I'm curious what people like to go with for a release agent for plugs. I personally like to go with a semi perm release agent on everything (plugs and molds) whenever possible just because it is so easy for demold if it can be used. 

Wax is not like an impenetrable barrier for moulding. If the pattern coatings are not suitable or not fully cured then it will try to stick to your resin system when applied regardless of the number of wax coats.




Basically the pattern surface coating/paint needs to be a fully cured and non porous surface.

Composite shops will often use the semipermanent release systems sealer and release which is enough on it's own. You can then also wax too.

The only problem with the semipermanent release is the cost for a backyarder or one off project. The sealer system is usually pretty expensive.




If you have any experience with shellac this will also make a good pattern coating and can work with just wax on top.