Abstract: A method of preparing a metal tube for a length of superconducting wire Inserts superconducting base material into the tube and packs or coils the tube so that a portion of its outer surface would contact another surface. To prevent the portion of the outer surface from sticking to the other surface, the portion is coated with powder material particles suspended in an effectively liquid component before the packing or coiling so that the surfaces do not contact each other. The powder material has a melting point temperature higher than the melting point temperature of the tube and the liquid component evaporates or burns away completely at the temperature that forms the superconducting phase of the superconducting base material.