formwork - PVA or enamel

[gpigeon]

I am currently making a large (2700 x 900 high) hardwood form for 600 dia culvert pipe headwalls. I will need to make about 20 of these headwalls so, to prolong the life of the form I was thinking of painting the timber prior to use. The inside of the form would have an engine oil / diesel mix (release agent) applied before pouring the concrete.

I do not wish to buy more paint but have on hand....

1."pink" primer and old white enamal paint

2. PVA house paint.

Any suggestions which of these would be most suitable?

I would really like to use the PVA paint first as it is better for filling in gaps and smoothing out the rough sawn timber finish.

Thanks.
Bill.

[China]

use formply and you wont need to paint or muck around with diesel or engine oil

[gpigeon]

Too late China! I've got it made from 6 x 1's that I had lying around.

[Gaza]

sounds interesting any pics

[ian]

I am currently making a large (2700 x 900 high) hardwood form for 600 dia culvert pipe headwalls. I will need to make about 20 of these headwalls so, to prolong the life of the form I was thinking of painting the timber prior to use. The inside of the form would have an engine oil / diesel mix (release agent) applied before pouring the concrete.

I do not wish to buy more paint but have on hand....

1."pink" primer and old white enamal paint

2. PVA house paint.

Any suggestions which of these would be most suitable?

I would really like to use the PVA paint first as it is better for filling in gaps and smoothing out the rough sawn timber finish.

Thanks.
Bill.

Hi Bill it won't make much difference

use formply and you wont need to paint or muck around with diesel or engine oil

Too late China! I've got it made from 6 x 1's that I had lying around.

You'll be lucky if the 6x1s last 5 headwalls
You should expect to send one strip of 6x1 to the fire wood pile every time you strip that form

have you braced the form?

[gpigeon]

You'll be lucky if the 6x1s last 5 headwalls
You should expect to send one strip of 6x1 to the fire wood pile every time you strip that form

have you braced the form?

Yes I have braced the sides!

Ian, you were well out with your estimate of 5 walls. I have already done 4 and there is at least another 2 left in the original form!!!!!! The PVA paint is now starting to lift and I can see some design improvements that will make for easier pouring of the concrete.

Consequently I and finally and belatedly accepted your advice and yesterday purchased 2x sheets of formply from Bunnings.

The first 4 walls turned out ok. Not professional quality but certainly good enough to drop into a farm gully.

Would you advise some type of protective finish on the exposed edges of the formply? some are bevelled at 45 deg.

Thanks for your advice.
Bill.