i found some sanded carbon fiber tubes that i want to use in some of my work. Can I just leave it sanded? I think it looks good as is. what would it look like if i clear coated it? it will be exposed to the elements.

:::EDIT::: why do i miss spell the subject line of every thread i start?! hah, im leaving this one

 

If they are exposed to the elements I would recommend you clear coat them. resins are not designed to protect themselves from the elements. Things like paint and gel coat serve that purpose.
as for what it will look like: wipe them with water and that will give you a good idea of what they will look like once clear coated.

 

If you like the way they look now you can always just use a matte clear. Should give it that dull flat look.

 

Using just a clear-coat will require like 5-10 coats to hold up for any amount of time. I suggest a marine clear gel-coat. That will also keep the resin and carbon from yellowing from the u.v. exposure.

 

can this be sprayed from a normal gun? do i need anything special?

 

Gel coat won't spray through a regular gun I would say just stick to an automotive clear. Just put a bunch of coats on it I would say 5 would be ok.

if you do want to spray gel coat you have 2 options: buy a gel coat sprayer, or buy gel coat and a thinner, such as duratec high gloss additive.

 

use styrene to thin the gel-coat. Although you will have to apply a few layers but it should work. I would just get the gel-coat gun.

 

what kind of $$$ am i looking at if i buy one? It prob wouldn't get a whole lot of use. I don't do carbon work too often.

 

Gel coat cup guns are awesome. They're usually about $130-150. I prefer them rather than thinning out gelcoat and spraying through my regular hvlp gun. If you want to use your normal gun I would only reccomend styrene. Some people use acetone but it tends to cause spider cracks and stuff. You should only use 2% max styrene to thin it out.

 

Clear coat would most definitely work. 5 coats is about right to get a uniform coating. I would honestly recommend that you do one nice coat of gelcoat with the gelcoat gun. Then sand it smooth with 400 and 600 and lay 2 coats of automotive clear

 

Yes that is true but it makes absolutely no economical sense. he has a sprayer, and he will probably never use the gel coat sprayer again.
If he goes the gel coat route, he has to buy, gel coat, mekp, gel coat sprayer, then sand it down etc...
when he could just buy some clear and spray it and be done with it.
just clear the damn tubes and be done with it

 

Yeah, I guess Im just not a fan of thinning gelcoat. Most places I get my gelcoat from give me the mekp with it. Honestly, If you have a gun and are looking for a cheapish, quick solution just lay down whatever clear you can find. I personally use PPG shopline clear. Its their most basic line but it sprays awesome and has an awesome shine.