Grafting of 6-aminohexanol onto a 304 stainless steel substrate was performed with the assistance of polydopamine self assembly. The surface structure of the films was characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the establishment of organic films. The corrosion resistance properties were characterized using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization curve measurements. Enhanced corrosion resistance performance was mainly ascribed to the compact film structure and the blocking characteristics against electron transfer of the modified 304 stainless steel substrate. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.