Abstract: In a magnetic tape surface treatment method and apparatus for rubbing together a magnetic tape and a lapping tape and thereby removing projections and adhered matter from the magnetic surface to the magnetic tape pressurized air is blown onto the tapes to prevent the formation of an air film between the contacting surfaces of the two tapes. This enhances the contact quality and improves the surface treatment efficiency.Also uniformity of the surface treatment effect is enhanced by simultaneously controlling the tensions in the magnetic tape before and after the two tapes make contact.