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it's mainly cosmetic, scratched the paint and decals off my carbon frame, any tips re: varnish or clear coat to protect the carbon from the elements? Been told a little sanding and nail polish?
Well it won't rust, so there's no actaul need to do anything really! Do what you like for the cosmetics though! 🙂
Isn't nail varnish good for disolving stuff?
Well, it's fine on fingernails, and I'm assuming carbon is tougher than that.....?
Get to your doctor immediately just to check that non of the carbon filaments are working their way to your heart. Then do as advised above. (Nail varnish remover is probably good for removing stuff....... like nail varnish. 😕 ).
Thanks PP, not worried how it looks, didn't want to leave it and cause any further damage.
i heard somewhere over time bare carbon can be effected by water, best giving it a bit of nail polish i reckon.
PeterPoddy - Member
Well, it's fine on fingernails, and I'm assuming carbon is tougher than that.....?
Carbon is not the problem. You make nuclear reactors out of solid graphite.
It is the epoxy and the interface between the epoxy and the carbon that you need to be careful with. I have no idea what solvents are in nail varnish but I would just get some normal car paint lacquer and touch up with that. Probably best to rub down (P1200 or finer) and clean (alcohol) the general area and give a gentle coat of clear lacquer from halfords. The PU stuff they sell in the wheel paint section is tougher and you could do the whole frame with it for a tougher finish.
But if its just a small scratch then i wouldnt be too bothered or just use a paint brush and some lacquer.
Ps all composites are porous to some degree but it's not a huge issue. Aircraft are designed for hot and wet conditions as a worst case scenario and rotor blades last years with so much water ingested that the blades balance changes gradually after they are built due to water ingress into the hollow trailing part compared to the closed cell foam nose.
Stick one of these on it until it's better.
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Spot on, oldgit.
OP- are you aware of the phrase 'second impact strength'? Carbon - great for bottle cages 😉
"You make nuclear reactors out of solid graphite."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2004/dec/02/energy.nuclearindustry
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn7171-cracks-may-force-shutdown-of-uk-reactors.html
its a mountain bike, it'll get scratched, don't worry about it...
... until it fails and you crash and the barbs race to your heart!