Hot Dip Galvanization
What is galvanization and why is it beneficial?
Hot-dip galvanization is a protective process for exterior fixtures, where the metal is dipped into molten zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. This zinc layer bonds to the steel, creating long-lasting durability even in harsh outdoor conditions. The process ensures your fixture stands up to humidity, coastal air, rain, and direct water contact.
- Commercial properties often face more wear and tear, including landscaping water systems, cleaning equipment, and constant exposure to outdoor elements.
- Galvanized fixtures require far less upkeep. Powder coat alone provides good protection, but in harsh climates, it can eventually show signs of wear faster. Galvanization underneath acts as a second line of defense, so you don’t have to maintain or refinish as often.
- Galvanization aids with protecting the structural integrity of fixtures, so they continue looking and performing well, even after years of exposure
Hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) is done by immersing fabricated steel into a bath of molten zinc (approximately 830°F). The process includes these steps:
- Surface Preparation – Cleaning the steel so the zinc bonds properly.
- Galvanizing aka zinc bath – Immersing the steel in molten zinc, which fully coats the inside and outside of the piece.
- Cooling – Allowing the zinc to solidify and bond to the steel.
During immersion, the iron in the steel reacts with the zinc, forming durable zinc-iron layers with an outer pure zinc coating.
Do I need my fixtures galvanized?
Galvanization is strongly recommended if:
- You live in high-humidity or coastal areas (such as near the beach or southern gulf states/tropical areas).
- Commercial projects
- Fixtures will be in direct contact with water (sprinklers, drip lines, rain gutters, etc.).
Does galvanizing change the appearance of the fixture?
No — galvanization does not change the final color finish of your fixture.
- The galvanization layer is applied beneath the powder coat and finish you choose.
- The benefit is added protection and longer life, with no compromise to the design you selected.
Because the hot-dip process immerses the fixture in molten zinc, it can create a slight texture on the surface, particularly around seams or welds. We carefully sandblast and prepare each fixture after galvanization to reduce this effect, but some subtle texturing may still be visible beneath the finish.
Galvanization vs. Powder Coating
- Powder Coating – A resin/pigment powder is electrostatically applied, then cured in an oven. This creates a smooth, durable, uniform finish. All our outdoor fixtures receive powder coating plus hand-painting as standard.
- Galvanization + Powder Coating – Fixtures are first hot-dip galvanized, then powder coated and painted. This provides maximum protection, especially in harsh environments, while maintaining the appearance of your chosen finish.
All of our outdoor fixtures are finished with a durable powder coat before being hand-painted. Powder coating is a professional finishing process where a colored powder is electrostatically applied to the metal, then baked on in a curing oven.
For most environments, powder coating provides protection against the elements in mild climates.
Galvanization is available as an added layer of protection for harsher environments, but every fixture we make already comes with the strength and reliability of a high-quality powder-coated finish.
What is the lead time for fixtures that are hot-dip galvanized?
Hot-dip galvanization adds extra steps to the production process. Since this process is performed by a third-party facility in scheduled batches, we transport the fixtures out for galvanizing, then return them for cleaning, sandblasting, and clearing all electrical pathways before finishing.
Because of these additional steps, galvanization can add several weeks to the overall production time. While we always work to keep orders on schedule, lead times for galvanized fixtures cannot be guaranteed.
What is the additional cost?
The cost to add the hot dip galvanization is 25% of the fixture price. This is subject to change. Please contact us for pricing.
What if I need my order galvanized?
If you would like your fixtures galvanized, please let us know when placing your order so we can add this to the production process. If you’ve already placed an order, contact us right away so we can confirm whether galvanization can still be added before production begins.
