The influence of different factors such as concentration, temperature, pH and cathodic polarization on formation, properties and composition of coatings obtained under treatment of zinc surfaces by molybdate solutions has been investigated by gravimetric, electrochemical and physical methods. Coatings obtained at pH 4 are distinguished for the best uniformity and density of color. The thicknesses of coatings raise by increasing the cathode current density under other equal conditions. Molybdenum, zinc and phosphorus are the basic components of the passive films. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.