Terne sheet metal is coated on both sides with a lead-tin alloy.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Only one side is coated
• D. Zinc-coated

Answer: (B)

Terne sheet metal uses a lead-tin alloy coating applied to both faces of a steel sheet. This dual-sided coating protects the metal from corrosion on each side and gives a consistent, solderable surface for fabrication, which is why terne plate was historically favored for applications like can bodies and roofing where corrosion resistance and formability are important. The coating is not zinc-based (that would be galvanizing) and coating only one side would leave the opposite side vulnerable to oxidation, reducing overall protection.