# Graphite

**URL:** <https://forum.clcboats.com/t/graphite/34731>\
**Category:** Builder's Forum\
**Created:** [November 29, 2008, 10:30am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/graphite/34731 "2008-11-29T10:30:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Kim\_Haubert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5e925/32.png) [@Kim\_Haubert](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Kim_Haubert)\
**Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 10:30am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/graphite/34731/1 "2008-11-29T10:30:45Z")

</div>

I would like to try a graphite/epoxy bottom on a new build.&nbsp; Should I do the standard 3 coats epoxy then graphite mix?&nbsp; Or could I do one coat epoxy to cover the fiberglass and then go to two coats of the graphite/epoxy mix?

Kim

&nbsp;

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Laszlo\_Morocz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c68b51/32.png) [@Laszlo\_Morocz](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Laszlo_Morocz)\
**Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 2:05pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/graphite/34731/2 "2008-11-29T14:05:44Z")

</div>

On my WD12, I did the following:

1. Wet out the glass

2. Fill the weave with a microballoon/epoxy slurry

3. 2 coats graphite/epoxy

Fine line tape for the edges, no sanding between layers. It worked out well.

Laszlo

&nbsp;

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Casey\_Wilkinson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4da419/32.png) [@Casey\_Wilkinson](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Casey_Wilkinson)\
**Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 8:04pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/graphite/34731/3 "2008-11-29T20:04:54Z")

</div>

I am pretty sure I know the answer to this already, but here goes: &nbsp;When using graphite in epoxy like in the above posts, is it still necessary to apply a UV protection layer, like varnish or paint? &nbsp;My guess is yes, but one never knows…

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Laszlo\_Morocz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c68b51/32.png) [@Laszlo\_Morocz](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Laszlo_Morocz)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 6:04am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/graphite/34731/4 "2008-11-30T06:04:50Z")

</div>

Actually, Casey, it's no.The graphite provides all the UV protection needed.

Laszlo

&nbsp;

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Kim\_Haubert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5e925/32.png) [@Kim\_Haubert](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Kim_Haubert)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 9:06am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/graphite/34731/5 "2008-11-30T09:06:12Z")

</div>

My plan, should Laszlo choose to accept it, is to wet out the glass.&nbsp; After 8 hr. periods I will apply coats to the sides&nbsp;which I want bright.&nbsp; After a&nbsp;day or so I will put on the fine line tape and proceed with steps 2 & 3.&nbsp;

Is it okay to let the bottom hull cure for a day while I am working on the sides?&nbsp;

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Nathan\_Mark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/839c29/32.png) [@Nathan\_Mark](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Nathan_Mark)\
**Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 12:16am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/graphite/34731/6 "2008-12-03T00:16:50Z")

</div>

Interestingly enough, I just used graphite on the bottom of my passagemaker and did it pretty much the way that laszlo described except that I didn't use microballoons when filling in the weave. I simply used two coats of clear epoxy and then two coats of the graphite epoxy. So far, it has worked out great. but, I only launched her a few weeks ago.&nbsp;

&nbsp;