Abstract: A protective surface treatment in the form of a coating for steel or another metal or metal alloy capable of providing oxidation resistance in an inert gas furnace or air-containing furnace is provided. The coating is formed by a solution including at least one flux agent, such as boric acid, and at least one binder, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (PVP/VA), hydrooxypropylcellulose (HPC), ethylcellulose, and/or acrylics. The solution also includes at least one solvent, such as methanol or ethanol and can include various additives. The finished coating includes iron borate and provides a glassy surface.