Form release agent
A coating applied to formwork so hardened concrete releases cleanly without tearing the surface or sticking to the form.
What does form release agent mean?
Release agents range from simple oils to reactive chemical products that form a soap-like barrier and leave less residue. Over-application collects in low spots and causes surface staining, dusting, and bugholes, while under-application causes surface tearing during stripping. Residue can also interfere with later coatings, stains, or bonded overlays.
In practice
Excess release agent pooled in a wall form is a frequent cause of blotchy discoloration that shows up only after the forms come off.