Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) hinder corrosive elements by forming a double layer and locking them between its layers. Hence, LDHs are interesting materials in corrosion inhibition. In this work, Zn–Mg-based LDHs are grown over a copper substrate by using a hydrothermal method. Two types of Zn–Mg-based LDH coating are prepared based on hydrothermal reaction time. Both types are character-ized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Results show that the two types of LDH coating are successfully grown on copper; however, they differ in thickness and structural configuration. Corrosion testing of the LDH coatings is executed in 0.1 M NaCl and 0.1 M NaOH through alternating current impedance measurements and Tafel polarization curves. Results show that L48 gives more than 90％ pro-tection to copper, which is higher than the protection provided by L24. However, both LDH coatings (L24 and L48) are more effective corro-sion inhibitors in NaCl than in NaOH, suggesting that the LDH coatings can more efficiently exchange Cl ions than OH ions.