Hey composite peeps! I am trying out various approaches to gel coat and trying to avoid Polystyrene (though I do work with it). I have been messing with laminating epoxy mixed with black casting pigment with a PVA release. In other applications I use MANN release (more for casting) with excellent release and desired satin finish. (I should mention that I make specialized musical instruments which are a cross between guitar and viola). Generally I make them out of wood but am going over to hybrid CF & or Flax/Hemp with wood veneer in vacuum forms. I have had good results so far with my other parts molds. The neck section required a tricky lay up and I am using the gel coat as a pre-finish black look to bury the otherwise funky CF layup. I was hoping to use a water base polyurethane but that may not go well with some mold release agents without fish-eye. I have considered PVA but have concerns of the water in the urethane dissolving the PVA and either not releasing properly or. integrating into the finish itself. I am aware of some epoxy based upcycled gel coats and have been experimenting with Enthropy upcycled resin (with great results for other applications). Basically, I am looking for ease of repetitive application absent the hassles/odor of polystyrene. The idea is for an ample gel coat (preferably not so nasty stuff) followed by a wet vacuum layup (infusion doable as well) . followed by a urethane foam core. I am making the initial proof part with throw away bagging but generally make silicone vacuum bags for repeated use. Today, I am giving it a go with PVA/black epoxy. I would prefer an easy spray/release finish that won't fish eye (preferably not nasty stuff) as babysitting gravity and epoxy will get old   Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Jonathan