I've seen forms striped the same day ... but these where some skinny columns in between block wall not a 6' retaining wall.
I think if you strip em down next morning you will still be able to scrape some of the stuff of.
I've seen plastic used in couple occasions...it will leave surface perfectly smooth in the areas where is stretched out but man will it leave a mess if it gets crumpled up or concrete gets behind it.
I've actually spent few weeks fixing a ceiling that was poured with plastic visqueen over the forms (Europe).
I was not there while they where pouring that ceiling but my "guess" would be that they didn't secure the plastic to the plywood and stuff got all crumpled up in between rebar.
You guys wouldn't believe how bad did that ceiling look like.
There are different grades of plywood.. if you are going to use a CDX ply for the forms there is no "oil" or paint on this world that will cover all of those holes.
Use one smooth side plywood ,oil and VIBRATOR and you will achieve some very satisfying results.
Oh Lordy! Wish you hadn't brought that up.:no:
A concrete vibrator in the hands of the inexperienced can result in disaster.
Sh-h-h-h-h-h! He'll be fine as-is, no vibrators.
What is going to happen if he uses a shaft vibrator?
Skim coating over newly poured stuf will work but you are looking at the work that can be avoided now using better plywood.
AC or BX ply its only 20% more than CDX and unless you are doing a mile long retaining wall that is a money well spent.