How To Make a Successful Carbon Fibre Repair
Inspect - Prepare - Bond - Finish
Inspect
- Identify the damage. If unsure, consult a composite repair specialist.
Prepare
- Wear safety gear: dust mask, gloves, and other essentials to protect yourself and your workspace.
- Ensure all surfaces are dry and clean.
- Use emery cloth to sand through lacquer and paint until the carbon fibre is exposed, creating a keyed surface.
Bond
- Mix Resin and Hardener in a 2:1 ratio using syringes or mixing cups to measure with more precision.
- Prime the repair surface with a small amount of the resin mix.
- Apply epoxy to the dry carbon fibre using a spreader to saturate the material and then remove excess. Use the box as a makeshift work surface if need be.
- Place the epoxy-covered carbon fibre over the damaged area, overlapping by at least 30mm.
- Wrap with Shrink Tape, ensuring overlaps (5mm minimum) and wrapping the correct way to allow easy removal i.e. Shrink tape is release coated on the outside – think the opposite to sticky tape.
- Start by taping a leading end on the frame and move into the repair zone, finish past the end of the repair. Double up if you wish.
- Heat with a hair dryer or heat gun to fully shrink the tape. take care not to scorch the tape.
- Let cure for 24 hours at room temperature or 60 minutes with heat. Fully cured epoxy is hard and non-sticky.
- Remove the Shrink Tape.
Finish
- Sand to smooth out high spots.
- Apply paint or primer to protect from UV light.
- Add the Ouch Sticker as a badge of honour (optional).
Health & Safety - Use a dust mask and body covering when sanding/grinding Carbon Fiber. Avoid skin contact with epoxy while it is wet. Do not grind or sand uncured epoxy. See MSDS for full information.
Disclaimer - The products in this kit are provided in good faith, without any warranty regarding performance or suitability. Users must ensure their safe and appropriate use for the intended application.