What is a consequence of not removing mold release from plastic parts?

Not removing mold release from plastic parts can lead to guaranteed adhesion problems. Mold release agents are substances applied to the mold surface to facilitate the removal of the part from the mold. While they serve a beneficial purpose during the molding process, if not properly cleaned off, they create a barrier between the substrate (the plastic part) and the paint or coating being applied. This barrier prevents proper bonding of the two surfaces, leading to issues such as peeling, flaking, or overall poor adhesion of the finish.

Effective surface preparation involves cleaning the substrate thoroughly to eliminate any residues such as mold release agents. When this procedure is neglected, the likelihood of adhesion failures becomes significantly higher, which is critical for ensuring the quality and longevity of the paint or finish applied to the part.