Abstract: A method is described for metalizing, particularly zinc-coating of steel surfaces in such manner that the production of sewage and/or harmful waste products is substantially eliminated. The various steps employed include degreasing, etching, activation, and metallization of the metal substrate by successive immersion of the substrate in baths containing, respectively, the necessary components to perform the function of each bath and also the components of the preceding bath, recycling the wash products from each bath to a preceding bath containing the same components as said waste products, and rinsing the product with water only after completion of the successive method steps.