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Weatherproofing outoor architectural steel

2004

I am an architect seeking an inexpensive way to weatherproof an outdoor steel stair.

Does anyone know how fluoropolymer coatings compare with zinc electroplating or hot dip galvanizing in terms of performance and cost?

Can you use Black oxide for outdoor use? How would it compare with hot dip galv in terms of cost?

Are there any other possibilities besides paint?

Davin Hong
Architect - Baltimore, Maryland, USA

2005

Phosphatizing pretreatment followed by paint is usually the best bet. Galvanizing is an alternative but you may not be happy with that appearance.

Zinc plating would not last nearly as long as galvanizing and is probably not a good idea. Black oxide has no corrosion resistance at all and requires constant oiling, making it inappropriate for that application.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

I have had excellent results with epoxy paints. We have been building steel skylights as a part of our restoration contracting business. The oldest one is ten years old without signs of rust.

Allen Davidson
- New York, New York
2005

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