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Make carbon yourself: Step-by-step instructions for laminating
Laminating carbon parts yourself is not rocket science – with the right material, some patience, and careful work, even smaller visible parts can be successfully made at home. This guide will take beginners through the wet lamination process step by step, from preparation to high-gloss sealing.
- Procedure: Wet laminate flooring – ideal for beginners, without expensive special equipment.
- You will need: Carbon fiber fabric, epoxy resin, release agent, tools, and a clear coat for sealing.
- Duration Work actively for 1–2 hours, then allow for curing time.
- Important: Work cleanly, dust-free, and with protective equipment.
What you need for DIY carbon fiber
Before you start, have all the materials ready – because once the resin is mixed, time is of the essence. The following list covers the wet laminating process:
| Material | What for |
|---|---|
| Carbon fabric (e.g. Buy 2/2) | The visible fiber layer – determines the later pattern. |
| Epoxy resin + hardener | It saturates the fabric and hardens it into a solid component. |
| Release Agent / Release Wax | So that the part releases from the mold later. |
| Carbon glue | To fix the fabric onto existing components. |
| Tool | Brush/roller, mixing cup, utility knife, gloves, sandpaper. |
| Clear coat | For the protective high-gloss sealing at the end. |
So that you don't have to gather each part individually, you will find in the DIY Shop from Carbon Modifications coordinated materials. Anyone who wants to start right away with everything they need is best off getting the Carbon coating set – the base material is already coordinated within it.
Carbon lamination in 6 steps
1. Prepare the substrate
Thoroughly clean, sand, and degrease the component or mold. Any unevenness and dust specks will show up later. Then apply a release agent if you are working in a mold.
2. Cut fabric
Cut the carbon fabric generously – better to leave some overlap. For curved surfaces, lay the fabric so that it conforms without wrinkles.
3. Mix resin
Weigh the resin and hardener exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions in the correct ratio and mix without bubbles. Only mix as much as you can use within the processing time (pot life).
4. Impregnate fabric (laminate)
Lay the fabric down and saturate it evenly with resin using a brush or roller until it is completely wet and transparent-black. Carefully roll out air bubbles – they are the most common mistake for beginners.
5. Let harden
Let the part cure undisturbed and dust-free. The exact time is indicated on the resin; heat accelerates, cold delays curing.
6. Sand and seal
After curing, trim the edges, wet sand the surface with multiple grits, and seal with clear coat or a high-gloss top coat. Several thin layers will result in a deeper, glossier finish than one thick layer.
The most common beginner mistakes
- Too much resin: makes the thing heavy and murky – only as much as necessary.
- Air bubbles arise from working too quickly; roll out thoroughly.
- Dust on the surface: Ruins the finish – cure dust-free.
- Incorrect mixing ratio the resin will then not harden properly.
DIY or have it done?
Small, flat visible parts are a good starting point. For complex shapes, large surfaces, or when the result has to be perfect from the start, professional manufacturing makes more sense. More on this in the guide. „Have carbon parts made“ – there we explain the procedures, processes, and costs. Anyone who wants to have an existing part refined will find everything under Carbon finishing.
High-quality fabrics, resins, and kits – coordinated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really make carbon yourself?
Yes. Smaller visible parts can also be successfully made at home using the wet lamination process if the material, cleanliness, and curing time are correct.
Which resin should I use for laminating?
A laminating epoxy resin with a suitable hardener. See the guide „Which resin for laminating carbon fiber?“ for details.
How long does carbon fiber need to cure?
Depending on the resin, several hours to overnight. Heat shortens and cold lengthens the curing time – always observe the manufacturer's instructions.
How is carbon made high-gloss?
Through multiple wet sanding and several thin clear coat or top coat layers with intermediate sanding.
Written by: Fiverr Services
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