Resin Mold Release: How to Use this Essential Tool

If you’re a hobbyist or a professional, working in resins and polymers enables you to do many amazing things. However, having access to a reliable resin mold release agent is essential.

What is resin mold release? Resin mold release is a chemical agent that helps release resin from metal and plastic molds. While many resins are designed to be easily removable from various metal molds, the resin that sticks can damage a mold or the actual resin product. Resin mold release is an essential tool if you work with resin and create your own products. Used correctly, resin mold release agents will enable you to separate your project pieces from your molds safely, ensuring that neither your molds nor your castings become damaged.

In this article, you’ll learn about resin mold release and how it can help you in your hobby and manufacturing work. No matter whether you make jewelry for fun, create artwork or miniatures for your Etsy store, or run a manufacturing business, we’ll show you the technique of DIY resin mold release agents so that you can make your work easily and safely.

What are Epoxy Release Agents?

Epoxy mold release agents are substances that prevent epoxy resins from sticking to molds. They are essential for pulling resin castings from molds. These come in various kinds of spray forms, both aerosol and non-aerosol. Usually, epoxy release agents are composed of substances like polyvinyl alcohol. These are used to coat molds and form a film that will enable casting to be removed easily.

Normally, a mold is treated with an epoxy release agent before casting the mold. If this is not done, the casting will stick to the mold and be ruined. It’s also important to note that porous materials, such as wood or plaster, should be sealed before being used with epoxy resin. These porous materials will bond with the resin and not be removable without damage. 

It’s also imperative that any molds that you use be dry and clean. Debris that gets into resin can not only damage the mold but ruin your project. Before starting a project, it’s smart to inspect and clean any molds you plan to use.

Types of Resin Mold Release Agents

There are two types of epoxy resin mold release agents that are used by hobbyists and in small-scale manufacturing: resin mold release wax and resin mold release spray.

Resin release spray is the most common and is usually sold in aerosol form.

Resin mold wax is usually carefully applied by hand and left to dry overnight, forming the seal for the casting. It is best used on large, flat surfaces.

What is the best release agent for epoxy resin? That depends on your project and your preference. Some people prefer working with sprays and others prefer waxes. This will depend on your project and the materials that you plan to use. Test your options and experiment! 

Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a resin mold release alternative some common household materials like vegetable oil, mineral oil, and petroleum jelly may work for your project. 

How to Use Epoxy Resin Release Spray

Below are steps to properly apply resin mold release spray to a mold. You should use an outdoor workspace if possible and wear a safety mask and eye protection.

1)     Clean the mold thoroughly with soap and water. Let dry.

2)     Use a resin mold release spray to create a light cloud.

3)     Slowly draw the mold through the cloud. You may need to repeat steps 2 and 3 two or three times. Make sure not to spray the epoxy mold release spray onto the mold. This can damage the casting and isn’t necessary.

4)     Wait at least 30 minutes for the resin mold release to dry. Waiting to do so overnight is perfectly acceptable.

How to Use Resin Release Wax

The instructions to use resin release wax are identical to the directions above, except that you should be careful when mixing the resin release wax. This product often comes in a liquid form where components are separate and where vigorous shaking is necessary to mix the resin release wax. A brush can be used to apply the wax, gently detailing surfaces that need separation.

What is PVA Release Lacquer?

PVA release lacquer is a product you can use with either resin release spray or wax to initially treat porous surfaces. This is essential if you are working with wood, plaster, or any other porous material that epoxy can possibly bond with. Make sure that any porous material is sealed before you insert it as inclusion or use it in any resin project.

Success with Your Projects: Plastic Materials Answers Your Questions About Resin Release Products

Let your creativity shine through! Regardless of whether you run a small business or if you just enjoy being creative, Plastic Materials can help you with any questions related to resin mold release products. Contact us today!