If you’re trying to remove the carbon part from a plastic plug/mold then you don’t need to use anything. Although you should still apply wax so that it will come off easier. For everything else you’ll need some kind of mold release applied to the mold/plug first before you apply the resin/carbon. PVA is a common mold release, wax is also very widely used. There are other chemicals as well but they’re more suited more mass production purposes. They’re called semi permanent mold release which you apply once for multiple releases.
One more thing to add. Ultimately it comes down to how porous the surface is. If you have a smooth plug/mold, it’ll come off much easier than if you have a rough or porous plug/mold.
Sweet, thanks!!!
how do i gett the PDF f\ile?
I lost the PDF file. I’ll make another one.
Is there another Pdf file??
I’m going to buy some supply and try this.
Any updates on the PDF File?
http://www.icancomposites.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=23
read that too. might help explain it a bit more.
L.
I have never done this before but I really want to give it a try. I made a fiberglass mold of a ball once in highschool shop class ( was like 1,000 years ago ) and found it to be great fun. Although I remember some of how to do it, I don’t remember the whole process.
I am looking to duplicate my cars deck lid and perhaps other parts later if possible. This is probably a big bite for me but I’m willing to learn and take the steps needed. I’ve been reading all that I can find on the net to try and begin this project.
If any of you can suggest where to begin please feel free to point me in that direction. I plan on starting with small projects so I can get the feel and experience needed before beginning something like the trunk or hood.
If you are working with the outside of the plug and duplicating the part by laying the material on top of it, how do you get a smooth outer surface? I’m pretty sure if you use a mold that surface will be fairly smooth to begin with. With just laying the material on I don’t understand how this will work. Is there a lot of sanding involved to get it smooth? Also wouldn’t the part be larger than the original, say if you were making a 3d part and not just a flat surface? Like that of an armrest or perhaps something similar.
I look forward to hearing from you guys. I’m eager and excited to begin my first project so I eagerly await 
P.S. I tried to download the PDF file and it was not available. Thank you so much for the tutorials Evan. Keep it up, love the info.
I guess this wasnt a very good article, It has been pulled.
(grin)
Great information.
I have a queation for you. You mentioned multiple coats of epoxy if a smooth surface was desired. After build up do you sand and polish it smooth or is this a case where you keep coating until smooth?
Thanks!
My thinking is use fine sanding in between coats to knock down the high spots and give the next layer teeth to hold onto.