeling the clear away since it’s an aftermarket part, just was wondering about anyone on here’s experiences and ideas!

[Cronenberged]

Should be fine as long you treat the clear coat before install. Wouldn't be any different than installing it on paint work. Unless your clear is a single stage.

[repoman89]

Hmm I guess they call it a UV protective high gloss varnish or lacquer rather than clear coat depending where you look. Sounds a little less confidence inspiring re: peeling away on removal. I’ll reach out to them, they’re pretty good about answering stuff like this.

[usdmej]

Worth it? It can't exactly be repainted if it gets dinged with a rock or etched by something, so thought covering it might be prudent. Is there any concern with removing the material down the line?

pros
- a reasonable degree of added protection
- the convenience of being able to temporarily throw things on the roof when you're loading your car


cons:
- cost
- all ppf will eventually fade, and when it does your roof will look like a cheap cf wrap job
- removal is inherently risky and whether or not the paint will go with it depends on the quality of the paintjob you started with
- any incidental contact where you want to repair a section pretty much requires doing the whole panel

[BMWahba]

I'm speaking from my own experience here, so take it with a grain of salt. I had a carbon roof installed on my car, and when I did it, I had it clear coated with additional clear as Karbonius said they recommended that. After 1 summer in the Florida heat, the roof started developing small hairline cracks in the resin, I could feel them with my finger tips.

Karbonius replaced the roof under warranty - they claimed it was because early roofs had too thick of a resin and they've seen it where it would crack in the heat. However, I think this go around, I will be going the extra safe route and applying PPF to it. The PPF is much thicker than clear coat and has all the UV properties that you'd want in a clear coat with additional protection.

I think the early roof resins being too thick paired with the intense Florida heat caused mine to start doing weird things, but I think you're just gonna be better off PPF'ing it and replacing the film as it ages. EXPEL Film is recommended and lasts a long time. There's also no real concern of it peeling material up if it's installed at a good shop.

[Toby22]

I have ppf on my Karbonious roof. Well worth it imo

[ra2fanatic]

ppf on my RKP also. No regrets. Extra piece of mind. Just do it.

[Casa de Mesa]

I'll have to ask Slon Workshop about this. Been wondering about PPF or not on it, the timing of this thread is perfect.

[COVID-19]

From what I heard on other forms and a friend who does PPF. Both mentioned that clear doesn’t bond to carbon fiber as good as other material. And if u ever try to take it off to be mindful that it could potentially pull some of that clear. But he still recommends adding PPF (xpel)

[L0okitzRaj]

I highly suggest you ppf the roof, as it protects it from a lot of different types of abuse(scratches and uv). Fading/yellowing will always happen with anything you put in the Sun, however newer clear bra won’t fade and turn into the piss yellow stuff you see on old cars(or anywhere close). The technology has changed since then. Also, just like anything else, the better you take care of it ( I’m sure you do if you have a cf roof) the longer it will last.

My suggestion is that you verify quality paint/clear that have been used (or get it recleared from a trusted body shop). Ppf will only remove paint on removal if the paint quality is shit or wasn’t cured correctly.

(I install ppf professionally)

[Toby22]

From what I heard on other forms and a friend who does PPF. Both mentioned that clear doesn’t bond to carbon fiber as good as other material. And if u ever try to take it off to be mindful that it could potentially pull some of that clear. But he still recommends adding PPF (xpel)

I’ve carelessly pulled my ppf off my cf roof w/ no steam etc. Literally just pulled it off. No damage whatsoever. Got another put on.

[COVID-19]

I’ve carelessly pulled my ppf off my cf roof w/ no steam etc. Literally just pulled it off. No damage whatsoever. Got another put on.

Nice

[Epsilon]

Is it better to seal the epoxy surface with protection (ie. ceramic coat) first before PPF?