Matte Finish on Carbon Fiber Part


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KingsleyHill
KingsleyHill
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I am making a new glare shield (dashboard) for an airplane.  My first pass at this using a mold and carbon fiber and kevlar (strong so you can grab hold of it to get in/out of the seat) resulted in a very shiny product that while being very pretty (carbon fiber look through clear gel coat) reflected the sun and sky onto the windshield.  What I need to do is make the surface as non-reflective as possible while still preserving the beauty of the carbon fiber material.  How can I do that?  
Hanaldo
Hanaldo
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I would rub it up with some very fine sand paper. 2000 grit would work though may be a little bit too dull and the scratches may be a little too obvious. I would use 3000 or even 5000 if you can find it. 

The other method I have done though don't personally like because it adds unnecessary weight, is to apply a light layer of resin over the top of the part and then put peel ply on it. The peel ply finish can give quite a nice 'dry' appearance, though it obviously won't be smooth to the touch if that matters. 
FLD
FLD
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Scotchbrites are good if you want to do the scratch approach or just spray it in a matte lacquer.  Don't forget it would need a lacquer anyway for UV protection.
KingsleyHill
KingsleyHill
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Thanks for the responses...

I use a clear polyester gel coat which gives me the UV protection (and seems not to complain when I use epoxy resin in the layup).  But the concept of spraying a matte lacquer sounds good.

The peel ply concept would be ok if the finish isn't too rough.

Is there something I can do in the mold or in the lay up or gel coat phase?
Edited 10 Years Ago by KingsleyHill
FLD
FLD
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You could scotchbrite the mould before applying the release agent.  The finish of the part is the same as the mould so it should work.
KingsleyHill
KingsleyHill
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FLD (10/05/2014)
You could scotchbrite the mould before applying the release agent.  The finish of the part is the same as the mould so it should work.


I was wondering if that would work or whether it would cause the part to stick in the mold.  Any idea on what grade of Scotchbrite you'd use?  I can experiment but I'd throw a bunch of parts away ... or I just make a flat mold and make a handful of panels with different Scotchbrite types until I find what I want.  Thank you.
ajb100
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If your mould is mirror shine now, start with the softest and keep going through to the firmer stuff until you get the surface you want, that will then be the finish your carbon parts will have
FLD
FLD
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Well, I'm a bit pikey so I'd start with the rough side of a washing up sponge.
GO

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