The use of a release agent is an often overlooked but necessary step in the process of removing a finished sculpture from its support. Without a release agent, a sculpture can become permanently attached to its support, even if the two are a solid piece of stone or wood. Sculpture release agents are particularly important in the case of marble, which can have a high degree of porosity and water absorption, and therefore become irreparably bonded to its support if just placed upon it.
In this article, we will cover the best sculpture release agents currently available, as well as how to choose one that best fits your needs.
Read on to learn more.
Our Editor’s Best Sculpture Release Agents Reviews
- 14 fl. oz. Aerosol Clear Mold Release Spray
- Will release polyurethane elastomers, epoxy resin, polyester resins, RTV silicones, rubber, and thermoplastic polymers
- Excellent release. Effective on urethane, silicone and metal molds
- Easy to Apply. Fast Drying.
- Effective over a broad temperature range from 70°F to 500°F
- PARTALL Paste #2 may also be employed as an inexpensive edge wax on larger molds and may be used to seal rough wood molds or plugs for casting composites, cements, and grouts
- Partall Paste #2, the original green wax, is an economical paste wax mold release formulated with hydrocarbon and microcrystalline waxes.
- PARTALL Paste #2 is a general-purpose polishing compound made from a blend of hydrocarbon and microcrystalline waxes that is designed for use with thermoset molding resins at ambient temperature cure when making fiberglass, cast polymer, or composites parts.
- Great mold release wax for custom parts such as fiberglass, river tables, and tabletops.
- Comes in a 12oz metal can. Note: Does not come with wax applicator pad.
- Formulated especially for mold making and casting, and works well with most liquid rubber and liquid plastic products
- It will release mold rubbers (such as polyurethanes and polysulfides) from properly prepared models.
- Some porous models such as wood, plaster, concrete, stone or certain modeling clays containing water or sulfur may need to be sealed first prior to applying mold release with Smooth-On SuperSeal or other sealer.
- Will help to lengthen the production life of your mold rubbers if properly used
- Do not use if making a silicone mold.
- 👍 EFFORTLESS MOLD RELEASE - Having a tough time taking projects out of its mold? This PVA release agent forms a barrier between the parts and mold surfaces, allowing easy part release and removal
- 👍 HASSLE-FREE APPLICATION - To use this surface release agent, feel free to brush, spray, roll, or sponge it onto your mold surface. The solution won't shrink or leave any stains on your work.
- 👍 VERSATILE USE - This PVA mold release solution is perfect for all types of DIY projects. Use it for your epoxy, resin, polyester, vinyl ester, gel coat, polyurethane foam, or silicone works.
- 👍 SAVE TIME & ENERGY - Want to double your productivity in creating your projects? This PVA mold release agent helps you take your finished work out of the mold perfectly intact instantly
- 👍 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - We are a veteran-owned and operate company. Our PVA release film product is made using only the best raw materials to ensure excellent quality and your satisfaction.
- Professional concrete form release - Achieve smooth, stain-free concrete surfaces with no residue left behind, while reducing cleanup time. Our form release agent delivers architectural-quality results every time.
- Versatile mold release for any project - Works on wooden, plastic, and metal molds, making it perfect for precast plants, commercial jobs, and even DIY concrete projects at home.
- Safe concrete mold release - Our release agent is free from solvents, diesel oil, kerosene, waxes, and silicones, and is VOC-compliant across the U.S. and Canada for safer use in any work environment.
- Prevents costly defects - Helps stop blowholes, pinholes, and air voids, ensuring durable, uniform concrete surfaces the first time, with less rework required. Don't spend more time on concrete repair - use our concrete form release agent.
- Ready-to-use and easy to apply - Simply brush, roll, or spray for quick, effective form release on any mold type—ideal for both direct and delayed release applications.
- VERSATILE: Releases concrete from plywood, fiberglass, aluminum, steel, urethane, and other concrete forming materials
- EASY TO USE: No mixing, shaking or preparation required. Just spray or pour and go!
- CLEAN RELEASE: Goes on white for easier application, leaves no residue behind
- INCREASES LIFESPAN: Helps prevent residue from being left on your molds or tools
- SAFE TO USE: Water-based, non-staining
- Perfect For Many Projects – Adhesive Guru mold release spray is an excellent choice for almost any project that involves molding material. Silicone mold release spray for epoxy resin molds used for silicone molds, candle molds, wax and urethanes. This spray is easy to use, features high quality ingredients & leaves you with a great product and intact molds.
- High Silicone Content - The high level of silicone in our Adhesive Guru mold release for epoxy resin ensures that your epoxy project doesn’t stick to your silicone molds. Release will be easy thanks to our rubber mold release spray.
- Special Formula - Made just for use with silicone and rubber molds, our mold release spray is the perfect addition to your craft room or toolshed. The special formula ensures that your projects come out exactly the way you want!
