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?"