Hot-dip galvanizing is the process of coating iron or steel with a thin zinc layer by passing the steel through a molten bath of zinc at a temperature of around 860  F (460 C). When exposed to the atmosphere, pure zinc reacts with oxygen to form zinc oxide, which further reacts with carbonate, adult grey, fairly strong material that stops further corrosion in many circumstances, protecting the steel below from the elements .

Galvanized steel is widely used in applications where rust resistance is needed.