Abstract: The surface oxidation of strips was investigated in order to study the influence of hot-rolling lubrication on the surface quality. The results showed that the surface quality was greatly improved by hot-rolling lubrication. The thickness of the oxidation layer under oil-water lubricating condition was just 5 μm, which was 3 μm thinner than that under water lubricating condition and 7 μm thinner than that without lubrication. Surface topographies were observed and rolling grains were vividly seen on the surface of strips.