How To Hand Lay Carbon Fiber

[@nkonie7177]

7yrs later I just stumbled on here & learnt something so cool I definitely needed. I’ve been wrapping my interior trims with carbon fiber vinyl wrap & always wanted felt so cheap after every wrap! Thanks

[@jcdesignsandboat-works8290]

I know this video is old, but this is probably the best “how to wet lat carbon fiber” video I have seen. You did a great job actually explaining the wheres and whys! Nice work!👍👍

[@wolfking1985]

This is one of the best had layout of carbon I've seen yet.

[@therealmatty_s]

Thanks brother!!

[@webby500mil]

I need parts.. where are you located??👀

[@slvrserfr]

I have an old carbon fiber trunk I've been wanting to restore. This is truly inspiring! Amazing work!

[@customcarsusa]

Thanks for showing the spray adhesion to tack down the carbon fiber I've used it before on fiberglass

[@douglasrho5619]

Matt that finished piece is perfect!

[@jimdodd3462]

A thought ! I apply my third coat, while the second coat is still tacky. Maybe 2 hrs later, depending on temps. The tackyness of the second coat will hold your third coat in place, even on a vertical surface. If I need a fourth coat, I apply while the third coat is still tacky. No sanding between coats. All chemical bonded. Not mechanical.

[@James-fe7wd]

Epic vid! Thanks for sharing your skills, and for being so clear and concise.

[@therealmatty_s]

James Donaldson Thanks for the awesome feedback!

[@James-fe7wd]

'Least I could do

[@TinoushGTR]

+Matt Schaeffer hi Matt. Quick question. You don't do anything between aplying epoxy right? No sanding or cleaning. Just let it get hard and put an other layer on right?

[@therealmatty_s]

+tinoushgtr If there are no contaminates in the epoxy, I will spray some rubbing alcohol onto the panel and apply the next layer on top. If there are contaminates, i will try and sand out those areas and reapply the epoxy. This would be in the early stages of applying the epoxy. In the later stages, you would sand the panel smooth and flat and apply. I would stop at probably 220 on the last coat.

[@jtrumble2]

Ive done the bagging and wet lay up as well. One quick tip. If you are to your final coat of epoxy and you have a few pits or valleys you can fill with thin super glue. Let that harden and then sand for final coat of clear. We have been doing this in the aviation business for over 50 years. It sands a little hard but when you are all finished it all blends in quiet nicely.

[@therealmatty_s]

I have heard people talk about and suggest the glue. But my thinking is, most panels I am creating are cosmetic panels. I get it if its an air intake or front splitter where your eye does not catch the blend. But I cant image a random thin ca glue without the activator would blend in perfectly. When light and shadows hit carbon, you can see everything. Hell, in most cases you can tell if you used two different clear coats. (example - you sand down the clear coat and hit the epoxy in a few spots on your panel and then you reshoot the panel with a different clear). You can see where that different layer of clear started on the epoxy when the carbon hits a shadow or direct sunlight. So I always do epoxy layers, normally 2-4 to where I can block sand the panel even to 400.

[@jtrumble2]

Matt Schaeffer I know exactly what you are talking about. Just try a small piece for shits and giggles. You would be surprised at how well it disappears. I only do this if it is necessary. Like one or two pits. If its more than that I reapply another coat of clear or epoxy.Here is a link to my FB page. You can see some of my lay ups. facebook.com/pages/Custom-Automotive-Sounds-Performance/163761576980137

[@johnroberts9200]

Take some superglue and run it along base of the bristles on the chip brush before using it… saturate it and that will stop it from shedding while using it. Out of curiosity, what is your go to resign for this application?

[@agoogleuser7784]

Good job, glad to see you cut and polished it the way that pros recommend so people can get see how to get the same great results.

[@k.ganesanganesan6825]

Future development raw material is available in tins like paint. tools molds are available in hard ware stores. small business grows.

[@dimsuminab0x]

Great video. Also another way to finish the product is to sand to 800 grit then hit it with some 2k clear. Once the clear has cured you can wetsand 1500 and 2000 then buff.

[@mvlad7402]

Absolutely perfect example and explanation of carbon fiber mystery.

