If you cast resin into resin molds, you might be wondering if you need a resin mold release. I use one every time — and here’s why:
Reason 1: In case something goes wrong.
The plastics and silicones used for resin mold-making are designed not to stick toresin. So if the resin isn’t supposed to stick to them, why use a mold release?
Let me put it into practical terms with this example…
You get in your car, then put on your seatbelt. You drive around town, day after day, and nothing bad happens. Eventually, you think to yourself that you don’t need to wear a seatbelt. BUT, one day you’re in a bad accident and you NEEDED that seatbelt. It’s what saves you from serious injury.
Using a mold release is the same thing. I like to use it for the days that something goes horribly wrong — like your resin doesn’t cure. It’s those times that using a release agent may be the only reason you get the resin out of the mold.
Reason 2: You are using a mold not intended for resin.
If you are using a mold that isn’t designed for resin, you should definitely use a mold release. This includes plastic candy molds, candle molds, and other plastic molds you might want to try with resin. Using a mold release is essential if you have any chance of demolding those resin charms.
Reason 3: It prolongs your mold life
When using molds for resin, they’ll degrade over time. Twisting can warp a plastic mold, while silicone molds get microtears that wear out the mold faster. Using a mold release means you don’t have to pull or twist on the mold as hard, which means your mold will last longer.
What resin mold release do I use?
The Castin’ Craft mold release is a great all-purpose mold release. It doesn’t create the ‘cloud’ the Petrolease does, but still works quite well.
We also have some other specialty releases in our store.
How do you use resin mold release?
I’m so glad you asked! Here’s how I like to use it in this two-minute video:
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FAQs
Resin mold release is an essential tool if you work with resin and create your own products.
What does mold release do? ›
A release agent (also mold release agent, release coating, or mold release coating) is a chemical used to prevent other materials from bonding to surfaces. Release agents aid in processes involving mold release, die-cast release, plastic release, adhesive release, and tire and web release.
What are resin molds used for? ›
Casting resin molds are used for making a specific mold of an object you'd like to replicate or display. Resin is then poured into the mold in order to replicate the mold's exact shape. This then makes a 3D object you can display wherever you choose.
What can you use as mold release for resin? ›
Cooking Spray
They can also help keep other things from sticking together. Nonstick cooking spray, which can be found in most grocery stores, is a good resin mold release agent because it doesn't stick.
Do you have to use mold release? ›
Release agents are not necessary however they do help on some occasions. If your molds are made from silicone, HDPE plastics, and rubbery plastics, then there is no need for a release agent.
Can you use vaseline as mold release? ›
Spirit with petroleum jelly
An average kind of resin mold release agent is to use petroleum jelly with spirit. To start the procedure, add a scope of petroleum jelly in a glass bottle. Then, add enough spirit to dip petroleum jelly in the bottle completely. Afterward, close the bottle lid and shake it.
What are 5 examples of release agents? ›
Common examples include diesel oil, home heating oils, paraffin wax, new motor oil, etc. Diesel and home heating oils are common because they are readily available, inexpensive to purchase and they do release.
What are the benefits of mold? ›
Some molds perform valuable functions in our lives. For example, they age and flavor cheeses and they are used in bread making, fermenting liquor, producing soy sauce, producing penicillin and manufacturing citric acid used to flavor soft drinks.
Do you need to use resin release? ›
If you are using a mold that isn't designed for resin, you should definitely use a mold release. This includes plastic candy molds, candle molds, and other plastic molds you might want to try with resin. Using a mold release is essential if you have any chance of demolding those resin charms.
How to make a positive mold? ›
Silicone rubber is often used for creating flexible and durable positive molds, the object to be replicated is first placed in a container, and liquid silicone rubber is poured around it. Plaster is commonly used for making positive molds, especially for simpler shapes and prototypes.
The choice of resin will change the price based on color, compounding, additives, quality, and availability. For example, resins that contain abrasive compounds such as mineral, glass, or carbon require different and more expensive molds.
Can you put resin molds in the oven? ›
To answer your question, “Can you put resin in the oven?” You can cure Epoxy resin faster when using the oven; however, you should make sure that you don't overheat this material.
Will Vaseline keep resin from sticking? ›
Also a trick I learned in preventing my molds from sticking to the frame box is to mix your own mold release agent. I mix a smll glob of petroleum jelly with a bit of mineral spirits until the consistancy is sprayable for the airbrush.
Can I use Vaseline as a concrete release agent? ›
Castor oil, or petroleum jelly thinned with kerosene, also are good release agents. Concrete forms, even if they are ground, smoothed and polished, require a release agent to prevent sticking and enable easy stripping.
What to use for mold release? ›
Cooking spray: This is one of the best mold release spray alternatives. Make sure to use non-stick cooking spray. Petroleum jelly: Because of its thickness, petroleum jelly is best used as a mold release alternative for simple molds without any small corners or fine detail.
Does resin need ventilation to cure? ›
While these resins may require indoor controlled cures, proper PPE and ventilation practices should always be used. These types of resin may take days if not weeks to fully cure, in which an air space should always be kept well ventilated.
Do you need mold release for silicone molds epoxy? ›
Preserves Mold Details – Silicone molds are known for their ability to capture intricate details with precision. However, without the use of mold release agents, these delicate details can become distorted or damaged during the demolding process.
Can you use silicone spray as a mold release? ›
From sprays to emulsions and fluids, silicone-based agents come in several forms. They work like any mould release agent, creating a barrier between the surface and inner layer of the mould, preventing the two materials from sticking together.
How do you keep resin from sticking to mold? ›
Cover all of your mold cavity surfaces with EcoPoxy's Epoxy Mold Release Tape (or any other sheathing tape). This will help prevent the epoxy from sticking to the mold and allows for easy removal of your project once the resin has cured. Ensure the tape is completely flat and sealed to the mold surface.
