Keeping carbon fiber weave straight?

[Aubrey64]

For the last few weeks I have been working on wrapping parts in carbon fiber, and though the pieces have looked okay in the end, they aren't exactly where I would like it to be. The main problem I am having is laying down the carbon fiber straight. It seems like no matter what I do, the weave comes out wavy or slightly separated, and I notice this before applying any Resin/hardener over the CF, so it is a problem with how I lay down the fabric. Do any of yall have any tips for laying down the CF around the parts so that it won't come out wavy or slightly separated? Thanks!

[angie7]

I've wrapped a lot of things (spoiler, tailight bezels, center console, arm rest to name a few) what exactly are you trying to wrap? You should try to do it all in one single piece but I've had to do separate pieces and line up the lines. It isn't easy but I guess I don't understand what you mean.

[Aubrey64]

Originally Posted by angie7

I've wrapped a lot of things (spoiler, tailight bezels, center console, arm rest to name a few) what exactly are you trying to wrap? You should try to do it all in one single piece but I've had to do separate pieces and line up the lines. It isn't easy but I guess I don't understand what you mean.

What I was wrapping, was the A/C vent bezel and the drivers side dash trim. So they shouldn't really be hard to wrap, but I've been having trouble. I've been doing it all in one single piece, but like the weave will separate, or the weave won't be straight. Sorry if my explanation is confusing. I will try to take some photos and post them to give you a better idea.

[flyinlow89]

I may be wrong on this, but I'm thinking angie7 has worked with carbon fibre vinyl and not actual carbon fibre......

[Pharmaro]

^^^

[pannhead51]

The way I've done it in the past was this.. lay down a sheet of mylar on a flat table, on top lay your CF and orient straight, do your wet-out, lay another sheet of mylar on top of the CF and squeeze your excess out with a roller all the while keeping an eye on the orientation of the weave... then peel the top mylar off ..slide your hand under the bottom mylar and flip the the whole thing face down on the piece your working on.

[angie7]

Originally Posted by flyinlow89

I may be wrong on this, but I'm thinking angie7 has worked with carbon fibre vinyl and not actual carbon fibre......

Yes it is 3M dinoc carbon fiber vinyl, OP said "wrapping" so I'm assuming they are using vinyl as well.

To the OP, are you using vinyl or cloth fabric? The vinyl weave will follow the curve and lines so it will give the appearance that the lines aren't straight but thats what gives cf its cool, weave like appearance. Never messed with fabric.

[lscamaro]

She's talking about cf fabric

[angie7]

Originally Posted by lscamaro

She's talking about cf fabric

Ok, my bad.