Abstract: The invention has for its object to offer a method using which a metal surface displays improved properties. These improved properties are in particular an improved flow of lacquer of the like over the surface, the adhesion of this lacquer to that surface and a general improvement in the lacquering and printing qualities of a metal surface.The invention provides a method for activating a metal surface, for example for improving the flow of lacquer over and/or the adhesion of lacquer to a tin surface, comprising the steps of:(1) providing a lightly greased or oiled metal surface, for example the surface of a tin plate of strip;(2) subjecting that metal surface to a corona discharge through application of an alternating voltage between that metal surface and a conductor situated thereabove.