Choosing the right release agent is one of the most underestimated decisions for sculptors, mold makers, and restorers. A good release agent prevents sticking, preserves fine detail, and reduces cleanup and mold wear. These recommendations are based on extensive research, hands-on testing across common sculpture materials (silicone, epoxy, urethane, concrete, and plaster), and a review of expert and user feedback.
Considerations and Methodology
How we chose products
- We evaluated candidates for: compatibility (silicone, epoxy, urethane, concrete, plaster), ease of application, residue and cleanup, mold longevity, and temperature resistance.
- Real-world testing included casting epoxy, urethane, and plaster into silicone and rigid molds; assessing release reliability, surface finish, and post-cast cleanup.
- We considered expert opinions, manufacturer specs (temperature ranges, recommended substrates), and consumer reviews to capture durability and repeatability.
Why these factors matter
- Compatibility: Using the wrong agent (for example, a petroleum-based wax on delicate silicone molds) can ruin details or deteriorate the mold.
- Residue & Cleanup: Some agents leave films that affect paint adhesion or require aggressive cleaning.
- Longevity: Frequent reapplication or brittle mold damage increases project cost and downtime.
Our final picks balance performance, versatility, and value for sculptors working across hobby and professional settings.
Silicone Mold Release
A low-cost, high-silicone-content aerosol that works well for epoxy, candle making, wax and urethane projects. Easy to spray, colorless and formulated to protect delicate silicone and rubber molds while helping parts release cleanly and extending mold life.
Silicone Mold Release — Best Budget Pick
This lightweight, high-silicone content spray is an economical choice for hobbyists and small studios. It provides dependable non-stick performance on silicone and rubber molds used for epoxy, candles, wax and urethane castings. Application is simple — a thin, even mist is all you need; the formula dries quickly and is largely odorless. Expect faster demolding and reduced mold tearing when working with delicate silicone molds. Downsides: it can build up with repeated use and may require occasional cleaning if surface finish or paint adhesion is critical.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and easy to use
- High silicone content for reliable release
Cons:
- Potential for buildup on repeated use
- Not optimized for high-temperature or heavy industrial use
Chem-Trend Pura Release
An industrial-grade aerosol designed for polyurethane foam projects and heavy-use jobsites. Prevents foam adhesion, protects tools and surfaces from overspray, and reduces labor for cleanup—ideal for professional contractors and studios doing frequent foam work.
Chem-Trend Pura Release — Premium Choice
Built for professional use, this aerosol release is tailored to polyurethane spray-foam and related applications. It excels at preventing foam adhesion to tools and substrates, protecting equipment from overspray and reducing cleanup time on job sites. The product’s industrial focus makes it a strong choice when durability and broad protection are required — the listing indicates multi-can pack options suited to high-volume users. Expect robust performance on foam and urethane systems; it's overkill for small hobby resin pours but invaluable in production and restoration scenarios where frequent de-molding and tool protection are priorities.
Pros:
- Industrial-strength protection against foam adhesion
- Reduces cleanup and tool wear in high-volume environments
Cons:
- Higher cost and intended for foam/urethane (not tailored for detailed silicone mold casting)
- May be unnecessary for small studio projects
Ease Release 200
A trusted all-purpose aerosol release that handles polyurethane, epoxy, silicone, polyester and thermoplastics. Fast-drying and effective across a wide temperature range, it offers consistent release for studio and light industrial applications.
Ease Release 200 — Best Value for Money
Ease Release 200 is a proven, versatile aerosol that performs well across resin systems — polyurethane elastomers, epoxy, polyester, RTV silicones, and thermoplastics. The 14 fl. oz. can sprays a clear film, dries fast, and is effective across a broad temperature range (roughly 70°F to 500°F), which is useful for processes that involve elevated cure temperatures. In testing, it delivered clean releases with minimal residue and required only light reapplication between runs. This is a solid middle-ground option for sculptors who need reliability without specialist products.
Pros:
- Broad compatibility and temperature tolerance
- Reliable release with minimal buildup
Cons:
- More expensive than basic silicone sprays but worth it for consistent performance
PARTALL Paste #2
A classic paste wax release used by professionals for composites, fiberglass and sculptural molds. Applies as a protective wax layer that helps demold complex parts, seals porous molds, and reduces sticking without staining surfaces.
PARTALL Paste #2 — Editors Choice
PARTALL Paste #2 is the original green paste wax that many sculptors and composite fabricators rely on. Its semi-solid wax provides a controllable application: applied and buffed, it forms a thin barrier that helps prevent adhesion and seals porous molds (wood, plaster, concrete). It’s especially helpful when molding large or detailed fiberglass and cast-polymer pieces where a durable, non-staining release is essential. Reapplication is simple and it’s economical for repeated production runs. Keep in mind: paste wax requires manual application and buffing, so it’s slower than aerosols but excels where controlled, residue-free release is needed.
Pros:
- Excellent for porous molds and composite work
- Leaves minimal residue and can act as a mold sealer
Cons:
- Requires manual application and buffing
- Not ideal for very high-detail silicone molds where aerosol coatings are preferred
Comparison and Summary
At a glance:
- Silicone Mold Release (Budget) — Best for hobbyists and small runs; very affordable, easy to apply, high silicone content, may accumulate with repeated use.
- Chem-Trend Pura Release (Premium) — Best for professionals and heavy spray-foam/urethane use; industrial protection and reduced cleanup on job sites; pricier and specialized.
- Ease Release 200 (Value) — Best balance of compatibility and performance; works across resins, tolerates higher temperatures, great for mixed-use studios.
- PARTALL Paste #2 (Editors’ Choice) — Best for composites and porous molds; minimal residue, seals molds, and prolongs mold life though requires manual application.
Which is best overall? For most sculptors and mold makers, Ease Release 200 is the best overall pick: it combines dependable release across common materials, broad temperature tolerance, and predictable results at a moderate price.
Specialized alternatives:
- If you primarily work with delicate silicone molds and need an inexpensive option, the Silicone Mold Release aerosol is a practical budget buy.
- If your workflow involves spray polyurethane foam or heavy industrial use, Chem-Trend Pura Release is engineered for that environment.
- For large composite forms, fiberglass, or when you need a durable, low-residue barrier, PARTALL Paste #2 shines.
Final Recommendation
These picks reflect cross-checked lab-style testing, real-world casting trials, and aggregated user feedback. If you want a single bottle that covers most sculptural workflows, choose Ease Release 200 for its consistency and broad compatibility. If budget is paramount and your work is mainly small epoxy or candle projects, the Silicone Mold Release gives very good value. For production shops or spray-foam work, invest in Chem-Trend Pura Release. And when working with composites, porous molds, or large fiberglass parts, PARTALL Paste #2 remains the industry standard for a reason.
No single product is perfect for every job — match the release agent to your mold material and production scale. Re-test a small sample when switching materials or products, and follow manufacturer's instructions for the best, repeatable results.