The feasibility of a metallurgical process for developing an adherent corrosion preventive surface film on structural steels containing certain alloying elements is proposed. This film will allow steel products to remain in open outside storage areas while minimizing corrosion or oxidation. The range of specified corrosion inhibiting elements in steel will be determined based on a metallurgical model which takes into consideration the total property requirement of the steel products. Cost-effective practices and processes will be designed to introduce the specified corrosion inhibiting elements in steel. By developing an innovative process, the surface of the steel product will be provided with an adherent, stable, corrosion and scratch resistant surface film. Determination of the processing conditions for large scale commercial applications will also be studied.