To prevent rust, steel and iron can be coated to prevent their reaction with oxygen and water. One such process is called galvanization. You would probably recognize galvanized metal tubs or watering cans. Galvanization usually involves coating a metal object with a protective layer of zinc. The layer of zinc helps to prevent the metal underneath from reacting with oxygen and water to form rust.
Another coating that's a popular means of preventing rust is much simpler and much more common. What is it? Paint! That's right. A simple coat of paint can also prevent steel or iron from reacting with oxygen and water in the environment.
