Perhaps you have already tested, or are using XTEND® 832 semi-permanent mold release, but are you aware of all of the benefits that this product has?

If you are testing or using this mold release in open molding or hand layup of polyester parts, it is important to know that XTEND® 832 is also an excellent choice for many other resins types and different molding processes including: vacuum infusion; vinyl ester gel coats; and pre-preg and wet molding of epoxy. Let’s start with the application.

The wipe-on method
For the best gloss, XTEND® 832 is applied by wipe on and wipe off method. If the weather is especially warm, work in smaller application areas, approximately 1m square, or a size that you can go back and wipe off before the release is completely dry. I prefer paper towels for wiping on, and a lightly textured cotton cloth for the wipe off, but you can decide which works best for you. I always apply in a linear motion, as illustrated here.

Each row should overlap the previous row slightly. This is the best application method since it allows you to see the release as it goes on, so you won’t miss a spot. Depending on the conditions at the molding location, the release will vary in the time that it takes to begin to show signs of evaporation. When this occurs, take the clean cotton polishing cloth and wipe in a circular motion over the area that you have applied release to. This should be done with a light soft touch, NOT hard rubbing.

The wipe-off method
After wiping over the entire application area observe your work. If the mold is not yet super glossy, turn your rag to a fresh dry side and polish lightly. This second polish should require almost no effort to create a perfect gloss surface. If you find that your wipe off is creating a cloudy or foggy appearance on the mold, simply wait a few more minutes and you will see that the polishing is now very easy.

There are two advantages to wipe-on/wipe-off products: 1) perfect application technique is not a critical as with a wipe on/let dry release 2) wiping release on and off helps to clean minor residues from the mold surface, since the mold release contains many of the same solvents that can be used to clean.

So far we have discussed XTEND® 832 primarily as it relates to the creation of high gloss gel-coated parts. However many customers use XTEND® 832 in other types of applications where good quality cosmetic parts are required, but a class “A” mirror finish is unnecessary. In these cases, XTEND® 832 can simply be wiped on and allowed to dry. These types of requirements are often present when molding epoxy, especially wet epoxy or using molds that have been polished to only 600 or 800 mesh. In these cases, save time, by just wiping on 832 and letting it dry. Large epoxy parts like wind blades or nacelle production find XTEND® 832 a product that is versatile enough to use in direct epoxy infusion and also in gel coated bagging.