The influence of the finishing of wool fabrics on the adhesion of molten zinc and molten aluminium has been determined. The factors considered were: chrome dyeing, zirpro treatment and fluorocarbon treatment. It was concluded that chrome dyeing and zirpro treatment both increase the amount of adhesion of molten zinc and aluminium, whilst the fluorocarbon treatment has the opposite effect. These findings have important implications on the design of protective clothing for use in the primary metal industries.