Abstract: The invention relates to the surface stripping treatment of objects consisting of iron with a high carbon content, the surface stripping treatment being carried out by means of a flame which is directed at the surface and which is formed by the combustion of a heating gas with oxygen, there being also provided in the impingement zone of the flame a gas which flows at a slower velocity than the heating gas and the oxygen and which also reacts endothermically with at least one component of the flame gases.