Abstract: A method of cladding a steel roll, such as a felt roll with a non-corrosive shell, ensures that the shell is tightly fitted to the core and is free to expand and contract on the core to avoid distortion problems. The method comprises the steps of preparing two stainless steel shells each having a length equivalent to the circumference of the core plus a predetermined extra, wrapping the shells about the core, side by side, leaving a predetermined circumferential gap between the shells, heating and clamping the shells tightly around the core until the longitudinal joints each attain a predetermined longitudinal gap, welding the longitudinal gaps, and circumferential gap between the shells while the shells are hot, ensuring the sheets are welded together and not welded to the core.