Hello,

I'm new here so hello everybody.

What I'm trying to do is skin (I think that's the correct terminology) Some existing steps/stairs, I'm hoping this is the correct section.

It is a stair in my house, actually in a bedroom, so no chance of shoes ever been worn.

The steels is structural and pretty flat. But my plan was to cover the steps in half inch plywood, like a sleeve then cover that in carbon. I have made the off fibreglass and carbon part before, but usually I work in the reverse order. I.e. mould, gelcoat, carbon, etc.

I don't want to make a mould, so my plan is.
Lay carbon onto plywood. Wet out with epoxy, polish. But my questions are, would I be better applying a Gelcoat ontop? Will this polish better? Do I forget about flatting/polishing the hard epoxy altogether and 2k it and polish that?
Also, I planned to 2k the plywood first in black so you can't see wood through the weave, What thickness carbon should I use? I don't need any strength adding so thought about the thinnest, but if thicker would be easier i'd rather use that.

Thanks for any help and tips.

A picture of how they are now.