How will my stones turn out if I don use Mold Release? Can I use a substitute like vegetable oil instead of Mold Release?
Although some manufactures even suggest using vegetable oils (such as Crisco), we have found that diesel oil works even better and does not cause adverse reactions with the concrete. The mold release is designed to help release the cured concrete from the mold and to help eliminate air bubbles and pockets. Thicker oils (such as mineral oil, baby oil, or some vegetable oils) may actually cause air to be trapped in the concrete more than usual. They may also leave an oily residue on the surface making painting or antiquing later virtually impossible.
