Abstract: A roll forming process utilizes as a feedstock hot rolled steel strip (1) and during the roll forming process the surface of the steel strip (1) is cleaned and polished by the combined effects of deformation and frictional contact between the surface of the strip (1) and the mill rollers. The initial deformation step (9) is carried out in the presence of a conventional rolling mill lubricant/coolant and the final rolling stage (10) is carried out in the presence of a detergent composition which serves to remove any residual lubricant and particles of mill scale and at the same time act as a lubricant/coolant for the rolling mill (8) at the final stage (10). The process enables subsequent on-line painting (13) of the roll formed product (12) at high line speeds.