Mold release wax

[mikereed100]

I am making fiberglass stanchion bases and am using the stanchions themselves as a mold. I have never used a mold for fiberglass work before and in researching waxes it appears as though they are much like car waxes? (only more expensive!). I would like a little bit of buildup on the stanchion/mold so that the bases will be a few mils larger than the stanchions so that the stanchions can be easily inserted when done. Can this much buildup be accomplished with mold release wax? My instinct as a cheap SOB is to simply warm the stanchions and brush on some melted paraffin, then coat with PVA. Any problems with doing this?

Thanks,
Mike

[tinhorn]

You'll never get that buildup with mold release wax. A salesman once told me that you could use peanut butter for mold release if you wanted - all you need to do is create an impervious barrier.

[mikereed100]

I suspected as much. I love the peanut butter thing. I assume you use creamy?

[Itchy&Scratchy]

As the other guys said, you wont get the required buildup using release wax.

What you are looking for are sheets of thicknessing wax, available from specialist GRP supplier, not too expensive and comes in varying thicknesses.

have fun

regards

Justin

[tinhorn]

Originally Posted by mikereed100

I suspected as much. I love the peanut butter thing. I assume you use creamy?

Yes, unless I need a nonskid finish.

[mikereed100]

I ended up brushing paraffin onto the stanchions and smoothing with a warm putty knife. Works great and as the piece heats up the wax melts and I can slide the piece right off.

[Arildo]

Hi,
I use Vantico QZ 5101 for an (epoxy) mould sealer. It can be sprayed or brushed on. It makes a thin film, and will alway make demould easy. Something funny: I tried to get rid of this film after demoulding, using alcohol, white spirit, gasoline etc., but it wouldn't get away. Then I used water (as you should do) and it removed at once! -Fantastic science!

[Arildo]

Any tip using vacuum bagging?
I want to make an epoxy/carbon-fiber mould (without gelcoat) - and I don't want to get any visible airbubble at the final product... I got an useful vacuum pump, but what kind of plastic should I use? My most concern is that the plastic can stick to the epoxy, or strech the fibres! (So I end up with a lot of "strechmarks")

[TeresaPay]

We have used Johnson paste wax as a mold release for 24 years...works great!

[Arildo]

Hi TeresaPay! (funny name!).
Can the "Johnson paste wax" be used by its own, or does it needs release wax in addition? Do you use this on epoxy moulds, or polyester?

I am getting in contact with the person who maked the "R2-D2" Star Wars figure!!! I know this man in England trough a friend, He would like to help me with (de-)moulding my submarine!
I'll make an new tread with my build. Currently status is that I have made the major-plug, and just started moulding the left motor-pod...

[TeresaPay]

No release agent needed, just apply in circular motions and let dry 20-30 min, if you are concerned about residue on the mold, apply 2 THIN coats. Make sure no big buildups in corners and crevices, thin is best!

[jim lee]

partall paste wax.

-jim lee