When searching on google for info about castor oil release agents I came across a link describing a specific release agent. One remark in the blurb really rang a bell
"Unsurpassed for eliminating bugholes even with superplasticized concrete." Years ago when I used to wet-cast, I didn't get any bug-holes. I didn't use a super-lasticiser because my brother (who is a concrete foreman) had warned me that they increase bubbles on the surface. In the meantime, reading up on casting, everyone else seems to recommend the use of a superplasticiser, so this time round I've been adding it to the mix.

And I've been getting a lot of bug-holes on the surface :(

I'll be slinging out the superplasticiser, and going back to my old ways - adding more cement than is normal in concrete, making a very liquid mix, vibrating well, and sponging the excess liquid off the surface when it rises.

Here is a link that might be useful: release agent

I discovered the release agent last week. Can't remember how I found it. I even called them (toll free) and talked to the president of the company. They are so new that the only way you can order it is to call them. They are getting set up to order online in the future. I'm in Illinois, it was the first day of spring yesterday, right now I'm looking at 3 inches of snow with more coming. Eeeee gads!!!!!! So much for pouring concrete.

Morning.No snow here(HA_HA!)and am pouring today.
I've been using Crete-Lease for a few years.I've used it on wood,metal,plastic,urethane,my wife....!
Seriously,the stuff works well.An earlier poster(MUCH earlier)had expressed an opinion about the product,saying that she used very little,then wiped that down even more.I blindly followed her advice until last year,then simply ignored that method,sprayed it on lightly(I buy the spraycans in Surrey,BC)and pour away.Few bugholes and easy removal.I'm quite happy with it!
Cheers from here

Ok Rick, do you like the Crete Lease as well as anything else or is there something that you like better?? Several like the Smooth On.
Thanks.

Nope.After sprayons like Pam,silicone lubricant I found what I needed in Crete-lease.I've been buying it in the spray can(I know they won't ship out of country)and am happy with it.
Cheers from here

For my plastic and rubber molds I use Smooth On Universal Release and for other things like wood or homemade molds I use 8 parts denatured alcohol and 1 part non detergent motor oil. Was told never use motor oil on rubber molds it will harm them. So far this has worked well for me. A little extra water in the mix helps me decrease the bugholes.
Paws

RD...I have always had excellent results with a product from Reynold's called "In and Out". It is widely used in commercial casting and a very good product. Here is a link to the Reynolds Advanced Materials site. Best of luck. Can't wit to see your latest. Oh...and if you'd like to see a commission I just completed, Email me, as I will no longer post pix here.

Here is a link that might be useful: In & Out Concrete Release

I use your release agent, Running Dog. I like the fact that it is a "proprietary blend of vegetable oils." I've been brushing it on and then wiping it off with a towel. The same towel for five months, actually. I never thought of spraying it...I'll buy one of those pump-up sprayers that we can buy in our big grocery store. They are about $4.00.
I used to scrub my metal molds clean, then let them dry, then re-oil them. Now I clean the metal with a brass curly scrub pad dipped in oil. Wipe it down with a rag, and we're ready for pouring.

Mercedes

Hey running dog, just thought I would mention to you that Shawnee Molds has a release agent that is made with caster oil. The price is right too!

Here is a link that might be useful: http://shawneemolds.com

lol - I'm on the wrong side of the Atlantic for all of those release agents - that's why I wanted to find a recipe to make my own.

I thought I'd be able to find castor oil anywhere, but it's quite hard to track down.

Running dog, maybe you need to find a friend in the states that can help you out. :)

I found some more information on castor oil as a release agent. I can't seem to get the link to work. Type in google
castor oil and methanol release agent. Check out MSP oil.