Polypyrrole films are electrodeposited on zinc and other common metals in a one-step process by using a salicylate salt in a pH 5 aqueous solution of pyrrole. This electrolyte passivates the substrate and makes it possible to obtain strongly adherent PPy films, with controlled thickness by electrolysis at constant current. With this technique, the current efficiency is high and the deposition rate is high enough to be compatible with the imperatives of industrial production (2 μm in 3 s with a 200 mA/cm2 current density).