Mold making question

[Extreme]

Hi forum members,
I’m new to the making of composite parts via molds. Up until now all my experience has be limited to non-mold composite parts used in the building of experimental aircraft.

I’ve decided to start making some parts for my car out of carbon fiber using the vacuum infusion method and molds. I have a lot of learning to do so I’ve been reading and watching YouTube videos trying to learn all I can before starting the actual process.

A question I have not been able to find the answer to:

I plan to use epoxy resin for the actual finished parts.
So do I need to use epoxy tooling gelcoat and epoxy resin for the mold structure? Or could I use vinylester resin and gelcoat for the mold?

Thank you and I love this site.

[wyowindworks]

You do not have to make the mold from epoxy based resins. There are some advantages though. Epoxy based molds are typically more stable (hold their shape), have less print-thru issues during mold fabrication, and have more durable surfaces. VE and PE faced molds are easier to polish than epoxy faced molds.

[Extreme]

You do not have to make the mold from epoxy based resins. There are some advantages though. Epoxy based molds are typically more stable (hold their shape), have less print-thru issues during mold fabrication, and have more durable surfaces. VE and PE faced molds are easier to polish than epoxy faced molds.

Ok thank you, I like the idea of having a stable mold with less print-thru so I guess I should stick with epoxy for these reasons. Plus I can use the same resin for the mold and the final part.