how do you paint prep carbon?

[vqdriver]

...... as it pertains to custom frames, that is.

i see "stock" carbon forks painted to match a custom frame. when they do this, i imagine the painter will strip the clearcoat along with the decals. do they do this chemically? sanding?

can you do this to carbon stems too? how about aluminum stems?

[wasfast]

Chemical strippers can damage the resin
Media blasting can be too severe although baking soda has been mentioned as an option (never tried it).
That pretty much leaves abrasive paper. Not alot of magic, just elbow grease and attention to when you hit the carbon.

[Charles M]

Sand paper...

then a light dishsoap and water wash, whipe with cheese cloth, apply graphics (if you use decals) wash and whipe again and spray.


you can use media blasting (baking soda is fine) for knocking down an existing finish even then you do a light sanding afterward. Sanding is easier to control.

Builders can get unfinished forks though...