DISCRETE is a chemical release agent which reacts with the alkaline products of setting cement to form insoluble soaps. These soaps prevent any bond developing between the concrete and formwork and ensure a clean, even, blemish free surface with minimum voids.

The surface quality of concrete is controlled to a large extent by the release agent used on the formwork. Straight mineral or vegetable oils often cause surface pocking and water phased oil emulsions commonly give rise to staining and efflorescence. Some oils frequently make it difficult if not impossible, to achieve good bond of subsequent surface coatings, paints, rendering etc. The use of DISCRETE avoids these problems.

The principal components of the cement which react with DISCRETE are tri-calcium silicate and tricalcium aluminate. DISCRETE, therefore, is less effective with low heat cement which contains a lower proportion of these compounds.

DISCRETE does not affect the natural bonding characteristics of paint, plaster, and other cementitious coatings. On surfaces not subjected to weathering, (eg interior) wash the surface with water containing a little detergent, or brush down thoroughly.

A further characteristic of DISCRETE is that it affords protection to the formwork itself by in the case of steel, inhibiting rust, and in the case of timber, impregnating the timber rendering it waterproof and resistant to rot.

DISCRETE contains a transient red dye to ensure uniform application and maximum coverage.