After some info on carbon skinning mainly what people use as the 'basecoat' is it possible to use polyester resin or gel coat as the first layer for which the carbon is placed upon?

hello TO82,

  from what I have seen yes, it is possible to use polyester resin to skin your parts in... but NOT ok for simply the first tacky layer followed by epoxy resins.  you'll want to stick with the same "family" of resins... either epoxy or poly throughout the entire process.

as for the easiest to use between 2x2 and 1x1... depends on the shape of the part honeslty.  the 2x2 will conform to complex shapes slightly better than the 1x1....  but then again, I'm still learning a lot as well so... you may want to wait to hear back from an expert like Fred or one of the EC staff before you give it a go.

 good luck,

David