Hot-dip galvanization is more cost-effective than painting
Initial investment in painting of steel with thickness of 20 mm and hot-dip galvanization is equal and amounts to approximately 15 EUR/m2 of steel surface.
In terms of painting, sanding costs with 2 basic coatings and two covering coatings are taken in consideration. Painting steel without previously cleaning the surface is not a well done job, and the need to renew the coating occurs within less than three years.
Hot-dip galvanization is cheaper and more permanent
The thinner the sheer, the cheaper hot-dip galvanization is in comparison with painting. For 9mm sheet, the costs of hot-dip galvanization amount to barely 9 EUR/ m2, and painting costs increase up to 19,5 EUR/ m2. It is known that the coating obtained through hot-dip galvanization does not require further maintenance, whereas quality coatings obtained with paint, as a rule, require repairs after 10 years, and more frequently after that period.
Hot-dip galvanization is more resistant than painting
The coating which is obtained by hot-dip galvanization is characterized by much better resistance to mechanical damages. This coating is 8 times better than epoxy coatings, and even 20 better than PVC coatings and epoxy powder coatings. The advantage of hot-dip galvanization is that it does not make room for any doubts in terms of the quality, since zinc coatings cannot be executed on poorly cleaned steel surface, which is feasible in case of painting.
Additional decorative paint coating
If you want an additional decorative paint coating, this is simple. In that case, use paints intended for zinc (duplex protection).
Comparative table of costs of hot-dip galvanization and painting
| Type of product | Thickness of walls (mm) |
Specific surface (m2/t) |
Hot-dip galvanization costs (€/t) |
Hot-dip galvanization costs (€/m2) |
Cost painting (EUR/m2) |
| Heavy structures | 17-25 | 13-15 | 205 | 16.5 | 14 |
| Medium structures | 13-17 | 15-20 | 230 | 13.5 | 15 |
| Light structures | 10-13 | 20-25 | 245 | 11 | 17 |
| 8-10 | 25-30 | 280 | 10 | 18 | |
| Very light structures | 6.6-8 | 30-40 | 325 | 9.5 | 18.5 |
| 5-6.5 | 40-50 | 420 | 9 | 19.5 | |
| 4-5 | 50-65 | 500 | 8 | ||
| 4 | 65 | 750 | 7.5 | ||
| Serial articles | 3 | cca. 100 | 250 | 11 | |
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Feuerverzinken, l. 2005, Institut Feuerverzinken GmbH, Diseldorf |
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