The corrosion resistance of formed and shaped sheet magnesium alloy articles may be improved by applying to the article a substantially crack- and pore-free ductile metal layer on at least selected surfaces and cut or sheared edges. An exemplary ductile metal may be aluminum or its alloys. Two methods of applying such a ductile metal layer are described. One method is suitable for extended areas of the magnesium alloy surface, and is applied prior to stamping the article while a second method, suitable for cut or sheared edges, is intended for application after the article is fully formed. The incorporation of both embodiments into conventional sheet metal stamping processes to form the corrosion resistant formed magnesium article is described.