Need some fiber in my diet (Carbon Fiber that is...)

[MattO]

I'm about to embark on yet another project that I probably can't afford, but I'm going to anyway.

I'm picking up a 2005 GMC Canyon and want to add a Tonneau cover to it, but I want to add a twist to the usual boring bolt-on. I want to lay a sheet of carbon fiber over the top of the fiberglass structure and then paint over it, leaving an area (in the form of some sort of graphic) in raw carbon fiber. Some questions I had were:

1. How many coats of paint does it usually take to cover the weave of the carbon fiber so you can't see it through the paint?

2. I know that carbon fiber is allergic to UV rays and turns brown after prolonged exposure. How effective will a normal clear coat be at protecting it, or do I need to save up and get some of the same type of clear used on the parts for the ZR-1 Corvette?

[Karl Buchka]

The carbon itself isn't affected by UV light. Polyester resin will break down if exposed to UV light. Epoxy resin will not.

[elitecustombody]

just use premium epoxy resin to laminate, after paint, clearcoat the whole lid and it'll last for long time