Abstract: This disclosure depicts an improved method of making a color CRT shadow mask. The improved method comprises providing a plurality of shadow mask blanks each with a pattern of apertures photoetched therein, which blanks have been cut from a foil of steel, precision cold-rolled to a full hard condition with a thickness of about 6-8 mils. The sheet is characterized by being composed of an interstitial free steel material. A stack of the blanks is subjected to a limited annealing operation, by being carried out at a relatively low maximum temperature and for a relatively brief period sufficient only to achieve recrystallization of the material without causing significant grain growth. The maximum temperature is below the temperature at which the blanks mutually adhere, and thus avoiding any handling-related folding or creasing of the blanks normally associated with attempts to separate blanks stuck together in conventional high temperature annealing operations.