Is it possible to strip and repaint a graphite shaft?

[bgibson27]

I've just begun my first club project. New paint job on a Nike SQ 3wd. I'm doing a 1956 Chevy Bel Air powder blue/white theme with the crown powder blue and club details white. Also, Chevy must have had golf in mind because the old chevy hood ornament included a V which makes a perfect alignment marker. I want this club to function so I am wondering if I can strip paint from a graphite shaft and repaint it white (not to mimic the "ghost" trend but to reflect the old whitewall tires).

 

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[RookieBlue7]

I wouldn't, the paint is used as a sealant layer too. Anything happens to the fibers and the integrity is compromised. Try one of those shaft skins instead is what I'd do if I insisted on doing the shaft white and not buying one already white.

[daves81]

Boy I dont know you gotta be real careful that you dont damage the fibers I would definately try it out on an old shaft first. My opinion would be to lightly rub the finish with a scotch brite pad {used in auto body and wood working].Just get the gloss off and Lightly rub to abrade the finish so your paint will adhere. This is just my opinion and I am not an expert on graphite or carbon fiber.Good Luck ,be sure to let us know how it turns out. Dave

[RookieBlue7]

But, Dave, couldn't that impact flexural stiffness? I know with the right paint with a flex additive in it (which would be required due to the shaft loading and unloading anyway) you could, in theory, not effect it. But not stripping it all the way down would mean more paint, adding weight, which generally makes the launch characteristics change (more weight, lower launch). Just playing devil's advocate.

[daves81]

Yeah RB I think you may be right I think it may be easier to just get a new shaft. I'm sure there is a manufacturer that can custom make a shaft in any color .

[RookieBlue7]

The Fubuki is available in white... And Matrix has the White TP7.

[bgibson27]

Thanks for the input! I have access to old shafts so I'll try some things. Rookie, I just checked out the shaft skins and can't find a pure white but did find a blue/white skin. Thanks for the suggestion, keep me posted with more ideas and I'll do the same with my progress.

 

Off to the auto store to talk paint.

[bgibson27]

By the way, my inspiration: http://wildmusclecars.com/1956-chevrolet/1956-chevy/

[TBone]

http://shaftwraps.com/solid2.htm

 

all white version available here, how'd the project turn out ? sounds interesting

[indacup]

Rookie Blue is correct....

 

We have designed a few line of shafts and the layers of paint will contribute to the flex/performance of the shaft...When we rested our shafts and got bi-monthly samples from the manufacturer, we had already determined what color/layer process would be used...and had them apply similar layers in low cost clear coat.

 

Because we HAD to duplicate the effects of paint.