hey guys I have a chance to get a part where the CF pattern is not perfect. I had planned to paint this part anyway, but I know nothing about painting carbon fiber. Is it just like painting anything else? Does it require more labor or paint?

 

I have no first hand experience, but the CF parts that I've seen painted typically have that hash-mark pattern showing through the finish. More priming and block sanding would cure that, but it's definitely more labor intensive than smooth metal or gel-coat.

 

that's exactly the info I was looking for, thanks. Any other comments?

 

It does take a lot of prep work to get the texture of the weave patterns to hide.

 

This speculation about the weave showing through is going to depend on the method used to create the part. If it was laid up over an existing part, as is common in "one off" pieces, I agree. It probably will have a weave pattern. On the other hand, if it was made from a mold, as most production parts are, the finish should be smooth. In the latter case, finishing it shold be the same as with a fiberglass part, since the resin takes the shape of the mold, not the fiber.

I've painted both CF and fiberglass motorcycle racing bodywork. Since the CF bodies were molded, the finish was just as smooth as the fiberglass (also molded).

Hope that helps,
Dave

 

thanks for the replies. I have decided to wait on the the FG part.