Abstract: A substantial amount of liquid lubricant used in a cold strip rolling mill is prevented from passing between the area of the work roll necks and work roll bodies not in contact with a strip by locating in a strip guiding means on the entry side adjacent both edges of the strip, several zoned air nozzles which delivery a positive pressure to force the liquid away from this area, in a direction toward the center of the strip and rolls, and which nozzles are controlled according to the width of strip being rolled. The relatively small amount of liquid finding its way onto the delivery side is removed from the strip by providing in the strip guiding means both positive and negative air pressure means located above and below the strip, and negatively pressurized longitudinal enclosures located adjacent both edges of the strip and the said area.