Abstract: The invention provides release agents and methods for preparing textiles and molded articles there from. Lignocellulosic materials, concrete and polyurethane foam can be molded with these release agents. The release agents comprise the salt of tall oil fatty acids, preferably of very high purity. A synthetic wax and/or silicone resin is used with the tall oil fatty acids in preferred embodiments. The tall oil fatty acids contain less than 10 wt % , based on the total weight of the tall oil fatty acid, of unsaponifiables and less than 1 wt %, based on the total weight of the tall oil fatty acid, of rosin acid.