Hi all, advice required.
Im making a 2D carbon fibre gt40 wall clock as a christmas present.
How do I get a really shiny finish?
I layed it on a mirror so its a super smooth finish.
Dressed it with a top coat.
Sanded it with 1000 grit
Lacquered it
and a mix and combination of above, but it looks a bit dull.
How do I get a real nice deep lust?

This is one of life's great mysteries, such as building a car for 250 pounds, etc.

Dont you have lay a layer of topcoat down on the mirror first and leave it till its tacky, then lay the cf, then itll be shiny?

http://www.carbonmods.co.uk/Products/Carbon-Fibre-Skinning-Starter-Kit__CMCFSK300.aspx

We use an Epoxy lacquer at work for finishing carbon if it needs a high gloss finish. It's made by "Chemtrend" and is called "712".

If you have no joy, you could post it to me and i'll gladly take it to work and sort it for you.

Cheers,

Nick.

@A1, you always do that, even if it was fibreglass to get an even spread of resin.
@shaft, Iv done it in polyester, could it still be dressed in epoxy to give the finish or do I need to start again with epoxy throughout?
I may just take you up on that if I have no joy, Thanks.

Polyester resin tends to cure slightly opaque, hence your struggle to get a deep lustre. You can't mix polyester and epoxy as a resin system but
applying an epoxy coating onto a cured panel is fine.
I'd rub it back finishing with 2000 grit (very wet). Oven dry and then coat it with a suitable lacquer, but not polyester based.

If you struggle I'll gladly sort it for you mate, no problem.
What weave is it and how big is it?

I sanded it right back last night then re lacquered, actually looks much better. Its a twill about 6x10" so not big.
I'll see how I get on then PM you if I need your help.
Very much appreciated by the way.
Mike.

As a side note if it helps, we don't spray components to apply a lacquer type finish, its wiped on using a cotton
lint and dust free cloth. Do not apply to much and leave to go past "tack" dry before applying any more coats
otherwise you'll get a fisheyed finish.
HTH,
Nick.

Here's a close up pic of my dash, finished with an epoxy lacquer. 4 coats over a 2x2 twill pre preg LTM.

Easily achievable on your panel, but it will take patience. Easier when you're on hourly pay whilst doing it!

wow that is a finish. thanks for the tips