Abstract: The zirconia ceramic film was deposited on aluminum sheets via fluorozirconate treatment. The morphology and composition of the ceramic film were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer, and its corrosion resistance was tested electrochemically. Moreover, the adhesion and salt spray resistance of the ceramic films and substrate were investigated via adhesion test and neutral salt spray test, respectively. The results showed that the ceramic film is nanofilm and colorless and consists mainly of the Zr, Si and Al oxides. The resistance to electrochemical corrosion of the film is high, and its adhesion to the epoxy resin paints or polyurethane paints is of the Grade I. Both the film and substrate have passed 600 h salt spray test. So, the zirconia ceramic film can be used as the backing film on aluminum sheets surface for subsequent painting, and it is expected to be the pretreatment process instead of the heavily-pollutive phosphorization technology.