To provide a release agent usable for preventing raveling of the surface of paper (decrease of surface strength) in a paper making step of a paper machine, especially in a press part and a dryer part, and capable of effectively preventing the raveling of the surface of paper.

The release agent is applicable to a raveling-prevention method for preventing raveling of the surface of paper by applying to elements coming in direct contact with paper so as to prevent raveling of the surface of paper and preventing decrease of surface strength in releasing of a paper W from an element C coming in direct contact with the paper in a press part and/or a dry part D. The release agent consists mainly of an emulsion of wax or oil, an aqueous solution of polymer or a mixture thereof.