[@byrnespeed]

Man, you provided all answers to the questions I had and even more. You have a excellent delivery. Thank you for your video!!

[@wowerman]

Looks great and if you do not want to create mould and do vacuum bagging it is cheaper way of making carbon fibre effect.

[@markgrevatt4867]

looks fantastic. I'm planning on skinning so interior parts myself. although my interior parts looks difficult and quite daunting. I'm looking forward to trying it out. my hardest part on my interior is that the centre console, it's flat were the gearstick is and then turns a full 90 degree to the cd player as it's a complete part. That's the bit I'm not looking forward too. Anyway great job. looks fantastic.

[@therealmatty_s]

Thank you and good luck on your project!

[@autogeek23]

I'm glad you did the heat gun method. So many do the vacuum method and I think the heat gun looks a lot easier.

[@Voiceguitar]

19:30 is Brand of epoxy! Resin Research Epoxy 2000 w/ 2100 fast Hardener

[@brotharuss]

Thanks for the resin/carbon tips man. For an even better finish from clear coat: dump the 3m product and polish with m105 with an orange pad and then finish with m205 with a white pad. Then you seal it with wax or better yet synthetic seal it (12 month protection) and then Wax it.

[@apollo3679]

At first I wasn’t sure how this would turn out. But wow. That’s incredible work man. You make it an art for sure

[@32krazy1]

im hoping you see this and can advise me. im working on a large carbon fiber targa top for a c7 corvette. while laying on the epoxy I seem to get brush strokes in the epoxy and it doesnt seem to want to flow/fill in the small pockets and such. using the heat gun works for the bubbles but how do I get the epoxy to flow better? west system 3:1 epoxy super clear hardener using their metered mini pumps so I know the mix is correct.

[@UncleRayRayGarageEmporium]

I add denatured alcohol to the resin-hardener mix. Do it for carbon or glass. For this amount, 1/2 oz is a good start. Mix well. The denatured alcohol forces any water out. Especially if you are using a container of resin that has been opened for more than a week. Doesn't take long to foul. It will still work, but not be optimum. If your resin has any brown or tan to it, it is toast. Looks great. You just convinced me to do this to MY shitty ride! LOL

[@BlakesGarage]

Wow amazing work great Job Matt!

[@therealmatty_s]

+Blake's Garage Thanks!!

[@supernova6553]

@///AMG amazon

[@johnnycashh7148]

Really cool man, seems like a pretty easy DIY project. Gonna try this on a duck tail this winter. Thanks for sharing.

[@noahdekker7659]

I’m a former composite tech and haven’t seen this used before so it raised some questions. I’m thinking more long term. I’m not to concerned with how the lay up of the cloth will look or hold together, but with using a spray adhesive opposed to an epoxy base coat have you noticed any problems with disbond or delaminating over time. How does the epoxy react with the with the adhesive. But seems like a neat trick if it holds up over time and might have to add that trick to my tool box.

[@imaquis8368]

Seriously top notch video man! Absolutely loved it! I'm really wanting to get into making my own Carbon parts! Any advice on making larger pieces hand laid? Such as a full fender, hood, etc? Earned a sub my dude!

[@stevefox3763]

i don't even know what it was you made but it still looked incredible!

[@gohachi5313]

Really great video. A lot of attention to detail to make sure we understand what the goal is. I really appreciate all those details. Thanks for sharing your work.

[@therealmatty_s]

Thank you!

[@KevinSoupy]

Thank you so much I wondered why this wasn’t the way other were doing it

[@SpectroRacingChannel]

this is fascinating. I did this once in college with FSAE to make a seat and I've been dying to try doing it again. great video!

[@Freddie1M]

I'm doing a similar thing for FSAE, do you know much about fibre orientation and what the best method is if our university doesn't have an autoclave?

[@franchise-pj6ow]

I've always wondered why the resin will dry up in my cup in 30 minutes but take a couple hours or more on the part to dry. The way it rise when left in the cup

[@samuelmolina297]

Wow great job man!!! Looking fresh!!!

[@kevinl3235]

Took notes all the way through! Great tutorial!

