Painting galvanised steel grating: Do you need to?
Steel is a critical component in modern buildings. Of course, steel is a broad category, and there are many types of this metal that are best suited for specific applications.
Two types of steel common in industrial applications (for grates, flooring and similar uses) are stainless and galvanised steel. Galvanised steel has a number of unique attributes that can be beneficial in many settings, including manufacturing, power generation and warehouses, just to name a few.
The appearance of galvanised steel grating is a major consideration for practical needs, like safety, as well as the visual qualities it can provide. Let's review exactly what galvanised steel is, then consider whether you need to – or should, depending on your specific plans – paint it.
What is galvanised steel?
Steel is an alloy, or combination, of two elements: carbon and iron.
It is more durable and strong than either of those elements separately. It's also especially reliable.
When manufactured following well-defined standards, steel offers a consistent final product you can count on to support staff, equipment and other assets when used as grating in your facility. It can also be recycled easily, an important consideration in an increasingly environmentally conscious economy.
One of the key issues with basic steel is its vulnerability to rusting on its surface. This slow yet steady process eventually threatens the stability and strength of regular steel. This requires both time and money on the part of a business to manage, address and eventually replace standard steel as it begins to rust. Otherwise, companies using the basic steel alloy expose themselves to a variety of negative outcomes.
Galvanised steel is an improved version of the basic form of this metal. A zinc powder coating applied to the surface steel helps prevent air and moisture from creating rust. This outer layer, applied either through a hot-dip galvanising process (common for large pieces) or through thermal diffusion (regularly seen for small steel components), limits corrosion thanks to zinc's unique properties.
Do you need to paint galvanised steel grating?
There's no absolute requirement or imperative to paint galvanised steel. The rust resistance offered by the zinc coating will eventually wear away, but this issue won't raise its head for many, many years. Galvanised steel does not need to be replaced on a frequent basis – it can last for decades. When it comes to steel grating, galvanised steel is an especially long lasting and dependable choice for industrial applications.
The appearance of galvanised steel is a unique attribute. The hot-dip galvanisation process produces a unique effect called spangle. This can result in a pattern of differently coloured patches or shapes on the steel's surface, with varying shades of metallic grey. Changes in the specifics of the hot-dip process allow for a wide degree of variation in this finish, from a uniform appearance to many types of spangle. Your company can select the option that best aligns with the aesthetic vision of your facility. It can also let the manufacturer make the final decision if this isn't an important attribute.
While some companies will paint galvanised steel grating for aesthetic or practical purposes, there isn't a need to do so. When your business works with a dependable producer of galvanised steel, it won't need to paint its gratings.
Finding a dependable partner to provide steel grating
You need a trusted provider to fabricate and deliver your galvanised steel. Learn more about what Webforge can offer your business, from galvanised steel to a number of other effective options. Get in touch with us today.
