Abstract: To improve the oxidation and melt bonding phenomenon and obtain a particular surface texture with better wetting and tribological properties on 304 stainless steel, the liquid-phase assisted laser processing method was introduced. The 304 stainless steel samples were placed in the air and the mixed liquids of anhydrous ethanol and hydrogen peroxide (volume ratio is 50∶1) respectively. The cross-interference laser scanning processing was carried out. Then, the oxidation, surface morphology, and wettability characteristics of test sample surface were evaluating with white light interferometer, scanning electron microscope, energy spectrum, and contact angle measuring instrument. The oxygen content on the sample surface with laser processing in air is increased by 41.5%, and the phenomenon of processed melt bonding is clearly observed. With liquid assisted laser processing condition, the oxygen content on the sample surface is reduced by 19.4%, and the phenomenon of processed melt bonding is eliminated. It is indicated that the oxidation and processed melt bonding phenomenon on the sample surface are improved under liquid assisted condition. In addition, one dimensional properties of surface topography is obviously observed for air laser processing condition. For liquid assisted laser processing method, the situation is completely different. In this case, the assisted liquid on the solid-liquid interface is rapidly vaporized and a lot of bubbles are formed due to the function of laser beam. Thus, dispersive and negative pressure impact action are existed simultaneously with laser beam and solid-liquid material respectively. A three dimensional surface topography with spray characteristics is formed, which have a better wetting and tribological properties. The liquid assisted laser processing technology can improve the surface manufacture quality of 304 stainless steel, and a better performance three-dimensional surface morphology is obtained.