Letter 19079

Hot dip galvanizing alternatives?  

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We are manufacturing and installing a large steel fence around the perimeter of a site, and the steel has been hot dip galvanized and then powder coated. However the appearance to the finished fence is not acceptable due to the uneven surface the hot dip galvanizing leaves. When powder coated it looks worse. Is there an alternative to this process to give us a smoother finish and still have the maximum protection?

Thanks,

Ted Samuels
- Australia

Ted Samuels,

Their are a few questions I want to ask. Is the steel being sanded prior to galvanizing? Try sanding the surface before the galvanizing. Preperation is the key. Is a primer being applied? Try priming the surface after galvanizing [Galvanized Metal Primer [link is to product info at Amazon]] and then lightly sand the surface with 320 sand paper and galvaninze. Have you tried spraying instead of powder coat?

Burton Wathen
- San Diego, California, USA

It may be worth investigating Fusion Bonded Epoxy which may give similar protection to the galvanizing but with a smooth finish. The epoxy is available in only a limited colour range in Australia at this time , but can be painted over. Major paint manufacturers will be able to advise you further.

Ernest Comerford
- Australia

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