Abstract: A method for welding galvanized material including a low vapor pressure mild steel core and a high vapor pressure rich zinc coating includes the steps of arranging components of such galvanized material in juxtaposed relationship at a lapped joint; and applying a high density laser energy beam along the lapped joint as a weave pattern in which the weave pattern has a width great enough to bridge the lapped joint and a weave pattern frequency which forms a predetermined weld pool between the components and wherein the lapped joint and weave pattern combine to define a vapor pressure relief path so that the weld pool will not be disrupted during the application of the high density laser energy beam to the galvanized components.