What is the purpose of form release agents?

• A. To harden forms
• B. To prevent adhesion between fresh concrete and the forms and to ease form removal
• C. To color the concrete
• D. To seal the forms

Answer: (D)

Form release agents are used to prevent adhesion between fresh concrete and the forms and to ease form removal. They lay down a lubricating film on the form surface so the concrete doesn’t bond to it, making stripping easier and reducing the chance of surface damage or form tearing. This also helps protect the formwork and can improve the finish of the concrete by avoiding sticking marks. They aren’t meant to harden or seal the forms or to color the concrete; those aren’t their primary purposes.