- Extend the Life Of Molds - Use this mold release agent to prevent rips. Silicone molds tend to be fragile when used for molding projects. Non-stick silicone lubricant prevents sticking, is colorless and odorless. Using our Adhesive Guru silicone spray mold release when creating projects can help prolong the life of your molds by preventing sticking.
- Easy to Apply - Our aerosol spray applicator makes using the releasing agent a breeze. Simply coat the mold in our casting release spray before casting the project. After drying, the mold release allows for easy removal of the finished part from the mold. Adhesive Guru products are made in Türkiye. (8684221542161)
- Prevents foam adhesion to a wide range of surfaces
- Protects tools, equipment, and jobsite materials
- Fast and easy application
- Ideal for spray foam insulation projects
- Reduces cleanup time and labor costs
- Professional Urethane Mold Release: Specially formulated for rigid, semi-rigid & flexible polyurethane castings and molded urethanes.
- Silicone-Based Industrial Agent: Provides fast, clean part removal and multiple releases per application to boost productivity.
- Improves Part Quality: Reduces sticking, surface defects, and mold buildup for better finish and higher yield.
- Safe & Compliant: Contains no CFCs, HCFCs, Class I or Class II Ozone Depleting Substances, or chlorinated solvents.
- Economical & Efficient: A thin mist coating delivers excellent release performance while minimizing product usage.
- VERSATILE: Releases concrete from plywood, fiberglass, aluminum, steel, urethane, and other concrete forming materials
- EASY TO USE: No mixing, shaking or preparation required. Just spray or pour and go!
- CLEAN RELEASE: Goes on white for easier application, leaves no residue behind
- INCREASES LIFESPAN: Helps prevent residue from being left on your molds or tools
- SAFE TO USE: Water-based, non-staining
Best Sculpture Release Agents Buying Guide
Before choosing the best sculpture release agents you should consider following options:
1. Correct use of release agents: Release agents are an essential element of the moldmaking process. It’s important to use the right release for the right job.
There are different types of release agents for different applications. For example, there are low-viscosity release agents that are good for making molds of liquids, such as chocolate. There are also high-viscosity release agents that are good for making molds of solids, such as waxes.
If you use the wrong type of release agent, your molds may not hold their shape and your parts may have defects.
2. Properly preparing your mold: Before making a mold with a release agent, it’s important to prepare the mold correctly. A good moldmaker will assess the mold and determine the best release to use based on the type of material and the characteristics of the mold, such as draft.
They will also make sure that the mold is thoroughly degassed so that the gases in the mold don’t break down the release agent.
3. Applying the release agent correctly: When applying a release agent, it’s important to apply it in the right amount, with the right technique, and in the right place.
Each type of release agent has a different application method and a different amount needed. For example, some release agents are applied with a brush, while others are applied with a spray.
The amount of release agent needed also depends on the type of material being molded. High-viscosity release agents generally require more release agent than low-viscosity release agents.
It’s important to apply the release agent in the right place and with the right technique, so that it doesn’t cause defects in the mold.
For example, if the release agent is applied too thickly, the mold may not hold its shape in certain areas. If the release is applied too thinly, the mold may stick in certain areas.
4. Using the right degassing time: Once the mold has been degassed, it’s important to leave it in the optimal degassing environment for the right amount of time. If the mold is degassed for too little time, the mold may not hold its shape. If the mold is degassed for too long, the mold may stick to the moldmaking material.
What else you should know about sculpture release agents
1. What is a sculpture release agent?
A sculpture release agent is a material that is applied to the surface of a mold in order to prevent the sculpture from sticking to the mold.
2. What are the benefits of using a sculpture release agent?
Sculpture release agents are used to prevent sculptures from sticking to the mold during the casting process. Release agents also help to prolong the life of the mold by preventing the mold from deteriorating.
3. How do you apply a sculpture release agent?
A release agent is a material that is used to prevent other materials from sticking to a surface. Release agents are often used in manufacturing processes, where they are applied to molds or dies to prevent the material being molded from sticking to the mold or die.
There are many different types of release agents, and the type that is used will depend on the material being molded and the surface to which it will be applied. In some cases, a release agent may be applied to both the mold and the material being molded.
Release agents can be applied using a variety of methods, including spraying, brushing, or rolling. The method of application will depend on the type of release agent and the surface to which it will be applied.
4. What are the most popular sculpture release agents?
There are many popular sculpture release agents, but some of the most popular ones are silicone, vegetable oil, and WD-40.
5. What are the dangers of using a sculpture release agent?
There are a few dangers of using a sculpture release agent. The agent can be toxic if inhaled or ingested, so it’s important to use it in a well-ventilated area. It can also be flammable, so it’s important to keep it away from open flames. If it gets on your skin, it can cause irritation.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best sculpture release agents. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best sculpture release agents will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.