Just wondering what everyone uses to seal bare/exposed carbon fibre, i.e. the tips of fork steerer tubes, after they’re cut. Granted the fibres are still bound by the cured resin, I’m wondering what clearcoats you folks would use, for home DIY use, that provide adequate protection against UV, mechanical damage, etc. So no pro-grade 2K options that require respirator equipment. Also prefer solutions with a longer shelf life than the 48 hrs found in “2K in a can” options.
I’m currently seeing SprayMax 2K and Fantom Clear CX as the best candidates, but am hoping that there are other more viable options that I might have missed.
Thanks all.
Ordinary automotive 1 pack acrylic clearcoat works reasonably well. The ones sold here always have decent UV performance.
They are very glossy, this can be knocked back with a cutting polish after 24 hours curing.
Thanks for that info, @Lyrebird_Cycles_Mark_Kelly. Always grateful for your inputs and insights!
Cheers.
How necessary is it to protect a cut steerer? I’ve never personally done this or seen a shop do it (which doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not needed!).
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Yeah, doubt it’s something most would think about, or even be concerned with, especially in the case of a cut steerer, which rotor see minimal exposure to UV, moisture, or mechanical stress from under the top cap.
There’s nothing wrong with leaving it exposed, and sealing the area is certainly borderline excessive, but for me, it’s about the “little things”. One could argue that the exposed end of that steerer tube (especially if voids or micro-pits exist), could eventually compromise the integrity of the steerer tube.
Sealing the area provides just that added peace of mind and security, I’d reckon.