A hard corrosion resistant surface is provided on a ferrous substrate by first overlay welding onto the substrate surface a chromium containing ferrous material. The deposited overlay can then be machined. It is thereafter subjected to a carburization treatment at a temperature and for a time sufficient to cause the overlay to become converted to an austenitic material containing iron chromium carbides. After cooling, the carburized overlay material is heated for a time and at a temperature sufficient to cause the austenitic matrix material to precipitate secondary carbides and convert to a martensite matrix material upon cooling. It is also contemplated to initiate the aforesaid treatment with a suitably selected chromium containing ferrous material that thereby is not overlay welded.