Zinc is used in electroplating as a sacrificial coating to protect the underlying base material. Although zinc plated components are protected by the zinc coating, it is not the covering itself that protects underlying materials.

Due to electro-chemical reactions, it is the zinc which corrodes preferentially to the underlying material. Whilst being primarily used as a functional deposit, electroplated components can also be decorative and is far less stressful on components than the hot-dip galvanising alternative. Electro-deposition provides a thin coating that is easily controlled, which does not damage fine, machined parts and does not fill up slots and screw holes or obliterate threads and other fine details of work.

As an addition measure of protection, zinc plated work can be passivated to withstand conditions of raised humidity.