Method of forming a decorative panel of molded plastic

An improved method of forming a decorative panel of molded plastic comprising the steps of,

• constructing a form having a realistically detailed surface;
• covering said detailed surface with a mold release material;
• applying a thin layer of gel coat over said mold release material;
• applying a plurality of layers of fiberglass matte and resin over said gel coat layer;
• allowing said plurality of layers of fiberglass matte and resin to harden thereby forming a mold having a female side being formed against said detailed surface and a side opposite from said female side;
• removing said mold from said form;
• perforating said mold with a plurality of small holes thereby providing fluid communication between said female side and said side opposite;
• providing a vacuum means to said side opposite of said mold;
• placing a sheet of plastic in a retention means, thereby disposing said sheet above and adjacent said female side of said mold;
• locking said sheet of plastic in said retention means;
• activating a heating means, thereby heating said sheet to a pliable state;
• activating a ram means, thereby placing said mold in a sealed position directly adjacent the pliable sheet of plastic;
• activating said vacuum means, thereby drawing said pliable sheet of plastic into said female side of said mold;
• cooling said formed panel;
• and
• unlocking said retention means and removing said formed panel from said mold;
• wherein the step of constructing a form having a realistically detailed surface includes the steps of,
• constructing a rectangular wooden base;
• affixing shims of varying thicknesses to the wooden base;
• and
• affixing a veneer of authentic material to each shim thereby resulting in a detailed surface duplicating an actual structure comprised of the authentic material.