Abstract: A system for processing steel strips in a hot strip mill includes an apparatus and method for minimizing oxide growth on steel strips and reducing wear on work rolls in the finishing mill. In order to reduce oxide build up, steel strips are sprayed with coolant at selected locations throughout the finishing mill and the surface temperature of the strips is controlled to be within the range of an upper limit (T.sub.u) and a lower limit (T.sub.L) where oxide growth is minimized. Accordingly, wear on the work rolls due to abrasive contact with the steel strips is reduced.