Playing around with Carbon Fiber Fabric, Tell me what you think! Options

[Spider77]

Alright, so Ive had this sample of carbon fiber fabric sitting around for awhile. Have been looking for a less expensive way to get that CF look without that CF price. After a bit of searching I came across this other automotive forum who were using the fabric as its pretty close to the BMW "Carbon Leather".
This shot here------>
Is after I slapped a small amount on the ashtray lid. But I really want that depth and shine, so i just put some urethane on there and am now awaiting results. Once I get that all nice and coated and sanded I'll throw another pic up on here. But just want to get your guys opinion on this. And keep in mind this is really my first time wrapping anything with anything.
Thanks!

[Bigblock]

From this pic, it looks like you've done this kind of work before!!
Looks real good!!

[Spider77]

Thanks! The final coat of poly is on. So now im waiting for it to try then I can sand and buff it. More pics tomorrow!

[soulshadow]

Looks good, but that top right corner is looking kinda pointy. Not sure if its just an angle shot tho.

[Spider77]

Yeah, it is kind of pointy...first time really. Im just wondering about the look of the fabric really.

Ok, so went out and grabbed the part, decided to sand it down a bits. Well, went a little heavy handed on the sanding (either that or I did not have a thick enough coat) and pretty much went down the the fabric. So, going to start this process over again with some resin this time.

This post has been edited by Spider77: Jan 22, 2010 - 10:35 AM

[yellowchinaman]

not bad for a first try.
At the moment it litereally looks like you've layed a fabric over and folded the edges in.
When carbon wrapping, the fabric is stretched over curves and edges which is quite hard to do if you dont know how to prep carbon or have the correct tools for it.
next try it on something which isnt so flat.

[Spider77]

Alright, so after an extensive search of local places to find some epoxy resin, I came up with something. Redid the lid, so hopefully the corners don't stick out as much. Lets take a look......(after they load on photobucket)
Here are the dry looks (the ones that imitate BMW's Carbon Leather)


And here are the fresh coated shots



Now its back to waiting. When the resin dries I'll sand it down a bit and do all that good stuff. I do like the dry look, but I couldn't find anywhere that they put some resin on it to see how it turned out. Thats why im pretty much doing this. I'll post the link for the DIY I found regarding this stuff (as there seems to be some confusion about what the material actually is) here (BMW Forum Carbon Fiber Fabric). Again, thanks for all the feedback, if this was actual carbon fiber, Id totally approach it a different way.

[SwissFerdi]

I like it, who cares if it's a simple process. Looks nice. And it's only $30 for a roll, any idea how many yards that is? I'd love to do this on my side vents and radio bezel.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Jan 22, 2010 - 2:27 PM

[Spider77]

55" X 36"

[Bigblock]

Are you going to use some other part(s) as molds?
This looks real nice!!

[Spider77]

Nah, pretty much wrap. Dont really have the time nor patience to get into molds. Or materials for that matter

[Spider77]

Ok, so its cured! Snapped a few pics before i go and jack this one up!

Alright, so photobucket is being weird and messing up my pic placement. Anyhow......off to sand!

Alright, after awhile of trying my hands at sanding resin...I got it done. Although there seems to be alot of dust where I live as some of it got mixed in...a reminder for later though. Now I got it sitting with a clear coat.... The more I look at the pics, I really do think that the dry look is much better (and alot easier as well). I think I'll do my other ashtray lid in dry and do a side by side.


This post has been edited by Spider77: Jan 22, 2010 - 8:33 PM

[yellowchinaman]

I like the dry look too but it's not ideal for open weather conditions. Thats why I did my interior in silver fibre without an overcoat.

Tip. When applying the base coat, wait till it's nearly set and just abit tacky to your fingers before applying the carbon. Use a rubber roller to press and smooth it out.

Then when applying the resin, do it thinly and apply multiple layers. You'll have a better, clearer and longer lasting smooth finisher then just caking it over and sanding it down.

This post has been edited by yellowchinaman: Jan 23, 2010 - 11:28 AM

[Spider77]

Um, what is pen weather conditions?

[SwissFerdi]

I'm going to guess the elements...having the windows open?

[Spider77]

Maybe, but I dont leave my windows down, unless its summertime at work.

[HectortheRican]

Niiiice job man, I must say. I'm not too much a fan of carbon fiber, but this just looks too good

[Spider77]

Ok ,so I drove around with this in the car today and did not like it. The only time you see the fiber is when the sun hits it directly, and even then is has the golden sheen to it (which is good if you like shiny subtle, till its lit up). So, it looks like I'll be doing this in the dry look and seeing how it stands up to everyday wear and tear.