You should pay extra attention to the release process, as well as the method by which release agent is used, in order to get the best concrete quality.
Learn more about release agents in this blog post. You can also learn how to get high-quality concrete with the right use of these release agents!
Using the right amount of release agent on the mold can help you get a lot of benefits. In addition to making the concrete better, you save money on production costs. Also, your mold lasts longer.
The importance of release agents and the correct use
If you want the best results, you should use a high-quality release agent. Any type of oil or lubricant can be used to help with the releasing process. If the quality of the product is not good enough, the following problems may happen..
- Concrete discoloration;
- Surface voids;
- Dusting concrete;
- Sticking concrete residue;
- Corrosion on the moulds.
To avoid these problems, there are two things you need to do: Release agent type and how the release agent is put on.
Choose the right type of release agent
There are a lot of different types of release agents on the market now. It’s possible to use release agents that are safe and environmentally friendly. There are also different types of release agents for different types of concrete. There are release agents that work well in different weather when concrete is made on construction sites. Besides that, there are also release agents that can be used on complex-sized molds, like tunnel segments.
The right type of release agent is the most important thing to make sure that the concrete surface is of good quality.
How to use release agents for the best concrete quality
As we said earlier, the wrong use of the release agent can cause a lot of problems with the concrete surface. To keep this from happening, the release agent must be used the right way. We give you these general tips to help you make sure that the release agent is applied to the mold in the right way.
Tip 1 – Cleaning the mould
Before you start applying the release agent, make sure the mold is clean. This will make sure that the release process is even.
Tip 2 – Spray the oil correctly
When you apply the release agent to the mould, keep the pattern the same every time you do it. For the best results, keep a steady distance from the surface of the mold and use the right nozzle and air pressure.
Tip 3 – Avoid overuse
If too much release agent is put on the mold, there is a greater chance that irregularities like concrete stains and air bubbles will happen. With too much use, oil puddles form, which means that the concrete mix doesn’t harden properly in the mold.
Tip 4 – Use an automated spray system
To get the best concrete quality and save money, we suggest that you use an automated spray machine. With a spray system, you don’t have to put too much release agent on the surface of the mold because you spray it on. Besides, it speeds up the production and makes the workplace healthier and safer.