Masking to Allow for Intentionally Ungalvanized Areas

During the galvanizing processes, all surfaces are cleaned and coated with corrosion-inhibiting zinc. For some purposes, intentionally ungalvanized areas are required. Masking may be performed to accomplish this.

Masking is treating a portion of the steel surface so the area remains ungalvanized. Masking is not an exact science; additional work may still be required to remove unwanted zinc.

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In most cases, it may be easier to grind off the zinc coating after galvanizing than to mask the material.

There are four major categories of masking materials:

• acid-resistant, high-temperature tapes,
• water-based pastes and paint-on formulations,
• resin-based, high-temperature paints, and
• high-temperature greases and thread compounds.

Consult with your galvanizer to arrive at the best solution for any particular design.