A release agent for producing sintered metal parts using the release agent. The method includes applying a release agent to contacting surfaces of at least two green metal parts, forming an assembly of the parts, sintering the assembly, and separating the parts which are in contact with the release agent. The release agent is a mixture of alumina and a vehicle having a vaporization temperature of less than about 100.degree. C. at atmospheric pressure, and is nonreactive with the alumina and the green metal parts. When at least one of the parts having a contacting surface is a honeycomb structure, the median particle diameter of the alumina is no greater than about 3 micrometers.