Field applied Galvanized Zinc Coatings?

Letter 10012

I am needing information regarding a coating that can be applied to carbon steel to prevent corrosion when exposed to water. I was thinking that a galvanized zinc coating would work but I'm not sure that such coatings are available outside fabrication. Also what kind of surface preparation is required before application of the coating(s)?

Dana C
- Mcallen, Texas

May 23, 2008

Hi, Dana. You are correct that galvanizing is a factory-applied finish. The metal must be pickled and cleaned, then fluxed before dipping into the molten zinc. The closest you will get for field application is a cold galvanizing spray [link is to product info]. This is sprayed on like paint, but is very rich in zinc for galvanic protection of steel. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey