Hi im new to this forum, iv been trying to make a spark plug cover out of carbon fibre for an Integra Type R, but I am stuggling to get a high gloss finish, anyone got any tips for me?
Thanks!
*Edit:
Just thought I would add that I am using epoxy resin, (poor mans) vacuum bagging, and I have tried spray can lacquer but cant get a smooth finish!
Also I have a vacuum pump in the post coming my way this week! 
use a lot of epoxy in the top layer. sand it down, wet sanding, grit 200-300 and use a high quality paint. I like using Polyurethane paint. gets real hard and can get polished.
And use the clearest possible epoxy.
Excellent thanks, il get hold of some Polyurethane paint tomorrow! I have used West system Epoxy 105/205, do you know if this is good resin?
You have to paint it to make it shiny.
Have you considered the heat from the engine?
i used a high temp resin but had a look at a dummy one that i made a while back, and now it looks awful! looks really dry and the resin has gone cloudy. I have also ordered high temp stuff that i put on the bag face after its cured. know the best way to prevent this?
Edit*
Would a heat resistant polyester resin be better?
2K urethane clear from an autopaint store will withstand the engine’s heat.
Susho what kinda polyurethane clear are you talking about? Got a picture or a link so i can take a look and see if it will work for me.
I’m spending $23 per aerosol can now for 2K clear coat… if i can save some money and have a product that is good… well that would be great.
Here is what I have been using. It works great and sprays a nice fan. usually buffing is required after unless you have a dust free spray booth.
http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_2_part_2k_aerosol.cfm
For the info… one can of this aerosol will paint 14 to 20 small parts. Small as in less than 72sq inches per part.
sherwin williams auto paint supply sells it too.
But give me the down low on that polyurethane you use.
I find it hard to believe that a one part clear coat out of a can would be durable enough for much of anything more than sitting on a shelf. 2K urethane has a hardener and it cures hard.
“Put the top of the can on stable ground and push the red button firmly and press the pin into the can. Shake again for two minutes to ensure activator is thoroughly mix with clear coat. After activated this product will last approx. 24 hours”
READ,
have you got a photo of the mould and parts done as ive just fitted a honda k20a to my classic car and i wanted to make a cover with some writing layed into it?
You will always struggle to get a good durable finish from a rattle can. If you don’t have the correct equipment and material (2 pack laquer, spray gun, breathing apparatus, etc) then drop your part off at a local body shop for them to do it.
It won’t be difficult (for them) as they will spray laquer regularly and just pausing for 30 secs to blow your part over whilst doing a car will see a proper job done for little money or even for free.