Paint remover on carbon fiber

I'd guess any paint remover worth it's name would affect the resin to a degree. I'd also guess that I wouldn't notice the difference but maybe if you're really keen or professional you could give yourself a problem.

Is the thing painted or just covered in transfers?

Paint over the existing finish?

The carbon fiber is painted... and I would like to remove the existing paint and show the carbon fiber and paint it with clear acrylic finish "nude carbon" as they speak. Thank you for the advice.. maybe I just have to sand it carefully to remove the paint although it takes a while but at least you can control your sanding.

I m sure if paint is on cfibre mst not be baked on vry high temprature so u can use trichloroethylene ( C2HCL3 ) to remove it n try to use carbon Scrub if not available 400 grade emory paper will also b good option

Regards

Anmol

I know nothing of the actual process used to make the frame. Moulded glass fibre usually has a 'gel' coat on top of the fibre. You would do no harm gently abrading the gel coat in such circumstances. I'd go for something finer than 400 grit, at least for an initial test. Depends on the thickness of the paint.

Do you know anyone with a wet-blast installation? (Or bead-blaster)

400 grit is fine except the removal of the paint with a finish grade sandpaper will take extreme patience. It is meant to provide a finish sanding and removes very little material. You could be sanding for the rest of your natural life.

If the paint is from a previous owner, then go with the advice already given, but if it is the original manufacturer and it was a relatively cheap bike anyway, you may find that it is not quite as pretty as you may hope for.

eg. you will probably re-paint it quickly, then removing the paint was a lot of work for nothing!!

Check a small area first, especially around "joins".....

This is probably a "hobby" thing where time and cost are less important, but if it is important, forget doing it....just re-paint.

DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF MEDIA BLASTER....BAD ADVICE THERE!

I would recommend just using steel wool or 3M scotchbrite to sand the surface. Are you looking for the clear coat look over the carbon fibre? I don't think it's worth the risk to try to achieve that.

I would simply scotchbrite off most of the paint to create a smooth surface for repainting. It does not have to be completely removed. You will need a good urethane sandable primer for this before you topcoat. I recommend good automotive paint (acrylic urethane or polyester urethane) Have a local body shop paint it or a custom air brush shop like the guys from Orange Count Chopper. They may be able to help you with the final finish looking as good as the factory finish.

Good luck

Hi Baynoli,

I work in the aerospace industry. There is a much more effective way than just sanding. if you can get your hands on a solvent called Methyl Ethyl Keytone, or MEK, used extensively in the aerospace/automotive/paint industries it will remove the paint and wont affect the integrity of the composite frame. this product is extremely toxic & flammable however, and great care must be taken in its' handling, use and disposal. read the material data sheet before use. wear the appropriate protective equipment ie; butyl gloves, respirator with organic vapour filter and eye protection as a bare minimum. use in a well ventillated area.

Scrub frame with MEK & scotchbrite. Use sparingly. Do not over-do it or you will start to scrub through the graphite! Wipe down with MEK soaked rag Repeat process if required. Rinse frame with water after use. Dispose of waste properly. Have a shower & wash clothes. Do not allow product to contact your watch! If you haven't already guessed, this stuff is seriously bad for you. That said, it's the industry standard for removing paint from composites. The only other effective way is medium blasting (not sand blasting!) and should only be done by trained professionals with purpose built equipment/facilities.

Hope this helps.

Cheers.