An article exhibiting magnetic properties, a method for providing corrosion resistance to an article, and an electric machine element are disclosed. The article comprises a substrate comprising a first portion of a magnetic material, the magnetic material exhibiting magnetic properties. The article further comprises a transition layer comprising a second portion of the magnetic material and a first portion of a coating material. The transition layer is disposed on at least a portion of the substrate. The article further comprises an outer layer comprising a second portion of the coating material. The outer layer is disposed on at least a portion of the transition layer.