Release and lubricating composition for avoiding seizure between molten glass and metal molds for forming glass articles, for minimizing wear between mold sections and for improving the pack of glassware, comprising, a dispersion of graphite in a polyphenylene sulfide, molds having such composition coated thereon, and a method of applying the composition to molten glass contacting surfaces comprising dispersing the composition containing graphite with the polyphenylene sulfide in the form of small particles in a carrier, applying the dispersed composition to the glass contacting surface and then curing the coating at an elevated temperature, including curing resulting from hot molds during glassware production.