Processes for forming a coating on electroconductive flat blanks having two major surfaces and sheared edges are provided. Also provided is a process for forming a multi-composite coating on a pre-sheared, electroconductive, flat blank having two major surfaces and sheared edges. Methods for forming and coating metal blanks are also provided. The present invention further provides a pre-sheared, flat electroconductive blank having two major surfaces and coated with a multi-layer composite coating composition on one major surface. The present invention also provides a method for coating a continuous metal strip, optionally, thereafter forming a coated blank therefrom, and, optionally, applying a second coating to the blank.