[@therealmatty_s]

Thanks Kevin! Good luck on your carbon venture.

[@desertdude1234]

What is that original piece at 0:01 made out of?

[@speckspeck]

small white fine-foam rollers are at HD , MUCH BETTER THAN BRUSH AND CHEAP...more control over bubbles, etc., more fun

[@katieoxmusic]

Really nice, Matt. Love the hoodie!

[@Charper]

Matt, this video really helped me out with my carbon fiber skinning. But would you mind telling me how you get clean edges, say around vents and what not? or maybe do a video on it!

[@therealmatty_s]

Wrap the piece like you are wrapping in vinyl. Tape to the back edges. When first two coats of epoxy are dry.... come back and a hit your edges on a 45 with a roloc disc. Finish the rest of your coats of epoxy. You will have a clean finished edge.

[@g.king.]

OMG buddy this is art !!! good job

[@fs.audi.8p]

great video I'm about to carbon skin a whole audi a3 8p interior ! hope it comes out as good also ? should I take the factory aluminium trims off the door trim before laying carbon on them or carbon over the aluminum trim

[@nbbasrutten3267]

Do you have to use clear coat for the final coat? They have very high gloss epoxy now days?

[@falloncotroneo8442]

Hi Matt, What brand do you use for the epoxy and hardener for carbon fiber pieces that will be exposed/viewed? Like side mirror caps or interior pieces? Also can you recommend a coating or spray to use to help with UV protection if carbon parts are exposed to sun? Thanks again for the step by step video.

[@Christopher9835]

what kind of material is that? @0:20

[@RonDIYMods]

Do you have a video showing how to cut off or grind off the remaining carbon on the bottom side of the part.

[@therealmatty_s]

ronald aguilar Unfortunately that is the only thing I forgot to add in the video. The back is taped over the carbon fiber up to the edge. So I peel the tape off (as much as i can) and take a 45 degree grinder with a RLOC 40 grit disc and just slowly hit the edge on an angle. You dont have to hit it much. You should able to peel it off with your fingers if you hit the entire edge on an angle.

[@Nspoltore]

this is what i wanted to see

[@nmbaru]

What would be the stronger way of laying carbon in the long run? Hand-Lay or Vacuum seal

[@tulenj]

how carbon is held if you impregnate the fabric with resin and the spray is destroyed due to the resin

[@jesusloyola1329]

How long do you let the spray adhesive dry before adding first coat of epoxy?

[@the_whitemk2567]

Really nicely explained video with clear directions and good advises good job with those parts, gonna try carboning some a and b pillars hope they come out like that.

[@bitrage.]

I have an aluminum side panel for a pc workstation that i want to use as a "mold" and layer carbon fiber ontop of it so its the same shape/dimensions as the original panel but add luke vents/fan holes in certain areas... Is this possible? would it be reletivly easy to do? and would it damage the original panel?

[@anthonycastro4061]

awesome video! I subbed. been looking for information about carbon fiber and how to make parts. I'm going to make my e36 door panel insert carbon fiber. seems super easy and like you said all bout prep. thanks man! 👌

[@Mroswaldo16]

I have a question when the carbon fiber is finish can another piece attach together? I want to do a subwoofer box out of carbon fiber but the only way is doing it by parts.

[@modernfx]

Can you please put links to the materials? I would like to try this.

[@williamngo8345]

do you have to use the clear coat? or can you just use the epoxy and then polish it like you did? and if we use clear coat, does it have to be sprayed on? or can we put a layer on it and let it set itself on smoothly like then epoxy and then sand and polish?

[@herenow2895]

What did you do to get rid of the drips around the edge at 20:58 ?

[@iiKingPhoenix]

How would the back clean up? Would you peel off the tape and cut the CF or..?

[@yycfoodie5668]

good video man! you pay attention to details very well and share the knowledge with us. thanks for the video!

[@therealmatty_s]

Thank you!

[@Antimatter.]

