How to Treat Cement Form Boards So Cement Will Not Stick to Them

From patios, walkways, driveways and even interior floors, cement is the base for many home improvement projects. When pouring fresh cement, builders create a framework using wooden boards and nails to hold the cement in place until dry. After constructing the forms, apply a substance to the wood to prevent cement from sticking to it. This allows you to remove the boards once the cement areas harden.

Wooden boards
1 1/2-inch nails
Hammer
Bucket
Vegetable oil or commercial release agent
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Place the wooden boards into place along the perimeters of the area where you are pouring the cement. Secure the corners of each board to one other by driving 1 1/2-inch nails through the ends, using the hammer. Complete all construction before attempting to treat the wood, as it will be slippery after treatment.
- 2
  Open a bottle of vegetable oil and pour it into a bucket for easier access. Insert a paintbrush into the bucket until the bristles are saturated with oil.
- 3
  Paint the oil onto the inside edges of all the wooden boards. Only a light layer is required, so as soon as the wood darkens, move on to the next area.
- 4
  Continue painting the oil onto the wood until all areas that will contact the cement are covered.
- 5
  Proceed with pouring the cement into the forms.

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