The effect of stannous ions as an electrolyte additive on the electrodeposition characteristics of Zn was investigated by chronoamperometry, the potential-step method and cyclic voltammetry. The chronoamperometry measurements showed that the addition of stannous ions inhibited the dendritic growth of Zn deposits. SEM observation also revealed that the Zn deposit was in the form of compact cylinders with rounded tops that consist of many small crystallites, rather than the classical dendrites with side branches. The inhibition effect of Sn2+ on the very initial electrocrystallization of Zn was not a substrate effect. The 0.17 V difference in reduction potential between Zn and Sn resulted in the codeposition of Sn and Zn. An interruption effect was proposed to illuminate the inhibition effect of Sn2+ on the formation of Zn dendrites. Furthermore, Sn2+ additive was found to suppress the corrosion reaction of Zn by 87% in the Sn2+-containing zincate electrolyte, comparing to that in the blank zincate electrolyte.