Steel sheet with a coating of terne metal, an alloy of lead and tin applied by dipping the steel in molten metal.
The lead content gives terneplate a dull appearance, a noncorrosive surface, and solderability. The tin (1250% of the alloy) wets the steel, making possible the union of lead and iron, which would otherwise not alloy. While it is still used for roofing, gutters and downspouts, casket linings, gasoline tanks, oil cans, and various containers, it has largely been replaced by other, more durable steel products that are easier to manufacture. See also galvanizing , tinplating .