Graphene nanosheets are impermeable to chemical molecules and electrical conductivity. Thus, they are attractive candidates to enhance an epoxy zinc rich coating with a significant anticorrosion performance. Several studies focus on investigating the role of graphene in reinforcing the corrosion resistance of the coatings. However, there is a paucity of study that analyzing the anticorrosion relationship between the feature of graphene and epoxy zinc rich coating. The present study reported on epoxy zinc rich coatings with enhanced anticorrosion performance via embedding reduced graphene oxide/graphene oxide (rGO/GO) nanosheets. Thus, rGO and GO were prepared from natural graphite powder via the modified Hummers method. The results of Raman, XPS, FT-IR, SPM, and TEM analyses revealed the quintessential structure and morphology of rGO and GO. In addition, results from electrochemical measurements and the scanning vibrating electrode technique indicated that rGO effectively enhanced the cathodic protection duration of epoxy zinc rich coatings. rGO nanosheets exhibited dual functions that were identified in two aspects. First, the impermeable barrier role was exerted by including prepared rGO nanosheets into the polymer matrix. Second, superior electrical conductivity was utilized since the rGO nanosheets improved the efficiency of the electrical connection between the zinc particles and steel substrate. Display omitted •Well-designed rGO nanosheets were used for enhancing anticorrosion.•rGO can enhance the cathodic protection duration of epoxy zinc rich coating.•rGO endowed composite coating exhibited optimal anticorrosion capability.•SVET confirmed the cathodic protection property of the coating.