I want to do a cosmetic skinning to my work desk, using spread-tow 15mm 2/2 twill


I want to do a cosmetic skinning to my work desk, using spread-tow 15mm 2/2 twill
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TDShimo
TDShimo
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I would like to freshen the look of my workstation by applying a carbon fibre skin to this desktop. This application means that the carbon fibre won't need to have any structural strength, merely cosmetic. I'd like to use a large-pattern cloth, like spread-tow 15mm 2/2 twill. You can see from the photos that the desk is a boomerang shape, with a number of different curves. The dimensions of the desk are [EDIT: Changed specs - it's larger, critically, in the max depth] 43 1/4" max depth, 88 5/8" width, and approximately 1" thick, with a few other contours shown (or, 1.1M x 2.25M x 25mm). I'd like it to have a high-gloss finish, or possibly, a nice, even matte finish with some texture. The substrate is some kind of fibre-reinforced resin. I'd like to wet lay the CF on the desktop, and wrap it around underneath just enough so it is cosmetically pleasing (though not cover the underside). 

Questions: 
- Is a 15mm 2/2 twill appropriate for this application (with these contours), or am I looking at a challenging application?
- How many layers would be necessary?
- Does the 0.95M + 25mm (x2) dimension present a problem with standard fabric sizes/rolls?
- Is it reasonable to expect a nice, even, glossy finish without using a mould? Or, would it be more appropriate to try for a matte finish? 
- If this project is feasible, is there a kit available from Easy Composites that would be appropriate?


Thanks for your guidance!

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Uploads/Images/094d3110-530c-4e3d-96e1-7b1b.png




http://www.talkcomposites.com/Uploads/Images/25e4b937-8999-47b8-9b8f-dce.jpeg

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Uploads/Images/80d8bcd4-ca86-48fb-b3c0-d3d.jpeg
Edited 11 Years Ago by TDShimo
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fgayford
fgayford
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TDShimo (02/01/2015)
fgayford - I didn't use the "tried and true" methods principally because this was the first time I have worked with any of the materials. I'd never even seen raw carbon fiber fabric before this, and hadn't worked with epoxy at all. With the fabric, I had so little extra material in the 50"-wide roll for wrapping that I wanted to maximize working time and flexibility, as well as achieving a strong wrap on the edges without bagging. So I made a novice's judgment call and, after watching videos with the spray adhesive technique, determined that it'd be optimal to try this method. I also didn't know two things with the epoxy: tack time, and sandability. I felt that I'd screw up tack time and end up either getting poor adhesion, or having unevenness that wouldn't be sandable. Had I known these attributes, I would have approached it differently. 

matthieutje65 - yes, that is an excellent tutorial, but I needed to develop a bit more skill before being able to really pull that off. Now, of course, I'm in a much more confident spot, and have learned a lot about the materials' properties and how they can be manipulated.  


Your desk still looks impressive. If it were me and the ripples are not to deep I would continue with the skinning process. I would board sand the desk as flat as possible stopping the moment I got to the carbon. Scuff the shiney low spots wipe with acetone and now brush on a good layer of the SKINNING RESIN. (not normal resin as it is too thin) Now wait until you are at an almost tack free state (You may have an hour or so to wait so there is no rush)and brush on another layer. Let this cure fully and flat sand it again. Keep doing this until it is totally flat. Now spray on automotive 2 part clear coat and flat sand again with fine wet papers up to about 2500 grit. Now compound as is normal automotive procedure and you will have reached perfection. We all make mistakes when we are leaning so don't feel bad.
Fred 

GO

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TDShimo - 11 Years Ago
Dravis - 11 Years Ago
TDShimo - 11 Years Ago
Hanaldo - 11 Years Ago
Dravis - 11 Years Ago
TDShimo - 10 Years Ago
fgayford - 10 Years Ago
matthieutje65 - 10 Years Ago
dmgeurts - 10 Years Ago
TDShimo - 10 Years Ago
matthieutje65 - 10 Years Ago
fgayford - 10 Years Ago
TDShimo - 10 Years Ago
fgayford - 10 Years Ago
Hanaldo - 10 Years Ago
Warren (Staff) - 10 Years Ago
TDShimo - 10 Years Ago
TDShimo - 10 Years Ago
dmgeurts - 10 Years Ago
Dravis - 10 Years Ago

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