The invention involves a composition for forming a combined conversion and lubricating coating on a metal substrate with which the composition is brought into contact. The composition comprises (a) an oxyethylated aliphatic alcohol whose aliphatic hydrocarbon moiety contains 18 or more carbon atoms and (b) dissolved phosphate anions. Preferably the composition also comprises inorganic boron, an alkali metal salt of a fatty acid, and an accelerator for phosphate coating.