The temperature dependence of the forces acting between hydrophobic surfaces coated by a layer of ethyl(hydroxyethyl) cellulose, (EHEC), has been studied as a function of separation and temperature. Both the situation where the adsorbed amount is kept constant and where the adsorbed amount is allowed to vary with temperature have been explored. In both cases the surface interaction is very temperature sensitive due to the temperature dependent interactions between ethylene oxide groups and water. The results are discussed in terms protein repellency of EHEC coated surfaces and in terms of EHEC as a steric stabilizer.