8th Generation Honda Civic Forum - View Single Post - Does anyone know how to make carbon fiber parts?

ray · 08-20-2008, 02:13 AM

Vacuum bagging is used more to squeeze the layers together minimizing air pockets and squeezing out the excess resin. The more resin you have they more weight you have and air pockets hurt strength and density. It won't assure a smooth finish, just a tighter lamination and better formed part.

You can sand the result smooth and paint to suite, of couse. I assume you could sand it really smooth, polish, and clear coat but I don't know exactly how good it will work with a lay-it-yourself lamination. I just don't have any experience finishing it to this level.

I don't know exactly what resins are suitable. A friend made a carbon-fiber seat for me at one point 10-15 years ago using vacuum bagging. I wan't aware of it being any special resin when he was making it, but can't say I remember his comments regarding its selection. It's been a while.

08-20-2008, 02:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
ray Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,320	Vacuum bagging is used more to squeeze the layers together minimizing air pockets and squeezing out the excess resin. The more resin you have they more weight you have and air pockets hurt strength and density. It won't assure a smooth finish, just a tighter lamination and better formed part. You can sand the result smooth and paint to suite, of couse. I assume you could sand it really smooth, polish, and clear coat but I don't know exactly how good it will work with a lay-it-yourself lamination. I just don't have any experience finishing it to this level. I don't know exactly what resins are suitable. A friend made a carbon-fiber seat for me at one point 10-15 years ago using vacuum bagging. I wan't aware of it being any special resin when he was making it, but can't say I remember his comments regarding its selection. It's been a while.