SURFACE TREATMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH BS STANDARDS
BLAST CLEANING
PRIMER PAINTING
GALVANIZING
POWDER COATING
Understanding Steel Finishes
Self-Colour Steel
Self-colour steel is untreated and left in its natural state after being formed or cast. Because steel is an oxidizing material, it will naturally corrode over time if left exposed. It’s crucial to ensure that self-colour steel is protected before it’s installed on-site to prevent rusting. While we can supply steel in its raw state, we highly recommend having it primed before delivery or applying a suitable primer yourself prior to installation.
Primed Steel
Primed steel is coated with a zinc phosphate-rich primer to create a corrosion-resistant layer. This protective coat is essential for indoor or sheltered environments. For optimal protection, the primer must be applied evenly at a thickness of 100 to 150 microns, depending on the project specifications. At Steel Fab UK, we use professional spray machines to achieve a consistent finish, ensuring your steel remains rust-free and ready to be integrated into your build.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanizing involves immersing steel in a bath of molten zinc, forming a robust barrier that guards against rust and weathering. This finish is ideal for steel used outdoors or in moisture-prone areas, such as external structures or internal wall cavities where dampness is a concern. With proper maintenance, galvanized steel can offer up to 60 years of rust resistance, depending on environmental conditions, making it a reliable choice for long-term durability.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free flowing dry powder it is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a skin.
Once cooled the powder is set and forms a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. In order, to achieve maximum protection from powder coating, a good surface pre-treatment is essential.
Pre-treatments are used to remove oil, lubricated greases, soil and various other impurities. To finish, a colour from the RAL Chart can be selected for the product(s) giving you a wide range of options for your end result.
