Is GRAFICOAT a paint or a lubricant?

It is a dry graphited coating/lubricant: it forms an adherent film on metal and refractories for sliding, release, and protection.

How often is the coating renewed?

It depends on the metal, the pouring temperature, and the cycle. It is renewed when the film is no longer continuous; in practice the frequency is set by watching the first run and then kept as routine.

On which moulds is it applied?

On metal moulds and chills in contact with molten metal. On graphite moulds it does not serve the same purpose, because the material is already non-wetting on its own.

By brush, spray, or dip, with the mould preheated so the carrier evaporates and leaves the dry film. Applying to a cold mould gives an uneven layer that comes off on the first cast.

Graphite release coating on a metal foundry mold

Coatings / Release Agents

Metal mold release

Graphite coatings to facilitate demolding and reduce adhesion in forming and casting processes.

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Mould release coating

Also known as: Graphite release agent for metal moulds · Foundry mould coating · Non-stick coating for chill moulds · Graphite mould dressing

[ Technical summary ]

A metal mould in contact with molten metal tends to make the part stick and to degrade the mould surface cast after cast. A graphite coating interposes a layer the metal does not wet, so the part releases cleanly, and it also acts as a thermal barrier moderating cooling rate at the interface. It is applied by brush, spray, or dip on the preheated mould and renewed according to the cycle.

[ Problem it solves ]

Keep metal from sticking to the metal mould and protect its surface, while also controlling the cooling rate at the contact face.

Operating conditions

Mold release
Casting
Hot forming

When it is suitable

The part sticks to the mould and demoulding damages it
The mould surface degrades with casting
Cooling at the contact face needs moderating
The coating can be renewed within the production cycle

When it may not be suitable

The casting tolerates no carbon trace on its surface
The mould cannot be preheated before applying the coating
The product cannot be validated in the plant before adopting it in production

Process challenges

Sticking to the mold
Surface defects
Short release-agent life

Advantages

Better release
Dry film
Applicable by paint or aerosol

Limitations

Not a hydrodynamic oil lubricant
May stain light-colored surfaces
Performance depends on surface preparation and reapplication

[ Critical selection variables ]

These variables define the grade and the geometry. Actual values are confirmed against the grade datasheet.

Molten metal or alloy in contactDecisive
Operating temperatureDecisive
Application methodDecisive
Film thicknessDecisive
Reapplication frequencyRelevant
Carrier or formulation baseRelevant
Heat-extraction rateRelevant

[ Required material properties ]

Properties that guide selection. Numerical values come from each grade's datasheet.

Critical properties

Lubricating film formation
Thermal stability
Particle size distribution
Non-wetting by molten metal

Secondary properties

Thermal conductivity
Dispersibility

[ Related ]

[ Frequently asked questions ]

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Technical content reviewed by ESGRAF — Last reviewed: September 8, 2026

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