Cutting/sealing carbon fibre panels.

Nos4r2 · 30 January 2013, 15:47

I've decided I want a few scratch plates on the console of the Ballistic-places like behind grab handles, behind the mic hanger, round the plotter etc so it doesn't get scratched round them from use.

I've got a nice glossy panel of 2mm carbon fibre to cut up,but looking around the net there's a couple of places that say you should seal the cut edges to prevent water ingress. I'd like to round the edges off as well.
1) Is water ingress a potential problem?

2) Is rounding the edges off possible and repolishing them, and

3) What would I use to seal the edges that'll polish back up?

At the moment I'm thinking of clear casting resin, if I need to seal the edges but I know next to nothing about carbon fibre apart from 'ooh shiny'.

Anyone got any opinions/ suggestions?

Dirk Diggler · 30 January 2013, 16:13

When I use it for dash and switch panels I just polish the edge with fine wet & dry, but when I've bought pre made panels they've always been clear coated (lacquered).

Nos4r2 · 30 January 2013, 17:22

Thanks.
I take it you've had no problems with the water getting into the fibres and it discolouring or anything like that?

clloyd · 30 January 2013, 18:04

There is no problem with water. It's same as solid fiberglass laminate. You can cut it with lots of tools, hacksaw, mitersaw with laminate blade, grinder etc. Wear a mask if you are generating dust, it's nasty stuff. You can easily bevel it with a grinder, a dremel, finish the bevel with sandpaper. 220 grit before clear coat.

Carbon is not shiny. It's dull. The clearcoat makes it shiny.

The best clearcoat is finishing epoxy like West 105 Resin + 207 hardener. But that is very expensive for the small amount you need.

The existing parts you have are probably just laquered. You can even use a cheap spray on clear coat however those last maybe a year or two in the sun. Find one with UV protection. Unprotected carbon does degrade in the sun however you are not using it for strength so who cares.

falcon0310 · 30 January 2013, 18:09

i look on boat mad and carbon wezel post on there ring them for tips

Nos4r2 · 31 January 2013, 02:16

Cheers guys!

Dirk Diggler · 31 January 2013, 11:04

Never had a problem with water ingress, and my stuff has come out quite shiney using a clear gel first, then backing the carbon up with a pigmented resin.

Had a panel done like this as well, quite impressive... Wicked Coatings hydrographics carbon dipping, camo dipping & more

butty · 31 January 2013, 13:06

you do have to treat the carbon really if it is going to be outside, it will yellow over time in UV sun light, so the best thing to do is to put a 2 pack clear lacquer on it, you can get cheapish ones form car paint supplies that will do the job...