To ensure the highest quality hot-dip galvanized steel for your project, the galvanizing process may incorporate one of several post-galvanizing treatments. Your understanding of these is important during the design phase to ensure your expectations are met.
Zinc is a very reactive metal and if your galvanized steel product will be nested or tightly stacked for shipping and exposed to moisture for more than a few days, it should either be passivated via dipping in a solution or stacked with spacers between each piece of steel. This special detailing allows free-flowing air across the galvanized steel surface to permit the natural formation of the zinc patina.
If handrail tubing or other product has vent and drain holes, the galvanizer may be directed to plug the holes with zinc or aluminum plugs to prevent moisture or insects from entering.
Finally, any coating inconsistencies such as rough spots are routinely filed or ground down to create a smooth surface. Should there be any uncoated surface, the galvanizer will use one of three touchup methods approved in specification ASTM A780 to deliver a product fully protected from corrosion.
