Release agents and surface retarders
Surface quality is decided in the formwork. A clean strike for fair-faced concrete, or exposed aggregate with a retarder at controlled depth.
Values declared in the product data sheets (Probar Italia 2026 catalogue and Schomburg technical data sheets). For complete and up-to-date values, the manufacturer's data sheet prevails.
The release agent: a film between form and pour
The release agent forms a film on the formwork that prevents the concrete from adhering. How that film works determines the release, the integrity of arrises, the absence of blowholes and stains and the life of the formwork itself: for fair-faced concrete it is a technical product, not an accessory.
Two release agents for two uses
ECOSFORM AS is a water-based, ready-to-use pre-emulsified paste release agent for vertical formwork: the film stays adherent during the pour and gives a smooth, fair-faced surface, without dusting and without altering the colour of grey or white cement. It contains no hazardous substances; coverage 1 l per 30 m², also applicable by airless spray.
ECOSFORM VS2 is a liquid release agent in stable emulsion, universal for metal, timber, plastic, plaster and stone formwork, horizontal and vertical. It guarantees release up to 100 °C, so also in hot precast processing; it leaves no dust residue, protects steel forms from oxidation, is more than 80% biodegradable and non-flammable. Coverage ≤ 0.05 l/m².
The retarder: exposed aggregate
DECORSTONE is a water-based chemical retarder for horizontal surfaces: it slows the setting of the surface mortar to a controlled depth of about 5 mm. After the pour, the surface mortar is washed off and the aggregate remains exposed, evenly and without mechanical preparation. Its fluorescent green colour makes the application visible on the pour. Coverage 0.2–0.3 l/m².
What it does not do
A release agent does not correct poorly batched or poorly vibrated concrete, nor damaged formwork: it must be spread in a uniform film, without excess, at the stated coverage. The retarder acts on the surface layer and does not change the strength of the pour; washing time must be tested in actual site conditions.
Products for this system
Selected from the Probar 2026 catalogue for this technology.
ECOSFORM ASPre-emulsified paste release agentRelease agents and surface retardersESAS-25 / ESAS-210 / ESAS-1050
ECOSFORM VS2Universal eco-friendly liquid release agentRelease agents and surface retardersEVS2-25 / EVS2-1000
DECORSTONESurface retarder for exposed-aggregate concreteRelease agents and surface retardersDEST-20 / DEST-210 / DEST-1050Brochures to download
Technical and commercial documentation for this technology.
Where it is used
The solutions for which the products of this technology are listed in the catalogue.
Frequently asked questions
Does the release agent stain fair-faced concrete?
ECOSFORM AS is formulated not to attack the concrete, not to cause dusting and not to alter the original colour of grey or white cement.
Can a release agent be used on heated formwork?
Yes: ECOSFORM VS2 guarantees release up to 100 °C and is suitable for hot processing.
How deep does DECORSTONE act?
About 5 mm: it slows the setting of the surface mortar only, which is then washed off leaving the aggregate exposed.