Surface Treatments for Metals
Like timber, most metals can be simply left to age without intervention. Mild steel will need surface protection to prevent oxidisation and there are a few methods which can be employed which are both decorative and utilitarian.
- Method
The component is dipped in a bath of molten zinc at 450°
- Durability
strong and durable
- Lifespan
up to 50 years
- Maintenance
Not
- Recycled
widely
- Comments
This is a rough finish, requiring linishing for public use, careful attention to designing in drain points and design out acid traps
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Hot Dip Galvanising
- Method
A thin layer of free-flowing dry plastic powder is applied electrostatically to the surface of a metal element which is then ‘baked’ to cure the plastic into a tough plastic skin
- Durability
moderately durability of 10 years however if damaged it would allow the substrate to corrode if it’s not galvanised
- Maintenance
Not required
- Recycled
No
- Comments
Our powder coating is always a double coat system with a zinc rich primer and a second topcoat
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Powder Coating
- Method
the component shot cleaned then sprayed with a molten metal spray
- Durability
moderately durable after sealing
- Lifespan
up to 20 years
- Maintenance
Bronze will need waxing annually
- Recycled
widely
- Comments
This is often used as cost saving alternative to casting in casting in bronze
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Thermal Arc Spray
- Method
the component is given an electroplate coat of Zinc
- Durability
moderately durable if also powder coated
- Lifespan
up to 10 years
- Maintenance
Not required
- Recycled
widely
- Comments
This is often used as an alternative to hot dip galvanising as it will give a cleaner finish if powder coating. It does not offer any long-term protection to steel but provides a good base to coat.
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Zinc Plating or electro galvanising
