Frequently Asked Questions

How is Reebol Emulsion Xtra applied to precast moulds and formwork?

Reebol Emulsion Xtra is applied by spray gun (preferred for large areas and steel moulds) or by brush or roller for smaller moulds and timber formwork. The mould or formwork surface should be clean and free of old concrete, laitance, and residue from previous release agents before applying a fresh coat. Apply a thin, uniform coat of Reebol Emulsion Xtra to the mould surface — a thin even film is better than a thick application; excess release agent pools in corners and depressions and can cause excessive blowhole formation and staining on the concrete surface. Allow the emulsion to dry slightly (the water to evaporate) before casting the concrete. Do not allow the release agent to come into contact with the concrete reinforcing steel, as some release agents can interfere with the bond between concrete and reinforcement.

How does Reebol Emulsion Xtra differ from the standard Reebol mould release agent?

Standard Reebol is a mineral oil-based release agent (either neat oil or a simple emulsion) that provides good release from formwork for standard structural concrete applications. Reebol Emulsion Xtra is a premium formulation with active chemical release compounds that react with the fresh cement surface to form a release layer rather than just providing a physical film barrier. This active mechanism gives a cleaner release with fewer surface imperfections — smaller and fewer blowholes, less staining, and a more consistent colour in the stripped concrete surface. For architectural concrete, precast cladding, and any application where the quality of the stripped concrete surface is important to the final appearance of the structure, Reebol Emulsion Xtra is the preferred choice. For standard structural formwork where surface appearance is not critical, standard Reebol provides adequate release at lower cost.

Can Reebol Emulsion Xtra be used on GRP (glass reinforced polyester) moulds?

Reebol Emulsion Xtra is generally suitable for use on GRP (fibreglass) moulds, but compatibility must be confirmed with the specific GRP mould material and manufacturer. Some GRP moulds used for architectural precast concrete have a gel-coat finish that can be affected by certain release agent formulations — always test on a small area of the specific mould before full application. For highly polished GRP or epoxy-tooled moulds for very high-quality architectural precast, a release agent specifically approved by the mould manufacturer should be used. Space Arc Engineering and Fosroc can advise on the compatibility of Reebol Emulsion Xtra with specific mould substrates for architectural precast applications.