This paper presents the results regarding the pigments effect on the protective properties of alkyd films in 3% natrium chloride solution. The films were realized on carbon steel substrate from an alkyd resin using the pigments of metallic, mineral and organic type. Dry films thickness in 30-35 mu m range was obtained. Electrochemical techniques (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and stepwise polarization) were used. The interpretation of the impedance spectra (Nyquist and Bode diagrams) with the immitance analysis Equivert. Programme established two electrical equivalent circuits (with two and four time constants) for the carbon steel/alkyd film systems in electrolyte solution, fitted to the experimental data. The electric capacitance and resistance of the alkyd films were monitored with the immersion time to establish the water and ions permeability of these paint films. The electrochemical parameters of alkyd coated carbon steel from the anodic potentiostatic polarisation curves were determined. The correlation of all experimental results established that the tested pigments except the green organic pigment increase the protective performances of alkyd coatings. Best protection of the carbon steel was found for the alkyd film with aluminum powder pigment. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.