Abstract: An improved, simplified process is disclosed for non-continuous galvanization of a metal object in a molten Zn—Al alloy bath. Before immersion in the molten alloy, the object is immersed in a dilute hydrochloric solution containing additional chlorides, wherein both of the following occur: (1) The object is pre-coated with a metallic layer of sufficient thickness to protect the object from oxidation, and yet sufficiently thin to permit the pre-coating to substantially completely react with or dissolve in the molten Zn—Al bath, and (2) the pre-coated object is subjected to a surface activation treatment. After removal from the hydrochloric acid solution, the object is allowed to dry, leaving a protective surface coating of a chloride salt. Thereafter, the object is immersed in the Zn—Al bath.