Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously treating a strip of hot dip-galvanized steel. The method comprises the steps of rapidly reheating the strip to a predetermined temperature between 460.degree. C. and 600.degree. C., with a heating flux greater than 180 kWatts per meter squared based for each face of the strip; maintaining the strip at a substantially constant temperature for a predetermined period of time lasting between 10 and 30 seconds; and subsequently cooling the strip rapidly to a temperature below 420.degree. C., using a cooling flux of a magnitude greater than 100 kWatts per meter squared for each face of the strip. The step of rapidly reheating is performed following a drying operation conducted on the strip as it exits from a zinc bath.