Topsheet Delam

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JoseSnow
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Topsheet Delam

Post by JoseSnow »

Hi, i had this terrible problem. I printed the graphics in paper mate and I used transparent topsheet. After pressing the paper did not bont to the topsheet but the ink did. I am wondering what could be the best way to fix this problem. Instant glue? Or taking top shit and graphic paper away sanding a little it the top and putting a new top sheet?

By the way. Does aomebody use the same method as me for the graphics?
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chrismp
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Post by chrismp »

using an inkjet or laser printer with a regular plastic topsheet won't work as far as my tests showed. all my sample pieces delaminated.

i'm now printing on regular matte paper (no coating), then apply a coat of white acrylic paint to the underside of the printed paper (to prevent epoxy from seeping through and then i apply several coats of polyurethane varnish to protect the graphic.
Last edited by chrismp on Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
JoseSnow
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Post by JoseSnow »

So your paper is mate from one side or both? You put the acrylic paint in the side that touches the top fiber glass? You do not use a top sheet? you just use polyurethane varnish on top? how does that work for you?? A lot of builders use that?

Thank you very much!
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chrismp
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Post by chrismp »

my paper is completely matte. it feels like regular paper. the one i use is called Sihl TrueColor but others work as well, just make sure they don't have a PE-coating or similar.

the acrylic goes on the side that touches the glass. bonds well. polyurethane varnish is commonly used on this forum especially by the guys that have veneer topsheets.
wutato
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Cf as a top sheet?

Post by wutato »

Hello chrismp, I'm friend of Jose, we are together building our skis. We notice that the matte paper are not embedded of epoxy, not even the side with out the graphics, is the top sheet what makes that the graphics pull out? can you post us the link of your tests?

Have you tried to use one or two layers of CF as a top sheet?, instead or with clear top sheet? in Chile we found bi-directional cf in 90° and 45°, both in 5 oz.

Cheers.

Tato
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chrismp
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Post by chrismp »

so the whole paper delaminates from the layer of glass below it? i don't have photos of my test pieces, but all of them delaminated between the printed side and the topsheet.

sure, you can use CF as a topsheet, but with CF as well as with any sort of topsheet that has epoxy exposed to sunlight it is better to apply some sort of varnish to protect the epoxy from UV light. you could use some layers of glass as well if you don't want a plain black topsheet like with CF.
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MontuckyMadman
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Post by MontuckyMadman »

i think your laminate is resin poor perhaps causing a delam. What type of heat schedule are you using?
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knightsofnii
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Post by knightsofnii »

i would not suggest any paper as an outside layer.
use rice paper, graphics will still show but most unprinted parts of the paper will be virtually invisible, and if you do that, cover that with at least a thin layer of glass like a 4oz surf glass and wet that out too.

are you using a topsheet or no?
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chrismp
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Post by chrismp »

paper as an outside layer works well for me if the paper is properly sealed with polyurethane varnish.
jakesddfj
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Post by jakesddfj »

I printed the graphics in paper mate and I used transparent topsheet. After pressing the paper did not bont to the topsheet but the ink did.
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chrismp
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Post by chrismp »

yeah, i ran into the same problem when using regular topsheets. all the samples i did with different printers and inks showed poor bonding between paper and topsheet. thats why i varnish now.
Jekul
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Post by Jekul »

I've been gluing paper to the top of my veneer topsheets after pressing. I follow that by 3-4 coats of polyurethane seal to make sure I get the UV protection and some added durability. Seems to look good and hold up very well.
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