FASTENERS 101™ Plating, Coating, and Finishes FAQ

Zinc plated steel is available in several grades, including Grade 2, Grade 5, and Grade 8.

Zinc plated steel can be cut with any steel-cutting saw, but damaging the outer layer will accelerate corrosion.

Zinc plating acts as a sacrificial barrier, rusting first to extend assembly life, and is more affordable than stainless steel or silicon bronze.

It’s often a shiny silver, sometimes with a blue hue; Grade 8 may appear golden with green, yellow, or amber variations.

Zinc plated steel is steel coated with zinc to enhance corrosion resistance.

Yes, it can rust and is not suitable for harsh environments.

Yes, use paint that adheres to zinc.

Yes, but it will rust quickly in harsh environments.

Durability depends on environment; it can last 5-20 years in mild conditions with proper care.

It’s less eco-friendly due to zinc mining and plating processes, but recyclable if handled properly.

Galvanized steel may rust over time but is much more corrosion-resistant than zinc plating.

It may rust in concrete depending on the environmental conditions.

Use a protective ventilation mask, goggles, and wash skin after cutting due to health hazards.

It’s corrosion-resistant in harsh environments, making it ideal for exterior use.

Typically 50-85 microns, depending on the galvanizing process and steel thickness.

Yes, but it releases zinc fumes; use proper ventilation and safety gear.

Black oxide is a finish coating materials for a sleek, finished, and abrasive surface.

It’s susceptible to rust if marred and turns brown in high heat.

Black oxide screws rust if marred and turn brown in high heat.

It delays rust with a coated layer, often enhanced by a thin oil layer.

It can rust if marred, but less likely with proper application.

A good place to start is Black Oxide Fasteners.

It provides a sleek black finish unmatched by raw materials.

Yes, but its durability depends on the base material and maintenance; it’s not as protective as galvanizing.

Yes, using chemical strippers or abrasive methods, but it requires care to avoid damaging the base metal.