It is shown that the metal ions accumulated in the chromating bath during the chromating of zinc can be removed with the aid of a highly acidic cation exchanger. A study is made of the effect of variations of the chromic acid and zinc concentrations on the equilibria of the exchange reactions. High chromic acid concentrations have a strong effect on the exchange capacity. However, if the chromic acid concentration remains under 25 g/liter, good results in the bath recovery can be obtained.