AbstractA new technology test method has been developed to determine the attack of molten zinc on different steels. The tests were carried out with low‐alloy steels, tool steels and stainless steels. These materials were tested in pure molten zinc and in a zinc alloy containing 4% aluminium. The test temperatures were 400–600 °C. The effect of the superficial oxide layer that protects steel against zinc attack has been investigated and the attack mechanism have been discussed. The relationships between zinc attack, time and temperature have been established for low and high‐alloy steels. Small additions of aluminium to the zinc melt have no effect on the attack rate. In a zic melt contaning 4% aluminium the rate of the zinc attack on steel is greatly reduced. In this case the time law is found to be parabolic at 500 °C and linear at 600 °C. In a pure zinc melt the unalloyed steel has a better resistance to zinc attack than tool steel.