Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the rate of pouring of molten metal. Examples are given of pouring metal onto a steel strip to form a coating having a uniform controlled thickness thereon. The method comprises the use of an intermediate holding dish having pouring means in the form of a generally vertical slot. The metal head presented to the slot is variable in response to signals from sensors measuring, for example, total strip thickness and the metal level within the holding dish. Signals from the sensors are also used to generate control signals to vary the rate of pouring from a holding furnace into the dish.