Release agents: why they are essential in exposed concrete and precast concrete

• Inappropriate use of ‘barrier’ oils: can cause surface defects such as air bubbles, porosity, macro- or micro-bubbles, halos or stains.
• Excessive application: risk of delays in hardening, colour unevenness, poor aesthetics and adhesion problems with any subsequent treatments (paints, plasters, etc.).
• Poor environmental compatibility or regulations: some mineral or solvent-based oils may be subject to regulatory restrictions for VOCs or operator safety; vegetable emulsions are preferable.
• Inadequate formwork maintenance: residues of release agent that have not been properly cleaned can compromise subsequent castings.

Proind offers a range of release agents designed to meet the various needs of construction sites and prefabrication, with a particular focus on efficiency, surface quality and environmental sustainability.

• With ready-to-use products such as ALCHIOIL 100, it is easy to remove concrete from steel formwork, maintaining the original colour of the concrete and ensuring an excellent ‘exposed finish’. For wood, however, an emulsifiable product such as NUOVO DISARMOIL is preferable.
• The Proind range also offers ‘green’ and efficient solutions that meet modern sustainability and environmental awareness requirements — an increasingly important factor in contemporary construction.
• With the right formwork release agent, the work cycle (casting → formwork removal → formwork cleaning → new casting) is smoother, reducing maintenance and downtime, which are key factors in prefabrication or large-scale projects.

• First of all, consider the type of formwork, type of concrete and desired finish: if you are looking for an elegant and uniform ‘exposed finish’, choose chemically active release agents or vegetable/emulsified oils; if you are working in standard prefabrication or on a general construction site, a mineral or synthetic oil may be more suitable.
• Apply the oil in a thin, even film using suitable tools, avoiding build-up and stagnation.
• For reused formwork, make sure you clean the surfaces thoroughly before each application.
• Also consider safety, the environment and regulations: choose certified products that are low-impact and safe for operators and the structure.

With the correct choice and application of release oil, it is possible to obtain high-quality exposed concrete, reliable prefabricated elements and durable structures, while optimising processing times and costs.
It is also important to pay attention to the type of cement used: to meet sustainability requirements, many manufacturers now add an increasing amount of additives. However, these additives are not always compatible with release agents and can cause stains, marks or other imperfections on the concrete surface.

We invite you to discover our range of Proind release agents, designed to offer effective solutions for every casting or prefabrication situation. Each product is designed to facilitate demoulding and improve surface quality, from wooden to metal formwork. Whatever your needs, you will find the ideal release agent to achieve clean, uniform and professional results.