The corrosion protection afforded by laser surface melting (LSM) AA7449-T7951 friction stir welds was investigated. LSM produced melting of the constituent particles and formation of a homogeneous 3-5 μm thick layer. Electrochemical tests showed a reduction in cathodic reactivity after LSM. The breakdown potentials, however, did not change significantly, indicating an anodically reactive surface. In situ and ex situ observation after immersion in 0.1. M NaCl showed that LSM reduced the depth attack in the weld region (particularly the HAZ), affording sacrificial protection to the substrate. Delamination of the treatment can occur during corrosion propagation.