I’ve got the forms built, the rock laid up, and the hardware cloth in place but I forgot to spray in the WD40 as the release agent. Should I tear it all apart and put in the WD40 or just make the pour without it? Here is a picture of where I’m at.
Rex
Rex,
It looks like you are using the beaded type foam. If you get a good bond between the material already in place. You may be able to separate the whole finished item by picking the foam away from the rock section.
If you decide to continue don’t get the mold release on rocks as the new material may not bond to the old.
That is if the form is a one time form.
As WD-40 as a release agent. I’ve found “Pam food spray” works quite well.
If you use Pam as a release agent on molds you are going to use in the future be sure to wash it off of the mold. If left on it turns real sticky, gooey and hard to remove.
But makes a good release agent and haven’t found it to stick to the finished piece as WD-40 may soak into the finished piece.
What kind of material is your form? I use foam core art board, never had to spray anything on it at all. I’ve also used beaded styrofoam for window plugs, didn’t have any problems with the mortar sticking to it. Same with the pink foam insulation. The only problem I had with the beaded styrofoam was that it’s impossible to get a smooth edge when you cut it – but that’s a separate issue.
Yes it’s beaded foam. I couldn’t find pink foam here in AZ so I used what was available at the big box stores. I made some pretty smooth cuts with my dremel saw. When I didn’t get any replies I went ahead and made the casting without the WD40. We’ll see how it turns out tomorrow.
Rex
Looks like it turned out okay without the WD40. Note that the foam was skinned so I think that made a difference. Here are some pics:
The foam cuts I made with the dremel saw had no release problems. The rough breaks did require much more cleanup effort. Next step is to make the porch, paint the building sign, and then plant it come spring. Right now we still have about 5 feet of snow on top of the layout.
Rex
Well, I guess any excuse is better than none!
Remember, UPS knows where my front door is located. 