A room temperature curable water-based semi-permanent mold release agent is provided that is effective to facilitate the release of multiple successively molded polymer (such as polyester) parts following a single application of the mold release agent to the mold surface. The mold release agent preferably is effective to set within 1 hour of application to a mold release surface at 5-40.degree. C., and to cure at the same temperature within 1-8 hours of application. The mold release agent is substantially devoid of VOCs, and therefore has no flash point.