In a surface processing method for removing surface flaws, surface contaminants, and the like from a continuously cast metal product in a hot state, at least a portion of at least one metal product surface is cooled for a defined temperature decrease of a surface to be treated and a surface treatment is then performed. The device therefor has a cooling device for cooling at least a portion of at least one metal product surface for a defined temperature decrease of a surface to be treated and a surface treatment device downstream of the cooling device in the product conveying direction. The production arrangement for this has a continuous slab casting device, a heating arrangement with at least one of a heating device and a temperature equilibration device arranged downstream of the casting device. A hot mill train is arranged downstream of the heating arrangement in the conveying direction. The surface processing device for removing surface flaws, has a device for cooling at least a portion of at least one metal product surface for a defined temperature decrease of a surface to be treated and a surface treatment device downstream of the cooling device in the product conveying direction. The surface processing device is arranged between the casting device and the hot mill train.