Coated electrode suitable for the welding of gray cast iron parts

A method for the buildup arc welding of a gray cast iron substrate which comprises, subjecting said part to welding using a coated electrode consisting essentially of a core of iron or iron alloy with a coating thereon of a composition which on the dry weight basis contains 5% to 10% of a binder of an alkali metal silicate, 25% to 50% by weight of ferrovanadium containing 40% to 85% vanadium, 20% to 40% powdered iron, 15% to 20% BaCO.sub.3, 10% to 20% CaF.sub.2, and 1% to 3% ferrosilicon containing 30% to 80% silicon, said coated electrode being arranged relative to the cast iron substrate being welded such that the arc is directed at an angle between 30.degree. and 60.degree. to the substrate surface,

• whereby the heat of the arc is not applied directly to the surface of the cast iron substrate and is absorbed substantially by the weld bead formed during welding.