I am skinning a wooden sword used for martial arts training. I have tried using carbon fibre sheet but wasn't happy, probably my technique.

I recently bought some Braided Carbon Fibre Sleeve 40mm and this fits the item "like a glove"

My questions is "if I apply a basecoat I'm afraid that the sleeve will grab onto the basecoat so that the braided sleeve won't stretch/deform into a tight fit. Can the sleeve be used without a basecoat? Using clear layer resin will allow the sleeve to glide into place. Please advise?"

Never heard of a base coat being needed. Sealing the wood and lightly sanding after will prevent resin from soaking into the wood and pulling resin out of the carbon.


Jason

The main 2 reasons for a basecoat in conventional skinning is to a) blot out the colour of the underlying object so nothing but black shows through the gaps in the carbon weave and b) to provide a tacky surface to help fibre adhesion when laying the fabric up.  

In your case the second reason is not necessary, so as suggested, allow the basecoat to tack off and then key with sandpaper.  You could brush on some mixed resin prior to sliding on the braid to act as a "lubricant" and also to help ensure there is enough resin to wet it out nicely as some of the braids are quite thick.  Definitely a gloves on method though as you will end up with your hands covered in resin.  You would then brush apply resin to finish wetting out the braid.

Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant