Zinc acetate is used as a mordant in dyeing textiles; in preserving wood; in manufacturing glazes for painting on ceramics; and as an analytic reagent in measuring albumin, tannin, and phosphate. Other uses are as a crosslinking agent for polymers; and as a supplement in food. The compound is used in medicine as an astringent. Preserving wood; as mordant in dyeing; manufacture of glazes for painting on porcelain.