Clear coating to use for raw carbon frameset

[MF_one]

Hi all

I would like to build the DIY bike and I am planning to apply the clear coating to the frame by myself before the assembly.
Did anyone did it in the past and can recommend me a brand to use? It has to be in spray and compatible or applicable to carbon.

I only know the Spray max 2k Clear coating but I am not sure if this is the right thing to use.

Thanks!

[s3si1u]

Spray Max 2k will work great.
I've done a couple paint jobs with raw carbon sections, and I hit it with a coat of adhesion promoter first. Upol or Spray Max works for me. Note that Spray Max has a very slight silver pigmentation to it (looks almost like a very fine silver flake, I kinda like it).
In my experience with raw carbon, you have to look out for tiny pinholes or uneven surfaces and if you find any, fill them before applying any kind of coating.

Also, I have a SRAM Force crank on my bike that I stripped and then sprayed with 1k satin clear coat and nothing else. No issues in the couple years I've been running it.

A couple more options:
- Spray.Bike has a "clear carbon primer" but I've never used it.
- Fantom Clear CX. Claims to be a clear coat designed specifically for automotive carbon fiber parts. I'm very curious but never tried as their minimum order amount is quite high.

My suggestion (if you're building a Chiner) is to just order the frame in gloss carbon.

[Lotnik]

Hi all

I would like to build the DIY bike and I am planning to apply the clear coating to the frame by myself before the assembly.
Did anyone did it in the past and can recommend me a brand to use? It has to be in spray and compatible or applicable to carbon.

I only know the Spray max 2k Clear coating but I am not sure if this is the right thing to use.

Thanks!

Just order clear coat raw from the manufacturer. Usually it is free of charge.

[Pedaldancer]

Just order clear coat raw from the manufacturer. Usually it is free of charge.

That's not the case.
If you order "Matte UD" that's true. But raw carbon requiresthem to sand the matte black base coat (cause thats what the matte UD is in the end. It also smoothens the appearanc, as tall raw frames are not too beautiful frankly).. that effort makes raw carbon more expensive than a simple one colour painting.

[Lotnik]

That's not the case.
If you order "Matte UD" that's true. But raw carbon requiresthem to sand the matte black base coat (cause thats what the matte UD is in the end. It also smoothens the appearanc, as tall raw frames are not too beautiful frankly).. that effort makes raw carbon more expensive than a simple one colour painting.

Wait, what? Manufacturer doesn't paint frame matt black and then sand it it just take raw carbon frame from production line, get preps of the surface for clear coat and ready.

[Pedaldancer]

Wait, what? Manufacturer doesn't paint frame matt black and then sand it it just take raw carbon frame from production line, get preps of the surface for clear coat and ready.

Yes they do. As it is easier for the process efficiency to have them all matte UD painted. Picking single frames out of the manufacturing standard process is creating more costs. Additionally the really raw frame from the baking  has voids, burrs, really ugly surfaces, which have to be treated anyway, as nobody would accept it in that condition. So there must be anyway some filling and smoothening...

It might be different if a company orders tons of frames all in Raw Carbon.
But for us Single frame buyers, that's not the case.

[MF_one]

To make it crystal clear, I have a frame which is in raw, so it is not on supplier side anymore.

I ordered it in purpose raw and now thinking not to custom paint it but apply the clear coat and assemble it.

I believe it would help a lot of people in the forum to define what are the normal steps. Here below my understanding of the different processes:

1. Surface Prep (sanding)
2. Primer Application (2K epoxy primer)
3. Base Coat (base color)
4. Decals (if applicable) / Vinyl decal or water decals
5. Clear Coat (2layers of 2k PU clear coat)
6. Curing (2-3 days at room temp)
7. Wet Sanding & Polishing

If someone orders a custom paint: all applies
If someone orders an UD Matt, then 1,2,3 applies (4 optional)
If someone orders an UD Raw, then 1,2,5 applies (4 optional)

Do you agree or do I miss something?

[Chiyou]

Here is what I take these terms to mean (which may well be different from how the various frame vendors use these words).

Ready-to-paint:
- Surface imperfections are filled in, frame is sanded, everything else is left to the customer.

Raw vs. color:
- Raw means the exterior layer of the carbon lay-up is visible (transparent primer + clear coat)
- Color involves (opaque) primer + paint + clear coat; heavier than raw because of the additional color coating
- A mix of partial raw, partial color is possible

Matte vs. glossy:
- Appearance of the clear coat - glossy is highly reflective, matte is the opposite, satin/semi-gloss is in between

UD vs. 3k/12k twill vs. marble:
- Mostly a rim thing, weave used for the exterior carbon layer

Paintless (sometimes called raw but not the same as above):
- Also mostly a rim thing, no additional processing or coating required, durable finish immediately after mold release