Abstract: A new structure and method for terminating underfilm corrosion. The method utilizes patterned coatings on metal surfaces creating spatial variations of coating thickness or composition. The resulting structure, or paths of structural variation in the coating, directs the path of filiform growth and promotes entrapment, thereby limiting filiform growth and causing self-annihilation. In the preferred embodiment a stamp is used to impose the desired “paths” of structural variation in the painted coating while the coating is wet.