What chemicals would you use to clean carbon fiber parts (e.g., fairing, exhaust pipes)? In time the look of CF fades, and I wish I could revive the gloss it had. Can I wax it and spray it with a fresh layer of clearcoat? If I do that to CF mufflers (they get hot) - would that affect any polish/clearcoat applied to them?

 

If the parts are REAL Carbon Fiber encased in an epoxy resin, there's not much you can do. Epoxy resin breaks down in sunlight. You can use plastic polish to restore the "gloss" of the resin, which will make it appear clear so you can see the CF underneath, but eventually, you'll run out of epoxy coating and the CF will be exposed. all Laminates (fiberglass and CF) should be painted to protect them from sunlight.

True Carbon Fiber (the inner weave) does NOT break down from sunlight or heat. If the CF is loosing the normal "black/grey" weave colors, chances are it's not REAL CF, or a mix of Carbon and Kevlar. The Kevlar doesn't like the heat, but the Carbon should be unaffected. Epoxies also don't like heat. They break down under high temps. The only solution there is to use some kind of heat shielding (not possible with mufflers). Some epoxies deal with heat "better" than others, but all will eventually break down under extended high temps.

CF is wonderful stuff if used right, but just like fiberglass, it has it's limitations. Anything CF should be painted to protect it. It shouldn't be used in high heat apllications without proper heat shielding.

 

I have an old set of D&D pipes with good quality CF that I treat like paint. I use the same chemicals/process in this order: rubbing compound, polish compound, scratch remover, and then a wax. On the really scratched up areas like the bands from the hangers, I'll start with superfine steel wool then the chemical steps. The laquer seems to respond to this just like a clearcoat on paint.

Usual disclaimer: try this first on a inconspicuous (sp?) place with your particular CF and see if the results are satisfactory.