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Answer: Release Agents are a topic unto themselves.
Applying no release agent or the wrong release agent can
result in your mold rubber bonding or mechanically locking on
to your original model.
The type
of release agent you choose to release mold rubber from a
surface depends on the type of rubber you are using to make
your mold and the surface you are releasing it from.
The
easiest way to determine the appropriate release agent for
your application is to read the mold rubber product technical
bulletin available from Smooth-On (many Smooth-On product
technical bulletins are available on the Smooth-On website).
The TB will tell you exactly what sealer and or release agent
to use and under what circumstances you need to use it.
You can
use the below charts as a general guide for making molds using
urethane rubber or silicone rubber.
When You Are Making a
Polyurethane Rubber Mold . . .
|
And Your Original Model is Made of . . . |
Seal It With . . . |
Then Apply This Release Agent Before Mixing and Applying
Rubber |
|
Modeling
Clay - Water Based |
Shellac or
PVA* |
Universal Mold Release or
Ease Release 200** |
|
Modeling
Clay - Sulfur Based |
Shellac or
PVA* |
Universal Mold Release or
Ease Release 200** |
|
Modeling
Clay - Sulfur Free |
Not Required |
Universal Mold Release or
Ease Release 200** |
|
Wax |
Not Required |
Universal Mold Release or
Ease Release 200** |
|
Foam
(Polystyrene/Polyurethane) |
Shellac or
PVA* |
Universal Mold Release or
Ease Release 200** |
|
Non-Porous
Hard Plastics |
Not Required |
Universal Mold Release or
Ease Release 200** |
|
Wood |
SuperSeal,
Sonite Wax †
or Shellac |
Universal Mold Release or
Ease Release 200** |
|
Plaster /
Gypsum |
SuperSeal,
Sonite Wax †
or Shellac |
Universal Mold Release or
Ease Release 200** |
|
Stone /
Concrete / Cement |
SuperSeal,
Sonite Wax †
or Shellac |
Universal Mold Release or
Ease Release 200** |
General Information
1. The above combinations of sealers and release agents are
necessary for successfully making rubber molds using Smooth-On
PMC™, ReoFlex™, VytaFlex™ and Brush-On™ rubber mold compounds.
2. *PVA = Polyvinyl Alcohol
is an effective sealer/barrier coat, but can be difficult to
apply and is recommended only for experienced users
3. **Use only release
agents that are made specifically for mold making.
Universal™ Mold Release and Mann Ease Release™ 200 (spray or
brushable forms) are proven and reliable. Both are
available from Smooth-On and its distributors. Apply a
light mist coating, brush over surface detail, apply second
light mist coating and let dry.
4.
† Sonite Wax is suitable for sealing a variety of
surfaces. It is available from Smooth-On and its
distributors.
5. Porous materials need to
be sealed, followed by a release agent before applying mold
rubber.
6. Nonporous materials
require only a release agent before applying the mold rubber.
When You Are Making a
Silicone Rubber Mold . . .
|
And Your Original Model is Made of . . . |
Seal It With . . . |
Then Apply This Release Agent Before Mixing and Applying
Rubber |
|
Modeling
Clay - Water Based |
Acrylic
Spray
(optional) |
Ease Release 800 or
Ease Release 200 (optional) |
|
Modeling
Clay - Sulfur Based |
Acrylic
Spray
(required) |
Ease Release 800 or
Ease Release 200 (optional) |
|
Modeling
Clay - Sulfur Free |
Not Required |
Ease Release 800 or
Ease Release 200 (optional) |
|
Wax |
Not Required |
Not Required
|
|
Foam
(Polystyrene/Polyurethane) |
Acrylic
Spray |
Ease Release 800 or
Ease Release 200 (optional) |
|
Non-Porous
Hard Plastics |
Not Required |
Not Required
|
|
Wood |
SuperSeal,
Petroleum Jelly or Acrylic Spray |
Ease Release 800 or
Ease Release 200 (optional) |
|
Plaster /
Gypsum |
SuperSeal,
Petroleum Jelly or Acrylic Spray |
Ease Release 800 or
Ease Release 200 (optional) |
|
Stone /
Concrete / Cement |
SuperSeal,
Petroleum Jelly or Acrylic Spray |
Ease Release 800 or
Ease Release 200 (optional) |
General
Information
1. Your best bet
is to refer to the specific product technical bulletin for the
mold rubber that you are using
2. The above
combinations of sealers and release agents are suggested for
successfully making rubber molds using Smooth-On Mold Max™,
Smooth-Sil™, Dragon Skin™, EcoFlex™, OOMOO™ and other silicone
mold rubbers.
3. Use only
sealers or release agents that are compatible with silicone
rubber such as Ease Release 800 or Ease Release 200, proven
and reliable. Both are available from Smooth-On and its
distributors. Apply a light mist coating, brush release
over surface detail, apply second list mist coating and let
dry.
|
Smooth-On