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Re: Mold Release Agent
By:Bart Castleberry
Date: 10/12/1999, 9:54 pm
In Response To: Mold Release Agent (Ian Johnston)

I have always used a mold wax, I think the high build is important not only for finish but for release from the mold. I also have always used PVA on top of the wax. The actual finish you get is from the pva. Some well made molds after having been waxed many times only need a touch up wax now and then but PVA has always been pretty mandatory for successfull releases from the mold. One book that is indespensible is the "Boatbuilders Manuel by Charlie Walbridge. It is out of print mostly but John Sweet in Mustoe Virginia usually has it or can get it. He also carries all types or resins and cloth at great prices, he really knows composite construction. his e-mail is jrs@cfw.com Might try him with questions too.

Sorry to your question- Car wax might work but with more coats, make sure you are getting one with a high build not some fancy dancy polymer that is slick but doesn't build.....I suspect the mold waxes are designed to remain on the mold for a long time, they always seem harder to buff out than car wax ever was.

Good luck BTW what is the mold for?

> Awhile back there was a post from someone wanting to know what to use as a
> fiberglass mold release agent. The outfit where I got my epoxy and cloth
> from had a brochure on waxing fiberglass plugs and molds in which they
> mention two products, OP-600 and OP-500 mold release wax, made by Oscars.

> The brochure states that the wax has a high carnuba content and is similar
> in looks and application to car wax. As car wax is readily available to
> everyone, this would solve a lot of problems, if it worked. Car waxes come
> with varying amounts of carnuba in them and, as usual, the higher the
> carnuba content the higher the price.

> The brochure said; five thin coats of wax applied in alternating
> directions, let each coat dry for 1-3 hours then buff to a shine before
> applying the next coat, let final coat sit for 24 hours and buff. I don't
> know if we would need to be this meticulous as we only use our molds a few
> times and the finishing surface isn't that important to us.

> Has anyone tried carnuba car wax as a release agent?

> Ian

> PS. I also picked up brochures on making plugs and molds.

Messages In This Thread

Mold Release Agent
Ian Johnston -- 10/11/1999, 2:01 am
Re: Mold Release Agent
Steve McDonald -- 10/13/1999, 4:42 am
Re: Mold Release Agent
Bart Castleberry -- 10/12/1999, 9:54 pm
Re: Mold Release Agent
Ian Johnston -- 10/13/1999, 12:45 am
Re: Mold Release Agent
Bart Castleberry -- 10/13/1999, 11:35 am