Summary for black finish like galvanizing Discussion
Black finish like galvanizing is the core question here: Michael Huff asked whether there is a black coating for metal tubing that would protect outdoors similarly to galvanizing. W.C. Litzinger said black e-coat can be applied to steel pipe and cited about 500 hours in ASTM B117 salt spray, with longer life possible if needed. A second answer noted that nothing really protects like galvanizing, which can last 75 years or more with little maintenance, but suggested galvanneal or zinc plating followed by Kynar or black powder coating as the closest alternatives. The discussion therefore points to black e-coat or black topcoats over zinc-based finishes as practical options, while cautioning that they are not equal to true galvanizing in durability.
Q. Is there a coating/finishing application that results in a finish that is black in color and would protect metal tubing in an outdoor environment similar to galvanizing.
Michael Huff
equipment mfgr. – Greenwood, Indiana, USA
2003
A. E-COAT, BLACK IN COLOR, CAN BE APPLIED ON STEEL PIPE. APPROX 500 HOUR LIFE INASTM B117 SALT SPRAY. LONGER IF NECESSARY.
W.C.LITZINGER
PLATING – DAYTON, OHIO
2003
A. Hi Michael. I suppose it depends on exactly how we parse your question — because nothing protects metal tubing in an outdoor environment to the degree that galvanizing does, of course. Galvanizing has lasted 75 years and more with no maintenance despite mechanical abuse.
But galvanneal or zinc plating followed by Kynar or by black powder coating should come pretty close. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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April 30, 2013