A release agent (also mold release agent, release coating, or mold release coating) is a chemical used to prevent other materials from bonding to surfaces. Release agents aid in processes involving mold release, die-cast release, plastic release, adhesive release, and tire and web release. Release agents are one of many additives used in the production of plastics.

Release agents provide a barrier between a molding surface and the substrate, facilitating separation of the cured part from the mold. Without such a barrier, the substrate would become fused to the mold surface, resulting in difficult clean-up and dramatic loss in production efficiency. Even when a release agent is used, factors such as irregular applications or improper release agent choice may have a dramatic effect on the quality and consistency of the finished product. Many kinds of release agents are used. They are waxes, fatty ester, silicones, and metallic soaps.

Volatile organic compound (VOC) reduction along with the elimination of health and safety concerns surrounding solvent-based release agents were primary drivers in the development of cosolvent mold release. Cosolvent based release agents combine the benefits of a solvent based system and the safety of water-based release agents.

One of the key attributes of a release agent is its degree of permanence: how long will it last before reapplication is necessary. A semi-permanent release agent does not need to be reapplied for every cycle of a molding operation and even works better when it is not over-applied to the mold surface.

How many releases can be achieved before reapplication is necessary varies by process, material, and application method. In order to achieve multiple releases per application, the semi-permanent release coating generally must be applied to a clean, dry surface free of dirt, rust, grime or previous coatings. This allows the release agent to properly bond to the mold and mold tooling, improving durability and longevity of the coating.

Sacrificial coatings must be applied before every cycle of a molding operation and are therefore considered more labor intensive. Most molders will prefer semi-permanent coatings to sacrificial coatings, especially when molding rubber and plastic parts. These coatings contain fewer solid ingredients, and thus do not last as long as semi-permanent coatings.

Release agents may be water or solvent-based and use of either will depend on the personal preference of the molder, plant safety regulations, hazardous materials shipping costs, state, local, or federal regulations, and/or desired drying times of the release coating. Water-based die lubricant (WBD) has been used for about 40 years. All die casting machines have been designed with the use of WBD. Water-based release coatings generally dry slower than solvent-based release agents but present fewer health and safety concerns. Water-based release agents will be less expensive to ship because of their inherently non-flammable nature and satisfy most plant-safety goals. Solvent-based release coatings dry almost instantly but present serious health and safety concerns. Fumes from solvent-based release agents may be hazardous without proper ventilation of the work area. Most solvents used in release agents are flammable.

Asphalt release agents are chemical products developed and manufactured as alternatives to diesel and solvents commonly used for cleaning equipment associated with hot mix asphaltic concrete (HMAC) production and placement on government and private facilities. The United States Oil Pollution Act of 1980 was used as the foundation to build the current program. The intent of asphalt release agents is to eliminate harmful stripping products that come into contact with bituminous products and strip the asphalt (binding agent) from the aggregates causing potholes, raveling, and other detrimental pavement failures.