Abstract: A coating bath containing sodium and/or potassium silicate is stabilized and its useful life prolonged by the additions of sodium or potassium hydroxide in amounts at least substantially equal to that required to compensate for the amounts of CO.sub.2 or CO.sub.3 anions introduced into the bath which, in reacting with the hydroxide formed by the hydrolysis of the silicate to form carbonates, upsets the hydrolysis equilibrium leading to further hydrolysis of the silicate. Similarly, a quantity of hydroxide is added to compensate substantially for other reactive species which significantly affect the hydrolysis equilibrium of the silicate.

Abstract: A dry-film, water-base lubricant is provided for coating metallic workpieces for use in cold forming operations comprising MoS.sub.2 powder, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and sodium and/or potassium silicate. A process for applying this lubricant and a lubricated workpiece are also provided.