Epoxy zinc rich coatings containing clay nanoparticles were prepared and the effect of clay content on the cathodic protection performance of the coatings was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) and immersion test. Open circuit potential(OCP) measurements and immersion tests were also carried out to better understand the behavior of zinc rich coating. EIS and OCP measurements showed that addition of 1 wt% clay improved the cathodic protection duration and sacrificial properties of the epoxy zinc rich coating. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) photographs confirmed that clay nanoparticles were successfully dispersed in the coating matrix loaded with 1 wt% clay. Immersion test results indicated that addition of 1 wt% clay nanoparticles in zinc rich epoxy coatings increased the cathodic protection ability of coatings. Epoxy zinc rich coatings containing clay nanoparticles were prepared and the effect of clay content on the cathodic protection performance of the coatings was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and immersion test. Open circuit potential (OCP) measurements and immersion tests were also carried out to better understand the behavior of zinc rich coating. EIS and OCP measurements showed that addition of 1 wt% clay improved the cathodic protection duration and sacrificial properties of the epoxy zinc rich coating. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) photographs confirmed that clay nanoparticles were successfully dispersed in the coating matrix loaded with 1 wt% clay. Immersion test results indicated that addition of 1 wt% clay nanoparticles in zinc rich epoxy coatings increased the cathodic protection ability of coatings.