Do I need to seal the carbon weave edges before painting?

Yes. Sand and prep the entire surface, then apply a quality clear coat or protective sealer to exposed carbon edges before base coat application. This prevents moisture ingress and protects the weave structure long-term.

Will the carbon fiber yellow or fade without UV protection?

Carbon fiber itself is UV-stable, but unprotected clear coat will degrade over time. A durable clear coat applied during your finish process provides the best protection against yellowing and UV damage.

Can I leave this unpainted if I apply clear coat directly?

You can apply clear coat over the primer surface, but sanding the panel first ensures proper adhesion and a smoother final finish. Single-stage or two-stage paint systems will deliver better durability than clear coat alone.