Duplex Coating Systems

Hot Dip Galvanized Light Standards with Topcoat

Hot Dip Galvanized Light Standards
with Topcoat

Often times an application is called for which will provide corrosion protection in a harsh atmospheric environment, as well as requiring a desired a paint system to aesthetically match the theme. An excellent example of this is a duplex coating system.

Duplex systems are a combination of galvanizing and a topcoat. The protective value of the duplex system is greater than the sum of the protective value of the individual coatings. The topcoat protects the zinc coating against premature oxidation and weathering and the galvanized coating (alloyed to the steel surface) prevents the formation of rust on the steel. Duplex coatings are commonly used when either the environment of use is too corrosive for the galvanized coating alone throughout its design life or when other factors such as color or electrical insulation are required.

Steel - Hot Dip Galvanized and
Topcoated

Having extensive experience with hot-dip galvanizing on other architectural projects, this homeowner insisted that all exposed steel be galvanized and then painted (duplex coating) for this critical component in the architectural statement of his home.

A wide variety of shapes (reinforcing steel, tube, mesh) and steel thickness comprising the structure made this a technically challenging project that required the teamwork of the architect, fabricator, galvanizer, and coatings applicator to successfully deliver the highest quality coating. Fittingly, the end-product delivered the intended result of replicating the feeling of an outdoor Tuscan terrace perched high in the Mediterranean.