Hey there fellow Composite Nuts!

I have been making various parts however now i am needing to create a perfect flat panel with a perfect gloss finish... currently looking at various panels/sheets that will be strong enough not to warp or ripple at all and keep scratch free so that either a large fiber glass mold could be made from or infuse off directly.

What economical CHEAP ways do you guys go about obtaining this surface finish?

I have been looking at acrylic panels (although getting a large one isn't very cheap) and whilst writing this post i think later i will have a look at large mirrors.)

Cheers,
Dave.

Glass panels of any sort speak to your local glass place, I don't know how much big sheets cost.
Or what about hunting down old patio windows or alike.

We had and sold a massive piece of toughen glass for pennys at the time was just in the way how I wish we kept it now!

I'm also interested in tips from the pros but I think the answer is toughened glass.

Agreed. Glass with a semi-perm release is the way to go.