Why aren’t your concrete forms and release agents performing like they used to?

Seth is joined by Ken Pratt, technical director at Swanson Group, and Jonas DeWeber, strategic account manager at Nox-Crete, to discuss what changing concrete mixes mean for formwork.

They explain why they believe more reactive mixes are contributing to shorter plywood life, release problems, and unexpected concrete finishes.

Seth questions whether adjusting the release agent could solve the problem, or whether contractors need to rethink the entire combination of concrete, plywood, and release agent.

The conversation raises a practical question: Are you selecting formwork for the concrete you’re placing today, or the concrete you worked with five years ago?

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• How Ken and Jonas connect C595 blended cement mixes to changes in formwork performance
• The difference between barrier and reactive release agents
• How concrete chemistry and exposure time can affect plywood overlays
• What distinguishes MDO, HDO, and phenolic surface film
• Why an overlay designation alone may not define the performance you need
• How release-agent selection can affect stripping and surface appearance
• Why Ken is researching melamine overlays and what challenges remain
• Why concrete discoloration may involve more than plywood or release agents
• How pre-bid collaboration and mock-ups can help prevent costly surprises
• Why finish requirements and specified form materials sometimes conflict

CHAPTERS
(01:43) Introduction and episode overview
(02:08) Guests’ backgrounds and concrete formwork experience
(03:02) Supporting the podcast and listener engagement
(05:03) C595 blended cement and formwork performance
(05:50) Reactive concrete mixes, plywood, and release agents
(08:07) Concrete chemistry and overlay deterioration
(10:04) MDO and HDO overlays explained
(12:07) Concrete alkalinity and formwork
(14:19) Matching release agents to reactive mixes
(15:18) Extending plywood life and managing formwork costs
(18:16) Overlay technology and plywood durability
(21:11) Can one formwork and release-agent combination work everywhere?
(24:06) Getting suppliers involved before construction
(25:40) Coordinating mix designs, formwork, and finish expectations
(35:22) Key takeaways for contractors and project managers
(37:01) Connecting with Ken and Jonas

GUEST INFO
Ken Pratt
Technical Director
Swanson Group
Guest link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/ken-pratt/

Jonas DeWeber
Strategic Account Manager
Nox-Crete
Guest link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/jonas-deweber/

CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY
Concrete changed. Has your understanding kept up?
Concrete Logic Academy offers practical concrete education, professional-development courses, and early access to Concrete Logic Podcast episodes. Members also had the opportunity to submit questions for this conversation.

Join Concrete Logic Academy: https://concreteschool.co

SUPPORT THE PODCAST
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Support the podcast:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/

You can also help by sharing this episode with a colleague or sending Seth a topic or guest suggestion.

KUIU LISTENER OFFER
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Shop KUIU:
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Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?
Email Seth:
seth@concretelogicpodcast.com

CREDITS
Producers: Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media

Music by: Mike Dunton
https://www.mdunton.com/

WHERE TO FIND SETH
Concrete Logic Podcast:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/
Concrete Logic Academy:
https://concreteschool.co

Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.