I have had some mixed success with the semi-permanent not releasing on my most recent try. Now, this probably is user error so this not a product bashing post. I put down two coats on a poly mold and buffed after each time. Now, the clear gel coat is bonded to the surface of the mold. I did not add any styrene and I had been able to release on some other poly molds. Also, the epoxy mold stuck a litlle also. Now, I am scared to use the stuff because I am not fond on re-doing molds. Thoughts? Besides the stuff really smells bad. 
The manufacturer suggests 3 -5 coats with 10 minutes between each coat and to wait at least 30 minutes after the last coat before use.
Thanks - I will give that a try and see how it goes. Evan had just filled a coffee can, so no directions. Also, when I was at his shop, we were only using two quick coats. I did use it on a hood plug and it worked well without me having to buff wax for hours. I hate buffing and sanding.
My experience with semi permament mold release for a green mold is to coat 3 to 5 times letting 5 to 10 minutes between each coat (wiping in different directions), waxing it a couple times, PVA the first two parts and make those 2x parts very hot to cook in the chemicials into the mold pores.
After that, just wipe and go…
Thanks - I also hate PVA. 
Sometimes using the semi-perm with PVA, I cannot get the PVA to stick to the mold sides. Its almost like its too slippery and turns into a big mess.
The technique I had to learn was to mist it on so very thin the first few coats (small spray gun)and then a little heavier spray (an old Bink pressure pot gun set up for old type laq., I think a Binks 17)until it flows smooth.
If you spray too heavy the first few coats, then you get the runs…
what’s the make of this release? is it the henkel loctite stuff?
After using ALOT of different semi perms, I’m pretty sure I’ve found Zyvax to be the best for my applications. My parts practically fall out of the molds with little to no effort. There’s 3 chemicals involved- a cleaner, a sealer, and the release- which I think is the same release Evan was selling. It takes a little while to apply it, but the results are flat out amazing.
Since I will no longer sell materials online. I’ll tell you which one it is. It’s not Zyvax even though I’ve used it before and like it very much. Chemlease 15 or even the 75 is what I sell and it’s cheaper and a little bit better. The pricing on the two are very close so you can’t go wrong with either one.
If you’re having problems with the semi-perm, here are some things to look out for.
-
Let it evaporate completely before laying anything up on it. 1 coat on and off, and another coat on and off 10 minutes later. Let the second coat sits for at least 1 hour before doing anything. If there’s still any solvent left on the mold/plug surface then you’re going to have problems.
-
Although this stuff works great, it’s not a miracle products. If you have a high porousity mold/plug, chances are the chemical won’t be able to seal everything.
Other than that this stuff works awesome. My price for a 1 gal container is $136 as of last year. It might have gone up a little bit more now. Where to get it? You can get them from Composites One. Don’t expect them to talk to you if you’re an individual though. They’re dicks when it comes to small quantity buyers.
there you go
I had talked to JB layman from zyvax at the tampa sampe convention, as was going to do some R&D with my materials for him but never got around to it. I should go ahead and do that at least to help him out. My companies production department is using the henkel loctite release, and having no experience with any other system I’d say it works well.
136$ a gal, i hope it applies itself. i think we’re paying around 450 or a 5 gal for the release. can’t remember for the sealer. i suppose it’s worth it, if you’re selling it, it must work very well.