Carbon MTB frame damage

joeduke

My Carbon mtb frame got a bit of damage from a rock a while ago, I noticed the other day that the thin layer that covers the frame is chipping a bit around where the damage is, any tips or ideas on how to repair or seal the damage

doozerie

Carbon frames are certainly repairable, and in more situations that you might think, as discussed here. The shops referred to on that page are obviously US ones though and I don't know what the options are on this side of the water. Amongst the comments on that page there is some mention of repairing minor damage yourself, which might be an option if you are confident with using epoxy (people who build/repair boats, surfboards, etc., might be able to offer advice or point you in the right direction of someone qualified to do the repair, maybe).

billy.fish

Its just laquer, assuming the fibers arent exposed, you just need to water tight it somewhat. Araldite will work if appled lightly, It wont look good though.

doozerie

If it is just the lacquer (I now realise I didn't read the original post properly before my previous post - sorry), then you might be able to use the spray-on lacquer used for cars/motorbikes. You can buy cans of it in Halfords. I have no idea of compatibility with carbon fibre though so probably worth doing some digging online, and obviously reading the back of the can too, for info on whether it is safe to use.

I've used the Halford's spray-on lacquer on a steel frame (over several layers of paint) and it worked well. It's easy to apply too much though so you've got to be a bit careful.

joeduke

Cheers man, I will it a go

joeduke

I got the Clear Lacquer from Halfords and it did a graet job on the frame, I gave it 2 coats and it came up good as new.