Abstract: A method of treating phosphated metal surfaces to improve the corrosion-inhibiting properties of the metal surfaces and to improve the adhesion of siccative organic coatings thereto is described. The method comprises treating a phosphated metal surface with an aqueous mixture of an aluminum zirconium complex comprising the reaction product of a chelated aluminum moiety, an organofunctional ligand, and a zirconium oxyhalide. Optionally, though not required, the complex treated phosphated metal surfaces can be rinsed with water prior to the application of a siccative organic coating. In lieu of, or in addition to, a siccative organic coating, the complex treated, phosphated metal surfaces can be given a seal coating of a rust-inhibiting oil. Metal surfaces and metal articles treated in accordance with the method of the present invention also are described.