The electrodeposition of copper, zinc and brass onto steel substrates from citrate-based alloy baths has been studied for a variety of bath compositions, temperatures and current densities. The influences of these variables on cathodic polarization, cathodic current efficiencies, quality of the deposits and composition of the alloys have been determined. The surface morphology of the deposits has been examined by scanning electron microscopy and crystal structure by X-ray. Fine-grained and adherent deposits of brass have been plated in most cases.