Abstract A covered welding electrode for making fully austenitic steel welds characterized by high strength, good ductility, and acceptable impact resistance at all temperatures from near to absolute zero up to at least 900* F. The electrode comprises a fully austenitic steel core wire enclosed by a coating comprising a particular mixture of nonmetallic and metallic ingredients. The nonmetallic ingredients include an alkaline-earth carbonate, at least one oxide of the group consisting of Al2O3 and Cr2O3, at least one fluoride of the group consisting of CaF2 and cryolite, a silicate binder, at least one substance of the group consisting of TiO2 and the titanates of sodium, potassium, and calcium. In addition, at least one of the group consisting of SiO2, feldspar, calcium silicate may be added as an optional ingredient. The metallic ingredients include at least one metal powder selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Cr, Mn, and master base alloys of Mo, V, Al, and B.