A lubricant effective at 1400-2300°F for Fe alloys to prevent their oxidation and the erosion of rollers contacting heavy hot bodies, and which does not generate excessive smoke-like oil or grease, is a dark viscous aqueous solution of an unidentified amine-amide complex containing in suspension 5-12.5 weight % of a solid lubricant mixture of presintered BN powder and micronized graphite preheated with a stabilizer such as submicron Si powder.When applied to hot steel the H2O is evaporated with evolution of NH3 and volatile amines, but owing to the protection of the BN the effect of graphite is preserved.Fe2O3 scale is reduced to Fe3O4 and the residual coating is >80% BN which resists oxidation to almost 3000°F.The smoke evolved is light gray, and only a soft powdery scale is left on steel.The amount required should not be over 0.5 oz solids/ton of steel; greatly decreased oxidation and erosion of rollers and furnace hearths have been experienced with its use.