Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Adding finishing-layer - How?

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic1011.aspx

By brummelisa - 3/13/2012 7:10:57 PM

Hi,

I'm building a bike-frame using plug and vacuum-bagging.

Soon, all my CF-wrapped plugs are ready to assemble, but now I'm starting to wonder how I should add the finishing layer.
I don't mean the layers connecting each frame-piece, but the last layer (when the frame is complete).

Whenever I have added CF to my plug I have used both technique of just adding wet layers or pre-paint the plug with resin and 
when it is sticky I have added the CF.

But, no mater what technique I use I wonder how I can add the last layer without absolutely no CF-thread to start breaking up from the layer.
I hope you understand what I mean.

/ Marcus
By fgayford - 5/29/2013 3:36:06 AM

Demlotcrew (28/05/2013)
fgayford (16/01/2013)
Hi Marcus
Just an Idea. I think what you are saying is that you have your bike done in carbon fiber but now want to apply a top layer for cosmetic looks. If that is the case why don't you treat it as if you are going to do a carbon fiber skinning described else where in this forum.
It goes something like this. Brush on a even coat of skinning epoxy, let it get to the almost tack free state and now smooth on the dry carbon fiber which will stick very evenly and then brush on the layers of skinning epoxy as described in the skinning method.
Don't use regular epoxy because it is just not thick enough and too runny. Buy the easy composites skinning epoxy. I have tried this and it works fantastically. You then block sand flat and then spray a number of coats of 2k auto clear. Wet sand and polish and it will look great.
Hope this helps.
Fred 


Fred, does this method create strong parts? 

What about the the fast set repair resin, is that the strongest available? (For skinning). 

https://www.easycomposites.co.uk/rapid-repair-epoxy-resin

Andrew
Well your bike you have made is already carbon as you described so a skin layer will add some more strength. Skinning resin is not the same as laminating resin so don't try it that way. The EC skinning resin is super thick and a pleasure to use. A small amount goes a long way.

Fred