A lubricant and surface conditioner for formed metal surfaces, particularly aluminum and tin beverage containers, reduces the coefficient of static friction of said metal surfaces and enables drying said metal surfaces at a lower temperature. The conditioner includes a water-soluble organic material selected from amine oxides and quaternary ammonium salts, fluozirconate, fluohafnate, or fluotitanate ion, and preferably also phosphate and nitrate ions. Good resistance to damaging the friction reducing effect by overheating and to staining of the domes of treated containers during pasteurization can be achieved.