Types of Wire Decking Finishes

There are many different finishes that can be applied to wire decking. We are greatful that our partner, Nashville Wire, took a minute to elaborate on the different options!

Powder Coating

Powder Coating is the most common finish for wire decking, specifically the color gray. Powder coating applies a free-flowing, dry powder to a cleaned metal part. The part is then heat cured to allow the powder to flow and form a “skin”. It is a tough, durable finish.  Powder coatings biggest benefit, apart from its cost effectiveness, is its ability to produce parts in virtually any color. Nashville Wire has a variety of colors; some of the most common being black, white, and beige.

Hot-Dip Galvanized

With this option, the entire wire deck is submerged in a bath of molten zinc. The finish produces the thick, durable matte gray finish that you see on highway barriers, light post, and chain link fencing. This is the most common finish applied to metal products that are used in an outdoor environment.  While it is the most durable and offers the highest level of corrosion resistance, it is also the most expensive.

Pre-Galvanized

When wire decking is pre-galvanized it is fabricated from hot-dipped galvanized wire and coil steel. Since the zinc was applied to the raw materials before they were turned into a wire deck, the zinc covering can be compromised any where the wire and coil steel are cut or welded. Despite this weakness, this is still an acceptable finish for most applications.  Exposed, raw steel on the deck is still protected from corrosion by the remaining zinc.  This finish is comparable in cost to powder coating.

Zinc Electroplating

Zinc Electroplating is a thin and reflective coating. In this application, the wire decking is plated with a thin protective layer of zinc. Because the layer of zinc is thin and easily depleted by the oxidation process, it is unsuitable for outdoor applications. It should only be used in dry climates. There is a large amount of chemical waste produced by this process so it is highly regulated in the U.S.

If you have additional questions on wire decking and finish options, please give us a call at 866.474.2001.

Source: Nashville Wire