The influence of initial surface conditions on the subsequent corrosion behaviour of AZ31 and AZ61 magnesium alloys in 0.6 M NaCl solution has been studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. For obtaining the different surface conditions, some of the specimens were immersion tested with the surface in the as-received condition, while others were tested immediately after mechanical polishing, and part of the polished specimens after six months of exposure to the laboratory atmosphere. Considering the evolution of the high-frequency capacitive arc of the Nyquist diagram, whose diameter is related to the corrosion process, a clear effect of the initial surface conditions is observed only in the early stages of testing. This effect is especially significant for the freshly polished specimens. (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.