Abstract: Basic refractory shapes in selected critical wear areas of a working lining in a basic oxygen furnace are protected from spalling due to thermal shock during "burn-in" and initial operation of the working lining and during the early part of a furnace campaign. A plurality of securing means comprising relatively thin, elongated, flat, generally rectangular anchors are positioned in selected joints in the working lining during installation. The anchors extend a distance beyond the hot faces of the working lining. A reticulated reinforcing means comprising a metallic grid is fastened to the anchors in spaced relationship to the hot faces. A layer of a pulverulent basic refractory material having a thickness sufficient to cover the anchors and metallic grid is sprayed over the working lining in the critical wear areas. The layer of sprayed material provides an effective insulation over the basic refractory shapes in the critical wear areas during "burn-in" of the working lining in the furnace.