Which Finishes and Coatings are Used in Steel Fabrication?
07 June 2022
All structural steel fabricators need to know how to undertake and efficiently complete a range of functions. One of these is the finishing of the steel, which can decide the aesthetic of the products and increase their durability and corrosion resistance.
If you’re preparing to order products for your next project and wonder how to select the best steel finishes and coatings for your product, Buy A Beam can help. We regularly connect customers with fabricators across the UK who supply steel in various finishes, all of which offer different benefits and require different processes to complete.
Why Are Steel Finishes Required?
The heavy machinery used in the fabrication and construction industries can leave steel with marks that increase the chances of corrosion. Rusting is detrimental to steel durability, so it is essential to choose a steel finish that can help prevent rust as much as possible, by adding a protective layer to your products.
When purchasing products from online steel suppliers, it can be tempting to cut costs by not asking for a finish to be applied to your order. However, unless your steel isn’t required to carry heavy loads or be exposed to harsh conditions, the costs of the steel maintenance needed will be much higher than that of requesting a particular finish.
How to Prep Steel Products
Before steel fabrication companies proceed with the finishing process, it’s always best for them to prep the fabricated steel. Doing so will remove most of the imperfections on the surface of the steel, creating a good base for the requested coating to adhere to. One popular way of doing this is to use shot blasting, which involves applying abrasive particles under high pressure to remove impurities, including rust and old paint.
Once this prepping process has been completed, the next stage is choosing the best steel finishing option available for the order.
5 Steel Finishing Options Available
When you use the Buy A Beam online shop to purchase structural steel beams, columns and other products from local suppliers, you’ll be able to choose from three finishing options. We introduce these below, followed by another couple of finishes and coatings that may also be relevant.
Self-Coloured
If you don’t require protection against rust and corrosion, this option means that steel is unfinished. This option should only be used for internal locations where it doesn’t matter if rust affects the structural integrity of the steel, so if you’re developing a long-term structure, it is essential to find a more resistant solution.
Primed
This steel finish is based on a paint rich in zinc phosphate, which is applied to the steel and increases corrosion resistance by disrupting the normal formation of anodes on the surface of the steel. To maximise the durability created by this finish, two layers of paint should be applied directly onto the steel using a roller.
Galvanisation
One of the most commonly used steel finishes, this involves the immersion of steel in molten zinc. This process forms a protective coating that, once dried, can be painted if required. Galvanisation is one of the most durable forms of corrosion protection and is particularly sustainable, offering high reliability to both large and small steel items.
Powder Coating
This option involves the usage of an electric charge to fuse dry powder to steel, evenly coating the item before it's heated to create a dry finish. This coating option can hide any defects during structural steel fabrication, making a cleaner and more professional finish whilst adding protection.
Warm to Touch
Similar to powder coating as explained above, ‘warm to touch’ is a PVC plastic coating that’s commonly used for items such as handrails. Applied using a spray system to produce a clean finish, this coating prevents heat conductivity away from your skin. It can be made available in a variety of colours and textures.
What If I’m Using Stainless Steel?
If your project requires stainless steel, the finishes available to you are slightly different, as the chemical structure of this metal already provides excellent corrosion resistance. This decision is crucial to determine the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel, as a rough surface finish can lower the resistance and increase the risk of rust developing.
The finishes commonly used with stainless steel include:
- Polished
- Brushed
- Blasted
- Etched
- Coloured
Benefits of Using Steel Finishes
Choosing one of the finishing options above comes with plenty of advantages, including increased durability and electrical conductivity. You can expect your steel items to have higher resistance to electricity, chemicals and tarnishing and an improved appearance.
Order Steel Online Today
Whichever finish or coating you’d like to be applied to your steel, you can order steel online from local suppliers through Buy A Beam. The CE and UKCA certified fabricators can efficiently fulfil your orders, with delivery or collection options available.