Sika® Desencofrante D

Sika® Form Release Agent D is a form release agent designed to create a separating layer between the formwork and fresh concrete or mortar. Its use facilitates the subsequent removal of the forms, reduces cement adhesion to the form surface, and minimizes the effort required to clean the forms after each pour.

It is particularly suitable for absorbent formwork, mainly wood, although Sika also recommends its use on metal formwork by adjusting the dilution ratio. By limiting the amount of concrete that remains adhered after formwork removal, it helps reduce mechanical wear on the wood and extends the service life of reusable panels.

Sika® Form Release Agent D is not necessarily used undiluted. It is formulated to be mixed with water in different proportions depending on the type of formwork and its absorbency.

Metal formwork

up to 1 part product to 5 parts water.

Absorbent formwork

up to 1 part product to 10 parts water.

On a highly absorbent wooden panel, therefore, a considerably more diluted emulsion can be used than on a metal surface.

The mixing method is important. Sika recommends adding Form Release Agent D slowly to the water while stirring, rather than simply pouring both components together and using them without thorough mixing.

Before beginning application, the emulsion must be stirred thoroughly once more. Poor mixing can lead to variations in concentration and, as a result, areas with inconsistent behavior during formwork removal.

Only prepare the amount needed for the intended job and keep the mixture properly homogenized during use.

Formwork must be clean and dry before applying the product.

dust;

concrete residue from previous uses;

cement slurry;

dirt;

mud;

and loose particles.

Applying form release agent over large hardened debris will not compensate for inadequate prior cleaning of the formwork.

For wooden formwork, a properly maintained and protected surface also helps ensure that subsequent concrete pouring cycles are more consistent.

Sika’s Spanish documentation recommends application by brush.

A thin, uniform coat should be spread over the entire surface that will come into contact with the concrete. The goal is not to leave visible pools of oil, but to form a continuous release film.

Applying an excessive amount of form release agent does not necessarily improve the result and may impair the surface appearance of the concrete. Uniform distribution is more important than indiscriminately increasing the amount used.

1 liter of product per 20–40 m² of formwork.

porosity of the substrate;

type of formwork;

dilution used;

surface condition;

and amount applied.

New, highly absorbent wood may require significantly more emulsion than a reused and properly conditioned surface.

Proper formwork removal provides benefits for both the concrete element and the formwork system itself.

it facilitates quick and clean removal of the formwork;

it prevents concrete from adhering to the formwork;

it reduces cleaning efforts;

it reduces wear on wooden formwork;

it allows for reuse over more cycles;

and it offers high yield per liter of product.

These characteristics are particularly beneficial in repetitive projects involving columns, walls, beams, slabs, and precast elements where the same formwork panels are used repeatedly.

The form release agent must always be used with care when the concrete surface is to subsequently receive paints, mortars, coatings, or other bonded treatments.

An excess of form release agent on the surface can act exactly as its name suggests: as a barrier to adhesion.

Before applying a subsequent finish, the concrete must be prepared according to the requirements of the coating to be applied and any surface contaminants that could reduce adhesion must be removed.

Type

water-emulsifiable form release agent.

Appearance

milky oil.

Approximate density

0.9 kg/L.

Main application

absorbent wooden formwork.

Additional application

certain types of metal formwork with specific dilution.

Shelf life

approximately 12 months from date of manufacture.

Storage temperature

+5 to +30 °C.

Protect from freezing and excessive cold.

25-liter bottle.

200-liter drum.