The article discusses the effect of some modifying and alloying elements on the structural, mechanical and operational properties of high-tin bronze used for the submerged arc surfacing of steels. The research-related tests enabled the determination of optimum contents of the above-named elements ensuring the improvement of mechanical and operational properties through changes in the shape and structural constituent dimensions of the metal subjected to surfacing. In addition, the research revealed the favourable effect of a nickel addition (up to 2%) on the reduction of high-tin bronze penetration, on grain boundaries, in the steel base.