Abstract: An apparatus and related method for providing a substantially flat working surface of photocurable resin for the formation of a next layer of a stereolithographic part. A substantially flat surface of a rigid member is substantially covered by and spaced from the resin by a substance or film, which is placed in contact with the photocurable resin to form the working surface. Various embodiments are described including where the rigid member is a quartz including a fused silica plate, a bar, a vat wall, the face of a CRT, a fiber-optic bundle, or the bottom of a piston, and also including embodiments where the substance or film is a thin teflon or mylar film, an inert liquid, wax, a thin coating of trichlorosilane or ethoxysilane, or oxygen-saturated resin. Embodiments are also described whereby the next layer is exposed by transmitting solidifying radiation through the member and substance or film.