Zinc is the standard sacrificial coating that protects ferrous metals from red rust. Zinc is suitable for exterior and interior coatings because galvanized steel (due to electroplating protection) will not rust even if it is scratched. When weathered, zinc will turn into a dull gray. Post-treatment is necessary to significantly protect zinc from oxidation to white rust.

In addition, another reason why zinc coating can effectively prevent corrosion is the corrosive nature of zinc itself. Through a process called galvanic corrosion, zinc will "delay" the metal it protects.