Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-07 Origin: Site
In multiple industrial scenarios such as composite materials, carbon fiber molding, and adhesive applications, release materials play an indispensable role. In particular, release film and release paper, although they have similar names, have obvious differences in material structure, application environment, and performance. This article will make an in-depth comparison between the two from multiple dimensions, and analyze their usage scenarios in actual processes to help companies choose applicable materials more scientifically.
Release paper refers to a layer of special release agent coated on the surface of paper, which makes it have low adhesion and can be used as a temporary isolation material to prevent adhesion during processing. It is widely used in industries such as pressure-sensitive adhesive products, molding, hot pressing, and electronic tapes.
Release film is generally based on plastic films such as PET, PE, and BOPP, and a release agent is coated on the surface. Compared with release paper, release film has higher heat resistance, flatness, and dimensional stability.
| Project | Release paper | Release film |
| Base material | Kraft paper, glassine paper, etc. | Plastics such as PET, PE, BOPP, etc. |
| Coating | Silicone, non-silicon release agent | Silicone, fluorine release agent, etc. |
| Printability | Good | General |
| Flexibility | Medium | High |
| Heat resistance | General (<180°C) | Excellent (up to 200~250°C) |
Release film is particularly suitable for high-temperature molding processes such as carbon fiber, epoxy resin, and thermosetting prepreg. Its dimensional stability remains good at high temperatures and is not easy to shrink and deform. Release paper is more suitable for medium and low temperature application scenarios.
The surface of the release film is smoother and it is easy to obtain a high-grade demolding effect. It can be used for the production of products with high surface finish requirements. Due to the limitations of the paper base structure, the surface roughness of the release paper is slightly larger, which is suitable for conventional adhesive materials.
| Comparison items | Release paper | Release film |
| Degradability | Better | Worse |
| Recycling | Can be directly incinerated | Needs to be sorted |
| Environmental protection level | Higher | Depends on the resin system |
Release paper is generally cheaper than release film due to its lower raw material cost and lower processing difficulty. It is suitable for large-scale purchases, especially for small and medium-sized molded or adhesive product companies. If you need to find a stable release paper supplier, it is recommended to contact Revolve CF (https://www.revolve-cf.com). We provide customized services in various weights, coating types and widths.
Pressure-sensitive adhesives: double-sided tape, label materials, medical tape
Construction industry: waterproof rolls, butyl tape backing
Electronics industry: electrical tape, thermal conductive film
Carbon fiber molding: vacuum bag auxiliary materials
Composite materials: high-temperature molded carbon fiber, aramid composite sheet
Electronics: mobile phone optical film, conductive film protective film
Lithium battery industry: battery separator production protection
Medical and automotive parts molding
| Application type | Recommended materials | Reasons |
| High temperature hot pressing | Release film | Heat-resistant, pressure-resistant, dimensional stability |
| Tape die-cutting | Release paper | Low cost, easy to cut |
| Molding | Release film/paper | Selection based on temperature and product surface requirements |
| High environmental protection requirements | Release paper | Degradable, incineration without pollution |
Processing temperature: above 180°C, it is recommended to give priority to PET release film;
Demolding times: for multiple reuse requirements, choose fluorine-coated release film;
Cost control: release paper is recommended for mid- and low-end applications;
Product structure requirements: if flexible support is required, PE release film is more suitable.
In carbon fiber product molding, if prepreg hot pressing process is used, it is recommended to use PET release film with high release force to ensure no adhesion and deformation. In butyl rubber or foam strip packaging, low-cost release paper should be selected to control the budget.
Although release film and release paper have overlapping functions, they have their own unique advantages in specific processes due to their different physical properties, temperature resistance and environmental performance. When selecting materials, enterprises should consider the use environment, cost budget and finished product requirements comprehensively.
If you are looking for a reliable release paper supplier or want a professional customized solution, please contact:
Email: HarveyXu@revolve-cf.com
Website: https://www.revolve-cf.com
Revolve CF - a comprehensive solution provider focusing on carbon fiber and release materials
