Mold Release

[ggray]

I need to mold a small object (12" X 6" X 2").

Is "Mold Release Wax" significantly better than a ordinary car wax? I think I can find some of the Real McCoy, but is it worth the trouble?

Or have I heard of people using hair spray?

I would probably mold something (small) again in the future, but not enough to need a whole can, and I already have enough stuff stored away to be a marine flea market.

[jstevens]

Some of the West Systems articles I read years ago recommended ordinary cooking oil spray as a release agent.

John

[neilpride]

My experience with car wax is bad , I normally put 3 or 4 coats of real mold release paste and work really nice...

[Delancey]

Try a test with your wife's PVA hairspray-

westsystemcom1.site.mobi

[Viking Sailor]

I once used WD-40 as a mold release for a replacement autopilot gear. Worked great! YMMV

[ggray]

Thanks to all who replied.

I think I found some mold release nearby, so perhaps I will use more than one suggestion!

[robwilk37]

i used brown packing tape when i molded up my transom extension. worked a charm, but it was relatively large and somewhat flat sections.

[Cheechako]

Car wax will work fine IME. Just make sure it's real wax not some silicone thing.

[deltaten]

^^^^
*real* carnauba, like Collinite fleet wax or Mother's gold. Have fleet wax for the boat anyway, so.....
Couple or four coats., then a couple shots of PVA.

belt AND suspenders !

thicker poly film , NOT grocery store bags... they stick! DAMHIK . If ya don't mind wrinkles in the corners, 4-6 mil contractors poly works well IMHO