Homemade Concrete Form Release Agent

To ensure easy form removal, use melamine-coated lumber.

Concrete form release agent, or form release for short, is a product that's applied to concrete molds, frames and forms to prevent the concrete from sticking as it cures. Don't forget to apply form release oil to your concrete forms before pouring, even if you cannot find it on the market. Make your own satisfactory substitution. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Vegetable oil
• Mineral oil
• Plastic container
• Paintbrush
• Concrete form
• Prepared concrete

Instructions

1. Purchase two common oils, such as vegetable oil and mineral oil, that are free of paraffin and other kinds of waxes. Make sure the oils are not water-soluble and are mild and non-corrosive. Mix equal parts of each oil in a plastic container.

2. Apply the oil to the concrete forms with a paintbrush. Stroke on a medium-to-thick layer all over the inside areas of the form and the top edges. Do not skip or skimp on any areas.

3. Pour the concrete into the form as directed for your project. Allow the concrete to cure fully and release it from the form. Add more form release oil to the mold or form if you need to pour more concrete.

References

• AllBusiness: Vegetable oil form release agent.
• MASCO Masons Supply: Form Release

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in UK English