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
- 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
- A multi-purpose silicone release agent made of a blend of silicone oils and resins in a convenient aerosol spray can
- Pol-Ease 2300 is an effective release for most Polytek products, but should not be used before pouring or brushing liquid silicone mold rubber
- 👍 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.
- A multi-purpose silicone release agent made of a blend of silicone oils and resins in a convenient aerosol spray can
- Pol-Ease 2300 is an effective release for most Polytek products, but should not be used before pouring or brushing liquid silicone mold rubber
- Single can
- Reduces cleanup time
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces
- Will not interfere with bonding of paint and other coatings
- VOC Compliant
- Waterproof Mold Release Agent: The mold release agent is waterproof and provides a barrier to prevent the release of molded material from the mold.
- PVA Based Formula: The mold release agent is formulated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to provide a non-toxic and environmentally friendly solution.
- Multi-Material Compatibility: The mold release agent is compatible with a wide range of materials including epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, resin, gel coat, and polyurethane foam.
- Easy Application: The mold release agent is available in an 8oz spray bottle for easy application to sculptures, DIY projects, and molded objects.
- Clear Color: The mold release agent has a clear color that blends seamlessly with the molded material and does not alter its appearance.
- Can be washed off models and castings if they need to be painted
- For Mold Making: Apply to non-porous or sealed models when making silicone rubber molds (not recommended for use with liquid polyurethane rubbers).
- Apply to silicone rubber molds when casting liquid silicone rubber
- To extend mold life, apply to silicone molds when casting materials such as polyurethane plastics, rubbers or epoxies (release agent is not needed for this process, but can extend mold life)
- Apply to polyurethane molds before casting polyurethane liquid plastics
- Formulated for mold making & casting with URETHANE RUBBERS and POLYURETHANE PLASTICS
- When used properly, Universal Mold Release Spray will prevent adhesion, release mold rubbers from properly prepared models, and help lengthen production life of mold rubber.
- NOTE: DO NOT APPLY UNIVERSAL MOLD RELEASE ON YOUR MODEL IF YOU ARE MAKING A SILICONE MOLD
- Perform a small-scale test to determine suitability for your project & follow technical bulletin instructions available at smooth-on.com
- UNIVERSAL MOLD RELEASE POWER: Tailored for various mediums, Magic Chems Silicone Mold Release is a versatile spray engineered to work seamlessly with a wide range of materials, including epoxy resin, silicone molds, and concrete. This universal compatibility ensures a smooth and easy release every time. Experience the magic of seamless mold release with Magic Chems Silicone Mold Release Spray.
- EFFORTLESS APPLICATION: Craft with confidence! Our mold release spray comes in an easy-to-use aerosol can, allowing for precise and even application. The fine mist ensures thorough coverage, minimizing the risk of air bubbles and imperfections in your molds. Achieve professional results with ease. Our specialized formula ensures a smooth and clean release of molds, ensuring your finished resin, epoxy, or silicone creations retain their intricate details without sticking or residue.
- LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE: Maximize the life of your molds! Our silicone mold release spray creates a durable and long-lasting barrier between your materials and molds. Enjoy multiple releases without compromising on quality. Magic Chems is committed to providing a reliable solution for your crafting endeavors. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, our mold release spray boasts professional-grade quality, ensuring consistent results and enabling you to achieve flawless finishes repeatedly.
- VERSATILITY BEYOND LIMITS: From candle making to concrete casting, our mold release for silicone molds is your solution. Suitable for a wide array of crafting projects, this release agent ensures that your molds stay in pristine condition, ready for repeated use. Unleash your creativity without constraints! Designed to be user-friendly and safe for various applications. It's odorless, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly, making it an ideal choice for both professional artists and hobbyists.
- RESIN-FRIENDLY FORMULA: Tailored for resin enthusiasts! Our mold release for epoxy resin is specifically formulated for use with epoxy resin. Experience a clean and flawless demolding process, preserving intricate details and preventing damage to your resin creations. Elevate your resin crafting game with our premium release agent. Elevate your crafting journey and bring your artistic visions to life with confidence with our resin mold release spray.
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.