I have been making CF-foam-CF sandwiches using the resin infusion method, which involves using a layer of peel-ply under the infusion mesh. This leaves my panels with one smooth side (against the tool surface) and a rough side (courtesy of the peel ply.)

Is it possible to replace the peel-ply with, say, Perforated Release Film (or similar) to give a smoother finish? I'm not looking for a perfectly smooth/glossy surface, just not a peel-ply finish.

Would Perforated Release Film (as used in wet lay-ups) allow the resin to permiate through to the CF-foam-CF sandwich beneath or would you just end up sucking the majority of your resin into the catch pot?

Any advice appreciated.

Phil.

Im not sure how well the film would release from the carbon. someone else might know.

To ensure the resin flows fully throughout the lay up, you want a release film with a high density of holes.  Something like bread wrap works very well, even if slightly overlapped in corners. 

However you need to be careful when you use films such as P3 spaced release film that you dont overlap it too much or flow the resintoo quick as it needs a bit of time to allow the resin to permeate through into the carbon.

Also remember to prepare your foam core with holes and scoring to allow resin flow to the bottom of the lay up. Obviously that is not needed on something like soric where it already has open areas for resin flow.