Epoxy river table release agent

[Ababa]

Hi

I'm building an epoxy river coffee table out of a plank of walnut with a wavy edge. I've pretty much flattened the plank now and am getting to the stage of making a box for the pour.

What do people use as a release agent, please? Is there a household option as opposed to a release agent spray which I'm finding hard to source and of which I have questions about the effectiveness. (Any comments regarding the latter?)

Thanks in advance for any comments

 

[100tamarind]

What do people use as a release agent, please?

I usually use a wax based release agent. it's a thick paste that you apply with a cloth or brush, let dry, and then buff.
or I've seen people use PVA release lacquer too, if you want an alternative

 

[Ababa]

Thanks. Wax is an idea...

As an alternative have you ever heard of anyone using either ptfe or graphite dry lubricant spray?

 

[Neil jones]

@Ababa packing tape is your friend here, you'd have to line the inside of your box with it, overlapping the seams slightly. Epoxy won't stick to it and it peels right off when you're done

Also, I would say avoid petroleum jelly or cooking sprays, cos they can leave residue that messes with your finish later, and even make it cloudy when epoxy touches it

And I haven't personally tried PTFE spray for this, but in theory it should work since epoxy doesn't bond to teflon. The concern I'd have is whether it leaves any residue that might cause fisheye issues on your final finish, or if it could migrate into the epoxy itself and make it cloudy

Graphite I'd skip entirely though

 

[Ababa]

Thanks for your reply @Neil jones . What's packing tape, please? Duck Tape or that sticky brown tape (or...)? Sounds like it might be easier to apply than wax.

 

[Alan]

Good info above. @Ababa packing tape is the clear plastic shipping tape, not duct tape or the brown paper stuff. It’s cheap, easy to apply, and epoxy won’t bond to it at all, so it usually peels clean once the pour cures.