What are the Alternative Release Agents for Composite Moulding?
Alternative Release Agents for Composite Moulding
If you are experiencing problems with your current release agent — such as difficult application, poor de-moulding performance, inconsistent finish quality, or unreliable supply — switching to a high-performance semi-permanent release agent can significantly improve your production process.
At CRC UK Ltd, our Marbocote semi-permanent release agents are manufactured in the UK, allowing us to provide reliable stock availability, fast delivery, and expert technical support when you need it most.
High Performance Semi-Permanent Release Agents
We offer an extensive range of mould release agents suitable for a wide variety of composite manufacturing processes including:
- GRP moulding
- Carbon fibre components
- RTM
- Vacuum infusion
- Prepreg processing
- Closed mould systems
Our release agents create a durable release film that delivers excellent release performance while helping achieve a high-quality surface finish.
Marbocote Release Agent Options
Marbocote Fastcote – Fast Wipe-On Application
A quick and easy wipe-on release agent designed for efficient application and reliable release performance.
Marbocote PK4 – Wipe-On Polish Finish
Ideal for achieving a high-quality cosmetic finish while maintaining excellent release properties.
Marbocote Spraycote FD – Spray Application Release Agent
Our fastest application system, designed for rapid mould coverage and increased productivity.
Marbocote 227CEE – Durable Semi-Permanent Release Agent
A highly durable release agent suitable for demanding moulding applications where long-lasting performance is required.
Why Choose Marbocote Release Agents?
Marbocote release agents use advanced silicone-free release technology, helping eliminate transfer and contamination issues on moulded parts.
This provides major benefits including:
- Easier de-moulding
- Reduced mould downtime
- Improved surface finish
- Reduced build-up on moulds
- Minimal cleaning requirements
- Better compatibility with secondary bonding and painting operations
- Lower release agent consumption
- Increased production efficiency
Because there is no silicone transfer, post-moulding processes such as painting, bonding, and coating become far more reliable and hassle-free.
Common Signs You Need an Alternative Release Agent
You may benefit from changing your mould release system if you are experiencing:
- Parts sticking in the mould
- Surface defects or contamination
- Excessive mould cleaning
- High release agent usage
- Long application times
- Inconsistent release performance
- Supply chain delays from overseas manufacturers
Using the correct semi-permanent release agent can reduce production downtime and improve overall part consistency.
Technical Support for Composite Moulding
Our technical team can help recommend the best release agent for your process, mould type, resin system, and production requirements.
Whether you need a wipe-on, spray-on, or highly durable release coating, CRC can help optimise your moulding process.
CRC – 35 Years of Progress & Partnership
2026 marks 35 years since CRC Chemical Release was founded — a milestone we’re incredibly proud to celebrate.
Established in April 1991 by Keith Godber, CRC began by representing EP Wurtz across the UK, USA, and Ireland delivering high-quality internal release agents and process additives Alongside Lehvoss in the UK for SMC & BMC additives, including fire retardant solutions. These early partnerships laid the foundation for what CRC stands for today — technical expertise, trusted products, and strong relationships.
As the years progressed, our portfolio expanded:
▪️ 1994 – Collaboration with Magnera to supply polyester non-woven veils
▪️ 2000 – Partnership with Marbocote, introducing semi-permanent release agents to the UK & Ireland
▪️ 2016 – Working with Adamtech to provide dry and pre-saturated wipes for the composites sector
Fast forward to today, and we’re proud to still be working with each of these partners — enabling us to support customers across the composites, rubber, and wood manufacturing industries with a broad and reliable product range.
At CRC, our success has always been built on:
✔️ Strong, long-term partnerships
✔️ Deep technical knowledge
✔️ A commitment to outstanding customer service
We would like to say a big thank you to our customers, partners, and team who have been part of this journey.
The CRC team look forward to continuing to support the industry for many years to come.
#CRC #35YearsStrong #CompositesIndustry #Manufacturing #Partnerships #TechnicalExpertise #CustomerFocus #releaseagents
Contamination Issue: Back to Basics
The Problem
Last month, a customer contacted us with an issue: their moulds were developing visible build-up and streak marks. Upon investigation during a site visit, we traced the problem back to contamination caused by repeated use of the same application cloths.
The operator believed that as long as the cloth remained wet—kept sealed in a zip-lock bag—it would be fine to reuse. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception.
@marbocote Solvent-based release agents are moisture-curing, meaning that exposure to ambient moisture begins the curing process, even while the cloth is stored. Reusing cloths, even if they appear wet, results in a partially cured product being applied to the mould. This leads to streaking, transfer, and eventual contamination.
Our Solution
Sometimes, the best way forward is to return to the fundamentals.
We introduced our operator training programme, which focuses on essential best practices and reinforces that product freshness and correct application are key to achieving optimum results.
We started by revisiting mould cleaning protocols. Since release agents chemically bond to the mould surface, it’s vital that this surface is completely clean—not just free from visible dust or dirt, but also from unseen contaminants like polishing compounds and wax residues. Clean cloths must be used and changed frequently during this process to ensure a completely clean surface.
Next, we emphasised the importance of applying a Sealer before the Release Agent. The Sealer creates a solid foundation, filling in microporosity and acting as a protective buffer. As always, this must be done using fresh lint-free cloths—never those previously used for applying Release Agent.
Finally, we provided detailed guidance on proper Release Agent application techniques and best practices for re-application.
By following the correct steps from the very beginning, operators can extend mould life, improve release performance, and ultimately increase productivity.
#Marbocote #Releaseagents #Freetraining&refreshercourses #backtobasics