Clear Coat Touch Up

I'm no expert but my suggestion based on experience with other carbon items
(bows & arrows specifically 😉 is...

....sand down the area with the clearcoat damage. You need a perfectly smooth
surface before putting any kind of finish on top. Use a block to shape the
sandpaper as needed and use continually finer grits until the surface feels
silky smooth. (600 to 1200 grit is plenty fine)

Make sure the sanded surface is clean of residue from sanding - use a
chamois dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Dry, wipe, repeat until the chamois
comes clean when wiped on the sanded area. (this cleaning is a very
important step that will ruin further coats if not done thoroughly)

Apply "Minwax Helmsman" GLOSS polyurethane top coat. My preference is at
least 3 LIGHT coats via BRUSH. Spray can be made to work but it contains
volatile propellants which aren't desirable and may affect the finish.

When I say light coats, I mean VERY light coats. This stuff takes a minimum
of a day to dry when applied lightly. A thick coat can take WEEKS to dry if
it ever does. You've been warned: use multiple light coats.

"Gloss" is important even if you want a satin finish later. The chemicals
used to dull the finish also take away it's durability. Use gloss until the
last coat when you can apply a satin.

This stuff, when applied correctly, is waterproof, abrasion resistant,
durable, FLEXIBLE and gorgeous. (it will not chip or crack as other finishes
do)

My experience with it comes from building carbon, bamboo and wooden longbows
which endure torturous conditions compared to a bike frame. It'll hold up.

Good luck!

Chris

"BobT" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:RWfye.66594$oK.15032@okepread02...

Quoted message said:

I have some damage to the clear coat on my carbon fiber wrapped handlebar.
What is the best way to touch up these defects?

BobT

BobT said:

I have some damage to the clear coat on my carbon fiber wrapped handlebar.
What is the best way to touch up these defects?

BobT

if it's minimal, just dab with nail polish. otherwise chris's advice
will work. depends on the effort you care to invest.