Very nice job ! I'm no carbon expert but I just bought a rear spoiler for my car , hand made from a very reputable company and it was not cheap by any means I really love it and the carbon is beautiful, once I installed it I noticed 3 to 4 small dimples? It seems to to be in the clear coat you can only see this on certain angles and light , my question is , is this normal and acceptable?or should I have the company send me another one . Thanks

[@ahxse4511]

Can you link were to buy the carbon fiber skin and the proxy that you used?

[@VannessThao1988]

What is the brand SPRAY adhesive do you use? Did you just spray the adhesive then lay the carbon fiber on or you put a base black coat before?

[@conritewing162]

How do you pick what carbon fiber to use. You said you use a heavier weight but never said why. When would you change to a lighter weight and why?

[@maxg9684]

Damn good job. Can you make another video showing more complex situations?

[@neonnerd1364]

so if I followed this correctly you had a fiberglass part that you just covered in cf? personally I would've just made a mold of the part and made it that way. plus you could make multiple parts with a mold.

[@Nodrama92]

wow.. just wow ! i want carbon interior for my audi for 1600USD but i think i do this by my own ! thanks a lot man

[@Doncents]

LOOKS GREAT! i was skeptical but at the end looks killer!

[@flightsimusman]

what kind of paint should I use so that their isn't an issue with adhesive/resin not bonding to it?

[@ElFapinator]

Great work but How would you handle repairs? Let's say one chipped down to the bare carbon fiber, how would sand without damaging?

[@MassiveLoop]

VERY NICE! Seeing that final installed product is giving me ideas! I was mostly going to focus on engine bay but if I come out OK there I might have to move to the inside and modify the trim.

[@rodimo510]

Awesome video beautifully done! I gotta try that.

[@veselinveselov6735]

hey man can you tell me the main epoxy ? i cant see the name on the sticker .. second is resin reseach epoxy 2000f right ? and btw can i do it with vinyl(its some kind of a fake carbon..it looks like real but the material is not as the real one) and still use the epoxy.. thanks

[@alanmartin6708]

From where did you buy this carbon fiber? Link to that website. What is the name of this carbon fiber material?

[@ExLondoner]

Would you advise using a superior brush to avoid stray bristles?

[@kawzx777]

Do u have a suggestion on how to remove a razor thin scratch on carbon fiber, it in the clear coat of a new mirror cap. Almost forgot..Great job

[@trevorgreen2232]

Great video with loads of great info . I have a question though How do you cut the edges of extra cloth on the underside ? Do you just use a sharp knife ?

[@joseespinosa9343]

Can a bumper be done by laying it, cause I sure don't want to make a mold.

[@JV-ne7gw]

Sir can you list the stuffs that you used and the brands. Thanks alot

[@Sms68]

Holy 50 Shades of Fukn Blue Balls. Great Video. Probably asked a hundred times but where did you get your carbon fiber sheets at, Doing this to my BRZ.

[@therealmatty_s]

+SMS CUSTOMS I get a lot of my carbon supplies from www.fiberglasssupply.com in WA

[@bobmcboberson816]

Master craftsman. I'll be referencing this video for my future project. Thanks so much

[@alicanli9144]

hello is there any other use place of the epoxy you use so can the ground be epoxy

[@dekutree64]

What ever became of the back side after you had the tape on it? What do you do with the loose carbon edges?

[@SleeperZzZ28]

excellent work. Im keeping this as a reference for future use!

[@impulse_driven]

quick question what adhesive would you recommend say if I want to carbon skin and exterior part on my car I've been using easycomposites but it is to pricey to order from England

[@jorgeulloa1896]

What di you do yo the underside of the panel I saw the tape but do you remove it after the inicial coat or at the end and then grind any drip appoxy

[@rcbuggies57]

would it be ok to use 2 to 1 epoxy resin (light blue kind), hardener to tack down the carbon, I need something that will hold it down very very hard

[@JerseyMikeP]

Hi Matt, first off great video. I am planning on making my first carbon fiber parts and am glad you are able to get a great looking piece from hand lay-up as I only ever see people using molds. My parts are all going to be "One 0f One" so I didn't wan't to waste time/space/money on making molds. My questions... 1. Do you even post cure the parts for high temp stability? 2. If you have to use several layers of carbon fiber, is there anything different you do/ additional steps?

