Zinc electroplating is used to protect metals such as iron and steel from rust or corrosion. Zinc plated coatings are also referred to as conciliatory coatings because the zinc coating sacrifices itself thus protecting the underlying metal from corrosion. Zinc electroplating has to do with the electrochemical deposition of a thin layer of zinc metal which is deposited on the surface of another metal. The zinc coating delivers physical protection which ultimately prevents rust from affecting the underlying metal surface. When zinc is exposed to the atmoshpere it combines with oxygen in the which then produces zinc oxide. The moisture in the atmosphere then interacts with zinc oxide to form zinc hydroxide. Finally, the carbon dioxide found in the atmosphere reacts with zinc hydroxide and produces a sealed and impenetrable grey layer of zinc carbonate which bonds to the zinc beneath thereby protecting it from rusting.