Hey guys!
I’m pretty new here and I’ve only barely started learning more about using and working with carbon fiber.
My objective is to just learn more in general while being able to make and skin parts on my car.
One of the projects I’m working on is skinning part of my bumper. I know it’s a pretty advance task to take on for a beginner, but I learn very quickly.
I wanted to get some ideas and opinions on how to go about this.
I thought I would mold the weave to the area I want covered but I think it would be best to remove it afterwards (with some mold release of course) and then trim it, since I don’t want to attempt to trim it while it’s on the bumper.
I wanted to see what’s the best way to go about this.
Step #1
I was thinking I would wax the area and surrounding areas with mold release wax (3-4 coats?) I’m using the TR-104 high temp mold release from rock west composites.
My understanding is to wax it a few times, and completely wipe off any excess with a dry cloth.
Is there anything else to this?
Step #2
Apply a coat of epoxy resin (West System 105 & 205) to the coated areas which were waxed.
Let it become tacky
Step #3
Lay the weave down while it is tacky and press it into place.
Should I wait before applying more epoxy on top of the weave? Or can I go ahead and do it now?
Step #4
Let it cure for a day, remove it from the bumper, trim it to the shape I need, test for fitment.
Step #5
Sand down the top coat of epoxy resin.
Step #6
Degrease and remove any wax from the bumper.
Should I tape off the areas I don’t want resin and wax that since this will be the final phase?
Step #7
Apply black epoxy resin to the area of the bumper I want the weave to adhere to and let it become tacky.
Step #8
Apply the molding weave to the bumper and apply clear epoxy resin (3-4 layers?) I don’t need it too thick, since it will be clear coated in paint.
I’m aware it will protrude a little since it is thicker than the paint going on. I’m having my body shop even it out.
Step #9
sand it and buff
What grit do people use for final sanding and to polish it?
Here’s a picture of the area I want to cover.
I’m practicing on a small piece of plastic before I actually try it on the bumper.
Thanks for the help guys!!
