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cfrpbhs
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Hello,
I am currently producing an infused complex carbon fiber part with a clear gelcoat CRYSTIC GELCOAT 253PA by Scott Bader. After some testing we concluded that multiple very thin passes need to be applied to avoid the gelcoat from getting cloudy. This being said we have to rely on the gelcoat operators expertise and the part in particular is extremely difficult due to deep cavities. I was thinking about infusing the part without a gelcoat and then applying an automotive clear coat on the part as a solution.
What are your thoughts on this? Any suggestions for an in mould applicable clear gelcoat that would have good cohesion with epoxy and not get cloudy when exposed to the sun?
What does the automotive industry do to avoid this?
Thank you
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Warren (Staff)
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Many of our customers go down the clear coat route where added UV protection is needed. In mould Gelcoats can work with infusion and do have their place but in our experience, simpler flat panels are generally more successful at getting a even coat using a cup gun than the more complex shapes.
Many good quality parts are infused without gelcoats and in temperate climates don't get even a lacquer coating as it is not needed. Sunnier climes or parts likely to spend more time outdoors, the added UV protection of a good quality automotive clear coat can be beneficial.
Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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Classicarbon
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+xMany of our customers go down the clear coat route where added UV protection is needed. In mould Gelcoats can work with infusion and do have their place but in our experience, simpler flat panels are generally more successful at getting a even coat using a cup gun than the more complex shapes. Many good quality parts are infused without gelcoats and in temperate climates don't get even a lacquer coating as it is not needed. Sunnier climes or parts likely to spend more time outdoors, the added UV protection of a good quality automotive clear coat can be beneficial. Can the gelcoat be applied with brush?
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MarkMK
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The product that EC sells is best applied via a cup gun, but East Coast Fibreglass sell a version that is a bit thicker and more suited to brush application. It's badged as EC252a on their site and, I think, is probably sourced from the same manufacturer? I can't vouch for the cosmetic results you might achieve via brush application, though, as an uneven coating will likely impact the look of the cosmetic appearance of the fabric. Careful application is required to get as even a finish as possible. You do lose a little clarity even with spray application but the advantages of using it outweigh any downsides, in my opinion.
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Warren (Staff)
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You can apply some gels by brush but it isn't recommended for infusion. This is because it is hard to avoid brush marks and when infused, the fabric is pressed on the uneven surface distorting it slightly so you can see some fibre distortion when brushed gel is infused. Brushed gel is fine for wet lay or vacuum bagging as there is a layer of wet resin between the gel and cloth for the cloth to float on and even things out.
Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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Classicarbon
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+xYou can apply some gels by brush but it isn't recommended for infusion. This is because it is hard to avoid brush marks and when infused, the fabric is pressed on the uneven surface distorting it slightly so you can see some fibre distortion when brushed gel is infused. Brushed gel is fine for wet lay or vacuum bagging as there is a layer of wet resin between the gel and cloth for the cloth to float on and even things out. So if not brush then better to use only clear coat after part is ready?
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MarkMK
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If you've got the space in which to do it, then investing in a compressor and cup gun would be the easiest DIY solution so that you can use the spray in-mould coating Failing that, spraying the parts with an auto-quality 2-pack clear coat is another way of having your parts coated. This would most likely entail finding a professional sprayer to complete the job, though, as not a job to tackle in the garage given the additional safety requirements
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Classicarbon
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+xIf you've got the space in which to do it, then investing in a compressor and cup gun would be the easiest DIY solution so that you can use the spray in-mould coating Failing that, spraying the parts with an auto-quality 2-pack clear coat is another way of having your parts coated. This would most likely entail finding a professional sprayer to complete the job, though, as not a job to tackle in the garage given the additional safety requirements Yeah,you read my mind. I'm begginer so if part come out right will think about next steps. So it's fine to use mould release, wax etc. To be able take the part out?
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MarkMK
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If you do opt to use something like the GC50 in-mould gel coat, then semi-permanent release agent is all that would need to get reliable releases. As Warren said, application by brush wouldn't work well if processing parts via infusion, as the hardened surface of the coating would end up too uneven to provide a good cosmetic finish
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