Carbon Fiber Refinish - Ducati 900SS/SP

So the 900SS/SP is now 26 years old and has been in my care for nearly 15 years. The 900SS/SP model was distinguished by (among other things) factory carbon fiber fenders (front and rear) and a carbon clutch cover. For a long time now these have been affected by the ravages of time and UV rays, and were looking dull and faded. I've been meaning to attend to them accordingly. Well now, I finally have.

Parts after refinishing

Basically, I watched a few YouTube videos about refinishing carbon fiber, and picked the method that seemed like the least amount of work. The materials required are shown here - 320 grit dry sandpaper, 400 grit wet sandpaper, and rattle-can gloss clearcoat with UV protection. That's it. 

You start by cleaning your part with acetone or other grease remover, then scuff it up with the 320 grit. Rinse off the dust and dry the part, then wet it and your 400 grit sandpaper down and wetsand the part. Once you're done, rinse well and leave to dry. 

The part will look terrible once it's dried, but that's OK - once it's cleared you'll see a million percent improvement - the theory is that whatever the part looks like when wetted down with water, will be what it looks like once it's clearcoated. 

So then you apply the clear in light coats, from not too close up. I used three coats but had to sand down and recoat the clutch cover and rear fender because the clear ran all over the place. Looks better now albeit not perfect.

But whatever - the parts look far better than they ever have since I've owned the bike, and I saved hundred$ over the cost of new carbon in doing this basic refinishing myself:

• 320 grit sandpaper: $7
• 400 grit sandpaper: $7
• Rattlecan of clearcoat: $9.50

Have fun and stay safe!