Abstract: A method of coating a metal substrate with a ternary or greater alloy of a redetermined composition is disclosed. Initially, a first and second metals are electrodeposited on the substrate using an aqueous electrolyte. At least one metal powder is simultaneously mixed in the electrolyte as the first and second metals are electrodeposited so that a portion of the metal powder is occluded in the electrodeposited metal coating. The rate of occlusion of the metal powder is controlled by the volume percent of the metal powder in the electrolyte. Finally, the metal coating and substrate are heat treated to diffuse the occluded metal powder in the coating and to form the desired alloy coating. A plurality of metal powders can be mixed in the electrolyte according to the present method. In addition, a diffusion barrier coating can be initially provided on the metal substrate. The method is particularly useful with iron-based metals such as stainless steel.