[@therealmatty_s]

+JerseyMikeP Depending on what the humidity and weather is like, sometime I will lay the parts under a heat lamp. If you use several layers of carbon, I usually will use a fiberglass roller on the every layer but the top (finished) layer. Other than that, it is business as usual.

[@jevyramos]

What is the ratio of hardener and epoxy? 1:1? Thanks

[@producerlawson]

so can you apply epoxy on top of hard epoxy that has dried for 24 hrs without sanding??

[@calvinli2710]

Very nice video! But I still have some questions, how can I make a shape for example a engine good with just carbon fiber and not any the original piece that is shaped. For example, you made your carbon fiber panel from shaping it from the old panel, what if there was no panel? Can I still shape it? Please answer because my group is very interested in using carbon fiber as our car model body

[@therealmatty_s]

li calvin In the case where you wanted to just make a mold of something, you would just do a layer of painters tape and aluminum foil on the original piece. Make sure you use mold release wax so you can remove your part. You would have to use 2-3 layers of carbon depending on the weight of the mat and the strength at which you need the part. I am going to make a vacuum bag video for carbon as well. So that should cover both ways to do it.

[@cjhage]

Hello what kind of spray you use to put this carbon fabric in position

[@khacvietle9333]

Very detail tips and helpful instructions video... 👍👍 U make me wanna tear my interior down for a weekend project. Thank you..

[@MrTimdtoolman1]

That look awesome Brother, great video thanks for showing how you did the carbon fiber wrap. I would like to do that on my truck panels.

[@therealmatty_s]

Tim datoolman Thanks!!!

[@jamesnelson6884]

I'm making a skateboard and I would like to layer the carbon fiber with some 1/16 maple sheets and 1/16 steel or aluminum, and then some nice carbon on the top...how would I make the visible layer a matte finish?

[@therealmatty_s]

You would finish with a matte clear coat, instead of gloss

[@jamesnelson6884]

Matt Schaeffer oh sweet! Didn't even know that a matte clear coat was a thing. Though i now wonder how i didn't think to look that up! Thanks, i'll try that when i get to the building stage

[@macieklojewski4053]

question, I am planning to do this on the interior trim of my car as well. My question is do i have to make a mold of the interior panel or can i wrap this over the stock trim piece just sand it down and spray it to make sure there is a good patch of contact?

[@hanslanz5632]

Hi, I tried it also with adhesive spray, but this is only stabl till 45°C. What kind of adhesive do you use? It was also a door cover and the carbon fiber deatched......

[@therealmatty_s]

It's imperative you go very light on the first layer of epoxy. This is so it does not fully saturate the adhesive and release it. Hope this helps.

[@boxer951]

wow!straight amazing work..thank you so much for sharing your work..this Video has inspired me to start making my own CF interior car parts.

[@Nextlevelmarine]

Very informative video. Thank-you so much keep up your good work I learned so much I feel confident on trying my own peice now

[@YOURMOMxo69xo]

How did you wrap the carbon fiber around the tight corners at the end of the pieces?

[@sonicsled1553]

MAtt great video. But what is the process if you want to lay 2-3 CF layers for a rear spoiler. Do you do all the sanding and blending between layers? Or adhere a layer, epoxy it and lay another one immediately? Thanks.

[@therealmatty_s]

If you are adding layers, then your primarily adding strength. If your doing it for cosmetics, then you don't need to add the multiple layers. Just make sure your starting out with your piece painted black. If you are going to do layers, wet out your first layer of carbon, then lay on your next layer immediately, repeat.

[@sonicsled1553]

Matt Schaeffer Thank you Matt!

[@nestorhinojosa6908]

Quick question! I thought I followed all the steps right and it looked great until I put the interior pieces back in and it all clouded up within a couple of days ! Is there anything you could think of that would cause this ?

[@rogerward0]

Great vid! Thanks! One question. What If I don't want to "wrap" the original object (in your case the spoiler, in mine, a sealed plaster cast. How would you prevent the carbon fiber from sticking to the original object?

[@actfitwil]

so this technique is not good on abs plastic? I wanted to try a wheel flare. was going to use on made of abs plastic. Any suggestions?