In order to clarify the influence of surface quality of materials on the properties of zirconium films, zirconium films are prepared on the surface of sheets with different roughness, oil content, element enrichment and chromatic aberration defects. The surface morphology, film weight and corrosion resistance of zirconium films were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and electrochemical workstation. The results show that the weight and corrosion resistance of zirconium film are significantly affected by the roughness. The corrosion resistance of zirconium film can be improved by increasing Ra value and decreasing RPc value on the surface of material. The corrosion resistance of zirconium film can also be improved by properly increasing the amount of oil applied on the surface of the material. However, the corrosion resistance of zirconium film can be reduced by the high degree of elements enrichment on the surface of steel plate or the existence of chromaticabe ration defects.