Reduction and removal of process oxides in stainless steel

Oxides formed during annealing of stainless steel strip are removed with abrasive brushes, in lieu of acid or molten salt based pickling. In some embodiments, the stainless steel strip is treated with a rare earth element or a related transition metal before annealing, and then brushed after annealing to remove any oxides. The selection of brushes can impart a finished appearance to conventionally polished stainless steel.