Carbon Sleeve Fuselage Finish

[mars]

Hi All,

I am working on my second ever all-carbon 48"w.s. sloper. I am amazed at how much better my second attempt is than my first. I love moving up the learning curve, it's so rewarding! I owe A LOT to the HLG guys for wing layup methods...

Anyway, for this plane I used the lost foam method of construction for the fuse with cardon braided sleeves. I am very happy with the surface of the fuse after light sanding and want to keep the carbon exposed. If I spray the carbon with a glossy clear coat will the fuse have that "wet" look that I love so much? If so, what is the best rattle can clear coat to use? Also, what grade of sand paper should I sand the fuse down to before clear coating?

Thank you all in advance for the help.

Marshall

[davidfee]

You shouldn't sand the fuse at all if you want to retain maximum strength. Sanding cuts through the fibers. Having said that, you should sand to at least 400 grit. Then spray on an outdoor-grade clear lacquer.

Good luck!
-David

[mars]

Thanks for the great help David,

I used 2 layers of the 3K tread sleaves on the fuse with the idea that I would sand a bit of the carbon off and still have plenty of strength. Here in San Francisco during the summer we get pretty steady winds in the afternoon so I am not concerned with overbuilding my plane a little to get the raw carbon look.

I will look for an outdoor grade clear lacquer.

Thanks Again,

Marshall

[davidfee]

You bet... sounds good. I agree about the carbon "wet" look. I tend to use carbon for a lot of things, just to get the "carbon cool factor." ;)

-David