A method for improving the formability of zinc coated steel sheet, and the product produced therefrom. The steps of the method include applying to the zinc coating an oxalic acid solution in an amount that will form a zinc oxalate film having a coating weight in a range of s about 10 mg/ft.sup.2 to about 100 mg/ft.sup.2. A lubricant is applied to the zinc oxalate film, and the lubricant is adsorbed by the zinc oxalate film to provide a lubricated zinc oxalate film that is bonded to the zinc coating. The method produces an improved zinc coated sheet product having a tightly formed lubricated coating structure resistant to galling in the die steels of a forming press. The improved zinc coated sheet product having a lubricated zinc oxalate film improves formability and reduces the coefficient of friction during the forming operations that shape the zinc coated steel sheet or strip into a finished product shape.