Methods and compositions are described for protecting a metal surface against corrosion. The method involves applying to the metal surface a coating formulation that comprises a radiation curable resin and a corrosion-responsive agent that is capable of releasing a corrosion-inhibiting ion in response to exposure to ionic species characteristic of those present on a metal surface undergoing oxidative corrosion; and exposing the coating formulation to radiation whereby the radiation curable resin forms a corrosion-resisting coating having a low spontaneous release rate of the corrosion-responsive agent into the environment.