| Finish | What it is | Strengths | Consider |
| Galvanized | Steel dipped in molten zinc | Zinc protects the steel even where the coating is scratched; little maintenance | Limited color unless coated over |
| Powder-coated | Dry powder baked onto the steel | Durable, uniform color, wide color range | Scratches can expose steel if not protected underneath |
| Painted | Liquid coating, shop or field applied | Matches building colors; easy to touch up | Needs repainting over time |
Our experience: Minute Maid Park
For the main-floor handrails at Minute Maid Park, we recommended hot-dip galvanizing because of the corrosive environment and heavy public contact. Read the project.
How to choose
- Coastal, humid or industrial sites: start with galvanizing.
- Apartments and offices that must match a building: powder coat or paint to the color schedule.
- Maximum protection and color: ask us about combining galvanizing with a coating.
Tell us the site and the look you need when you send your plans.
