Release Agents

What are the properties of modern release agents?

Modern release agents for mold making enable residue-free demolding of components from tools when processing resin systems such as epoxy resin, polyester resin, or vinyl ester resin. Especially wax-based mold releases ensure a high surface finish and are suitable for CFRP, GFRP, and thermoset plastics. The carnauba wax variant offers a particularly glossy surface, is silicone-free, and contains no solvents like turpentine, PTFE, or morpholine – ideal for decorative surfaces and multi-layer laminating. Water-based release agents for PU and epoxy resins offer low application amounts, fast drying, and efficient separation, even with complex geometries. Particularly in temperature-sensitive applications like PU parts or IMC coatings, water-based systems ensure process reliability. In areas with fine mold details – such as model making or prototyping – a uniform, residue-free release layer is essential. Good release agents also prevent resin migration into the mold material, extending tool life. Choosing the right release system significantly influences demolding time and post-processing – especially with epoxy or polyester resins in negative molds. That makes professional release systems a key factor in the efficiency and quality of composite production.

What types of release agents are available in the shop?

For use in mold making, composites, or in casting and laminating with epoxy resin, various types of release agents are available, each tailored to specific materials and processes.

> Mold release wax
These classic wax-based release agents, including carnauba wax, form a solid, polishable release layer on the mold surface. They are mainly used for laminating epoxy resin or polyester resin on smooth molds made of GRP, metal, or gelcoat. With high temperature resistance and a silicone-free formula, they are widely used in composites, such as in boat building, model making, or tooling.

> PVA release film
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) is a water-soluble, film-forming release agent, perfect for dense and smooth mold surfaces. It is often applied over wax as an added safety layer – especially for single-use molds or for use with primers, gypsum, or wood molds. Being silicone-free, it is ideal for post-bonding or painting applications.

> Primer wax
This specialized release wax is designed for porous or absorbent molds like wood or gypsum. It prepares the surface for PVA application, blocks resin penetration, and ensures a uniform release – especially important in epoxy mold making, tooling resin applications, or PU casting. In combination with PVA, it’s a reliable solution for structured or unsealed molds.

What release agents are offered by HP-Textiles?

The HP-Textiles range includes a wide variety of specialized release agents for composites, tailored to the needs of various manufacturing processes. The classic epoxy-compatible mold release waxes cure quickly, polish easily, and provide durable separation layers – ideal for polyester and epoxy resin systems. For ultra-smooth surfaces, carnauba wax-based gloss releases deliver top-quality finishes and are free from silicone, turpentine, and PTFE. Environmentally-conscious users choose our water-based release agents, which are not only silicone-free but also highly efficient in use. Their short drying time allows for rapid progress in laminating or infusion processes. We also offer silicone spray, which functions as both a release agent and a mold care product for silicone molds, significantly improving the lifespan of elastomer-based tools. For very smooth tools, our PVA-based spray release film forms a peelable layer after curing. To prepare porous or hard-to-wet mold surfaces, our primer wax provides an ideal base for PVA release coatings. This combination is particularly effective in gypsum or wood mold applications.

Where are release agents typically used?

Release agents for composites are indispensable in the manufacturing of fiber-reinforced parts. They enable economical serial production in industries like boat and vehicle construction, aerospace, wind energy, and model making. In tooling, they ensure consistent surface quality and reduce the need for mechanical finishing. Especially for large moldings made from GFRP, CFRP, or natural fiber mats, reliable release performance and optimal film behavior are essential. Silicone spray release agents are well-suited for flexible silicone molds used in prototype fabrication or model building. In automated processes or where subsequent bonding or painting is required, silicone-free options like PVA are preferred, as they can be cleanly removed and do not interfere with further steps. For porous substrates such as wood, MDF, or plaster, primer wax provides a secure base for layered release coatings. In serial production, these agents significantly contribute to tool maintenance and enhance the repeatability of complex part geometries. They are also vital in RTM and vacuum infusion processes to ensure precise fiber alignment and surface replication. Overall, release systems are a fundamental component of quality assurance in mold making and composite processing.