Many of our customers are not familiar with the different types of exterior finishes available on carbon fiber. This article will explain the options available to assist our customers when selecting their carbon fiber tubes.
1. Standard Finish - "Cello-wrap"
Cello-wrap is slang for describing the textured exterior of carbon fiber tubes made using the roll wrapping process. As shown in the photo to the right, the surface of the carbon fiber tube is slightly textured with ever so small resin ridges, about 0.001" thick.
2. Sanded Finish
Smooth exterior finish done using sandpaper. The carbon fiber tubes have a matte-like finish and are the color of graphite (greyish) as seen in the 2 tubes on the left in the picture below (the 3 tubes on the right are have cello-wrap finish)
3. Ground Finish
Ground finish refers to centerless grinding the carbon fiber tubes to a precise OD tolerance. The carbon fiber tubing has the same matte-like finish as sanded.
4. Clearcoat Finish
The clearcoat finish is generally a glossy exterior that brings out the carbon fiber "look" of the carbon fiber tubes. The clearcoat also provides UV resistance to sunlight exposure. The picture to the right
shows the difference between a cello-wrap and clearcoated carbon fiber tube with the 2x2 twill carbon fabric.
5. Painted Finish
A painted exterior in various colors is possible. Although this is not a popular choice for most of our customers, it is common for carbon fiber fishing rods, golf shafts and softball bats.
In summary, these five finish options are available for all carbon fiber tubing produced at Clearwater Composites.
