DIY Concrete Form Release
When building concrete forms, you must take preventative measures to ensure that the concrete does not adhere to the wood as it cures. Generally, forms are made from lumber coated in a special type of plastic known as melamine that is slick and nonadhesive.
Things You Will Need
- Vegetable oil
- Paintbrush
- Concrete form
- Concrete
But if you cannot find coated lumber in your area, the next best thing is to use form release oil. Form release oil is available commercially, but is a chemical, which is often distasteful to homeowners who would like to maintain a green lifestyle. However, you can use common, safe, household products to make your own.
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Choose a natural oil that is non-soluble in water, does not contain wax, and has a low to no sulphur rating. Vegetable oil is a good choice.
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Use a paintbrush to apply a generous coat of oil to your finished concrete form. Concentrate on the interior, and cover the entire surface evenly.
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Position your concrete form and pour your concrete as desired. Remove the concrete form once the concrete has cured completely. Disassemble the form, if necessary.
Writer Bio
Jourdan Townsend has been writing since childhood. Her articles appear in a collection of student works at the University of Oklahoma as well as in the school's "Honors College Journal." Townsend also composes poetry, some of which can be found in an edition of the "Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans." Townsend holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication.
Photo Credits
- three sorts of oil image by Tomo Jesenicnik from Fotolia.com
- three sorts of oil image by Tomo Jesenicnik from Fotolia.com
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