Finishing parts?

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#1

Im doing a few parts by vacbagging in carbon all epoxy layup. Im going to start with the west system 207 hardener on the first layer then a laminating resin therafter. Im wanting to do some parts clear (which i was going to spray duratec clear) once out of the mold.
Im also wanting to do some parts in other colours, what can i use that i spray into the mold first then lay up? Is ther an epoxy gelcoat? Or can i use poly gel coat?. And is there a way of spraying in a primer first as well so i can produce primed parts straight out of the mold??

Thanks for any help guys

#2

I have never tried doing a clear epoxy surface coat on the prepped mold surface. I saw a cello made that way once on YouTube. I think if your going that route you may end up with tiny air bubbles in the surface coat?

If there is a good way to avoid those tiny air bubbles I’d love to hear it guys.

Currently I do not worry about a surface coat or I surface coat after the part is pulled from the mold.

#3

What do you mean by: “Im going to start with the west system 207 hardener on the first layer then a laminating resin therafter.” ?
So it’s all epoxy?

You can spray Duratec clear into the mold, let it cure, and laminate to get shiny exposed carbon parts. Or use Duratec primers to have ready-to-paint parts out of the mold.

#4

that is, IF your mold is perfect :slight_smile:

#5

A mold should not be anything less.

#6

yes all epoxy
i ment by using the 207 west system hardner in the first skin then letting it tack then laminating with another type laminating resin the next layers of cloth. Using 207 on the first layer because it has good uv properties and cures clear, and the laminating resing im going to use cures a milky colour.

Thats good to know about the Dura Tec Clear and primers,
so i let the duratec fully cure and then laminate straight over? any sanding involved before lay up? and how thick should i get the coat ?

Really appreciate the help guys

#7

How long of time will the finish last if using Duratec clear? Will it eventually peel or sperate from the epoxy laminate?

#8

So should be using ?
Duratec Vinyl Ester In-Mold Primer (white 1794-034)

Duratec Vinyl Ester Hi Gloss Top coat (clear 1904-045)
How long do you leave it befor laminating?