Abstract: Molten metal is mold or die cast by contacting the molten metal-contacting surface of the mold or die with a die lubricant or parting agent in the vapor form and in the substantial absence of added liquid lubricant or parting agent prior to introducing the molten metal into contact with the mold or die surface. The contacting of the molten metal-contacting surface of the mold or die with the vaporous lubricant or parting agent is carried out under conditions such that the vaporous lubricant or parting agent applied to or contacting the molten metal-contacting surface of the mold or die undergoes thermal decomposition thereon. The mold or die surface may be a metal or graphite surface and the applied vaporous lubricant or parting agent may be a normally liquid, thermally decomposable organic compound, such as an alkyl phosphate or an aryl phosphate, e.g., tributyl phosphate and tricresyl phosphate.