A new class of inorganic corrosion-resistant coating, zeolite coating, was prepared on aluminum alloys and shown to be highly corrosion resistant even in strong acid and pitting aggressive media. The coating also has good adhesion, wear-resistance, and paint compatibility. The in situ crystallization coating deposition process is clean and can coat surfaces of complex shapes and in confined space. Therefore, it can potentially serve as an environmentally friendly, alternative corrosion-resistant coating for aluminum alloys. The coating also appears to be generally applicable to other metals, including steel.