Objective To repair the cast iron surface by electron-brush plating. Methods The Ni-P and Ni-based coatings were prepared on cast iron by electron-brush plating. The microstructure and phase composition of the coatings were observed, and properties of the coatings such as coating adhesion, wear behavior and corrosion resistance were tested. Results Compact and dense Ni-P coating with even grains was obtained on the surface of the cast iron. Compared to the Ni-P coating, the Ni-based coating was loose and porous, with finer grains. The thickness of the Ni-P coating was about 0. 1 mm, which was 2 times as thick as that of the Ni-based coating after the same plating time. The adhesions of Ni-based and Ni-P coatings were 48 N and 85 N, respectively. Both the Ni-based and Ni-P coatings mainly consisted of Ni, Fe10. 8Ni and FeNi3 phases, and contained a small amount of Cu. The wear resistance of Ni-P coating was the best with the lowest wear quantity and volume loss. The corrosion resistance of the Ni-P electro-brush coating was the best, with the highest Ecorr and lowest self-corrosion current density. Conclusion Electron-brush plating could be used to repair the surface of cast iron by increasing its corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and the Ni-P electro-brush coating showed better properties.