Release agents for polyurethane, epoxy & polyester PU, epoxy, and polyester adhere strongly to many molds and substrates. Using the right release agent ensures clean removal, extends mold life, and allows you to control the surface finish (gloss/matte) . Even with silicone molds—which naturally adhere poorly—a release can provide additional...
This release spray is ideal for the treatment of surfaces which are (slightly) porous or whereby the possibility exists that silicones might adhere (mechanically or chemically). The spray can also be applied to the silicone mold itself to facilitate silicone...
Poly vinyl alcohol can be used to prevent cure inhibition from an otherwise "toxic" surface for addition curing silicones. If this poly vinyl alcohol is brushed on properly the poisoning material will not bleed through. PVA dissolves readily in water...
This wax based release spray is ideal for the treatment of surfaces which are (slightly) porous or whereby the possibility exists that silicones might adhere (mechanically or chemically). The spray can also be applied to the silicone mold itself to...
High carnauba wax content producing hard high gloss film – excellent for breaking in new molds Non-silicone - good tape adhesion for use where masking is required Effective in preventing/reducing pre-release on large tools, plugs & heavy laminates Excellent at...
Release agents for polyurethane, epoxy & polyester
PU, epoxy, and polyester adhere strongly to many molds and substrates. Using the right release agent ensures clean removal, extends mold life, and allows you to control the surface finish (gloss/matte) .
Even with silicone molds—which naturally adhere poorly—a release can provide additional protection to the mold and make release predictable.
Product types: Release wax & spray, PVA film (polyvinyl alcohol), semi-permanent mold release for gloss or matte finish.
For: Professional users of polyurethane, epoxy, and polyester who need consistent release, mold protection, and surface finish control.
Key Benefits
✓Constant release, less risk of molds sticking or tearing
✓Better finish choose gloss (polishable wax) or matte (powder/film formation)
✓Mold protection , lower wear and longer service life
✓Time savings, less post-treatment and less residue leakage
✓Predictably consistent results in series production
Areas of application
→Composite construction lamination with gelcoat and polyester
→PU castings prototypes and series production
→Epoxy molds complex geometries and high precision
→Silicone molds provide extra protection against aggressive resins
Selection guide: finish & system
Goal
Release agent advice
Remark
High gloss on gelcoat/tight mold
Wax/wax base (spray or liquid)
After curing, polish to a shine; build up several thin layers
Matte/film (prototyping, painting-ready)
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
Forms a water-soluble film; easy to clean; may reduce gloss
Fast series , consistent release
Semi-permanent spray release
Thin, durable film; low build-up, multiple releases per application
Difficult geometry or new mold
Combination: Wax + PVA
Wax for pores, PVA as a safe barrier layer (first castings)
Note: Solvent-based releases may produce different results than water-based versions. Always test on a small area.
Our release agents
Wax Release Spray – Achem 3007S
A scrubbable release wax spray for a glossy finish and reliable demolding of PU, epoxy, and polyester. Ideal for gelcoat molds and smooth surfaces.
Advantage: quick to apply, easy to scrub
Application: Build up multiple thin layers; allow solvent to evaporate between layers.
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) – Film Forming Release Agent
PVA release varnish creates a water-soluble film that ensures release and often produces a matte finish. Perfect as an additional barrier on new molds or porous surfaces.
Advantage: very safe first-time release
Cleaning: Simply rinse the film with water
Release Agent Spray – Achem SG-1008S
Fast-drying, semi-permanent spray for multiple releases per application. Consistent results on PU, epoxy, and polyester.
Advantage: thin, even film; little build-up
Tip: Apply with a light mist; avoid overspray.
TR-108 Mold Release
Universal mold release agent for various resins and molds. Provides clean release and can—depending on the substrate—enhance gloss.
Advantage: widely applicable; reliable in series
Use: Apply thinly; rub in if necessary.
Processing tips for the best release
Pretreatment & Application
→ Degrease and dust the mold
→ Seal porous molds first
→ Apply several thin layers instead of one thick one
Drying Time & Scrub
→ Allow solvent to evaporate completely
→ Respect recommended drying/evaporation times
→ Scrub (wax): After hazing, lightly scrub to a shine
Combination approach & Safety
→ For difficult shapes, first wax, then PVA
→ Work in a ventilated area; avoid open flames
→ Follow TDS/SDS for safe use
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I retain the gloss or does the surface become matte?
Wax/buffable release agents generally provide a shine (after scrubbing). PVA and some powder-based or film-forming agents tend to have a more matte effect.
Do I also need a release for silicone molds?
Silicone adheres poorly to most resins, but a thin release film can make release predictable and protect the mold—especially with aggressive PUs.
Can I combine wax and PVA?
Yes. This is a commonly used approach for initial releases or complex geometries: wax for pore filling + PVA as an additional barrier.
Getting Started with Release Agents
Order release agents for PU, epoxy, and polyester. Download datasheets and contact us for advice on the right release agent for your mold and desired finish.
Tip: Always test your chosen release agent on a small area of the mold before large-scale casting or laminating.
