When to apply clear coat?

[system]

How do you get the really nice and polished look?

I recently finished my first actual part and it turned out pretty good. I laminated a small trim piece and vacuum bagged it.

I’m using epoxy resin with a nylon release ply. The release ply left a textured surface as expected and I had a couple of blemishes I had to sand down. I applied another coat of epoxy and it turned out pretty well. Was this 2nd coat of epoxy necessary?

I still no not have that shiny glossy finish you see on well made CF parts. When do you apply clear coat?

Is it OK to apply clear coat onto the textured surface left by the nylon release ply if the layup is good and there are no blemishes? My local body shop owner is willing to do my clearcoat work until I have my own facilities.

[system]

You’ll need to build up a lot more layers of epoxy. Depending on how thick your epoxy is, it’ll take anywhere from 5-10 additional layers. Then you can sand it down really smooth, wet sand it and clear coat with automotive clear. Then a lot of wet sanding and buffing.

Without the automotive clear you’re not going to get the shiny look. You also cannot buff epoxy.

[system]

You’ll need to build up a lot more layers of epoxy. Depending on how thick your epoxy is, it’ll take anywhere from 5-10 additional layers. Then you can sand it down really smooth, wet sand it and clear coat with automotive clear. Then a lot of wet sanding and buffing.

Without the automotive clear you’re not going to get the shiny look. You also cannot buff epoxy.

Thanks for the input. I’ve applied 3 coats of epoxy so far and the pieces are looking really good. I’m hoping this round of sanding will get it to the point I can apply clear coat.

Thanks again!

[system]

You’ll need to build up a lot more layers of epoxy. Depending on how thick your epoxy is, it’ll take anywhere from 5-10 additional layers. Then you can sand it down really smooth, wet sand it and clear coat with automotive clear. Then a lot of wet sanding and buffing.

Without the automotive clear you’re not going to get the shiny look. You also cannot buff epoxy.

Thanks for the input. I’ve applied 3 coats of epoxy so far and the pieces are looking really good. I’m hoping this round of sanding will get it to the point I can apply clear coat.

Thanks again!