Abstract: The hydrophobic films on zinc substrate are fabricated by firstly formation of zinc phosphate thin films on zinc substrate through one-step hydrothermal method, and subsequently treated by self-assembled film of stearic acid. The morphology, components structure and tribological performance of the as-prepared samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and an UMT-3 tribo-tester, and the mechanism of stearic acid treatment was researched by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The treated surfaces provide effective friction-reducing and wear protection for the zinc substrate, due to the combined beneficial effects of nanotexturing of zinc phosphate film by hydrothermal treatment and nanolubrication of self-assembled stearic acid overcoat.