Silicone release coatings are applied at low weights onto a wide range of substrates using many different techniques. They form a crosslinked non-stick surface useful in protecting pressure-sensitive adhesives until the moment of use, as well as many other sticky materials such as bituminous compounds, composite prepregs, and food. They are available in a variety of delivery systems (e.g., solvent-based, solventless or emulsion) utilizing a range of cure chemistries, such as platinum- or rhodium-catalyzed addition curing or tin-catalyzed condensation curing. Usually it will use 1-Ethynyl-1-cyclohexanol (ECH) as a catalyst inhibitor.

Silicone release agents are used as additives in mold release applications where they enable quicker release of products made in molds, such as tires or food containers. They also provide lubricity and slipperiness in applications such as newspaper presses and conveyor belts that use rollers.