A corroded tinplate sample was analysed by XPS and AES techniques using the Kratos AXIS Supra⁺ to gain an insight into the extent and mechanism of corrosion. XPS was firstly used to analyse the composition of the surface and from this, characterize the Sn 3d and Fe 2p oxidation states. The corroded area was then examined using SEM to pinpoint significant positions for further analysis with AES. The resulting data indicates the position at which corrosion is initiated and examines the extent of this corrosion across an area of the surface.