The influence of surface-applied ceria on the oxidation behavior of FeCr alloys and 310 stainless steel at 1000 degrees C and 1100 degrees C has been studied. The surface-applied ceria were beneficial in reducing the growth rate of chromia scale, and were particularly effective in inhibiting the accelerated breakaway oxidation of Fe20Cr alloy in wet oxygen and spalling and cracking of the scale under cyclic oxidation. The beneficial effects of the ceria have been attributed to the improvement in the stability of the thermally growing chromia scale.