Carbon Fiber

[mitchesx]

What is the correct way to do a carbon fiber inlay? I'm used to working with fiberglass cloth. I tried putting in a layer of West Systems, laying the cloth, then adding more resin on top while patting in with a brush. I learned that that makes it uneven, then tried laying in more west systems initially, and laying the cloth down in that and just applying even pressure to make the cloth lay flat, and using a brush with some epoxy around the edges. Am I doing this right? Also, how do I keep the stringiness down? You can tell its my first time!

[meangenesracing]

you need to let the first thin layer of epoxy get tackey then lay your carbon cloth down then another layer of epoxy. or you can spray some glue down first. lay in and form carbon fiber then brush your epoxy over it

[kfxguy]

I think I posted a thread on it here somewhere. You'll have to search for it. I will let you in on a secret.... use 3m super 77 spray glue to tack it down. Basically cut your cloth till it fits (use pin striping masking tape from the hobby shop to tape the cf in the shape you want then cut down the middle of the tape). Position the cloth in the hull like you want. Peel up one side carefully (you better mask off everything you don't want spray glue on) and don't let the cloth move. Spray a light layer on the cloth and a light layer on the hull. Wait about 45 seconds and then start laying it smooth from the center working outwards. Go slowly and be careful. You want it laying flat and the glue is going to grab well. Repeat for the other side. Then wipe it down with acetone and a lint free cloth (I use micro fiber) and make sure it's clean. The acetone will clean the glue you see that came through the cloth. Mix you up about 60-80 grams total of resin (depending on hull size. Then pour it. Spread it with a cheap paintbrush. Blot it. Work it in the cloth. Once it's been saturated, you'll need a high density foam mini roller. Roll the whole thing like your painting a wall. It'll soak up excess resin and give it a nice even finish. Stand back and admire your work now!

[kfxguy]

This is dry after spray glue down....



And this is the end result