Galvanized metal is steel with a zinc oxide coating that protects it from corrosion. It can be used in various construction projects, including warships and buildings, and requires specific painting techniques. Galvanized metal is a valuable building tool for long-lasting structures.
As a type of steel with a special coating, galvanized metal enjoys a high reputation as an ideal building product to use for any type of structure that should stand for many years. Here are some basics on how galvanized steel is created and how it can be used in various construction projects.
Galvanized metal is simply steel in some form that has been given a thin coating of zinc oxide. The purpose of zinc is to protect the steel from elements that would normally lead to oxidation, corrosion and eventual weakening of the steel. In this sense, the zinc coating acts as a so-called sacrificial anode. In other words, the zinc will protect the steel from corrosion by acting as a barrier between the steel and the corrosive agent, at least until the zinc coating is completely oxidized. Galvanized metal can be made into supports, beams and even sheet metal which can be used in all types of building and construction projects.
Galvanized metal is often used in the construction of warships, such as aircraft carriers and submarines. The water and salt repellent qualities of galvanized steel with its solid zinc coating make it the ideal material to use for hulls. When combined with custom paint formulas that are to be used with galvanized metal, the end result is a hull that will stand up to a lot of wear and tear.
Galvanizing has also enabled steel to be used for building structures that will remain solid for many decades. Indeed, when buildings have been razed, there are some instances where the collected galvanized metal is usable with little or no reapplication of a zinc coating. This has been found to be true even when up to sixty years may have elapsed.
Painting galvanized metal usually requires that the metal surface be completely free of any alkali buildup that may have settled on the zinc coating. Due to the nature of the coating, oil-based or alkyd paints are not recommended for use with galvanized steel. Instead, a metal primer made for use with galvanized steel should be applied, then a coat of latex paint. With primer and a coat of acrylic paint, a coat of alkyd paint can be used if exposure to the elements will be low to moderate. In situations where galvanized metal will experience a high rate of exposure, a high performance epoxy finish would produce a superior result.
Galvanized metal has enabled mankind to enjoy long-lasting shelters, as well as to explore the ocean and ocean floor in perfect safety. There is no doubt that humanity will continue to find ways to use this valuable building tool in new and exciting ways for years to come.
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