Guide to Wire Shelving Finishes
Wire shelving is the most versatile storage solution around. Its infinite uses make it one of the most popular ways to assist with both home and commercial organization.
However, you may have noticed wire shelving comes in a variety of finishes. So how do you choose the right finish?
This guide will help you choose which finish is right for you and your storage needs. Continue reading for facts on popular wire shelving finishes and learn the process involved to create each type.
Keep in mind this is a basic lesson. There are many factors which will affect the quality of your plating including, but not limited to, the care and the actual thickness of the plating, quality of materials used, etc.
Popular Wire Shelving Finishes
- Zinc Plated
- Nickel Chrome Plated
- Black/White Epoxy Finish
- Antimicrobial
Zinc Plated
Zinc plating is frequently used to protect metals like steel against corrosion. The process for zinc plating involves electroplating a thin coating of zinc metal onto the surface of another metal object. The zinc coating creates a physical barrier which works to prevent rust. Typically, buyers choose zinc because of its distinctive ability to fight corrosion.
You may hear the term “zinc chromate” tossed around. However, there is no real difference between a zinc finish and a zinc-chromate finish because zinc plating is always top coated. Chromate just happens to be a top coat option that is put on zinc plated items to prevent white rusting (a white powdery deposit formed from a natural corrosion process that can occur on any new zinc coated steel product).
Additional Facts:
- Low cost
- High-temperature tolerance
- Intended for dry storage
Nickel Chrome
First, let’s answer an important question. What is chrome?
Chrome is slang for Chromium. It’s a metal but rarely used as a solid, pure substance. See, things aren’t usually made out of solid chrome. Instead, when you hear something is chrome, it means there is a thin layer of chrome plating on the object.
Nickel chrome plating is also known as decorative chrome plating. It involves a process of electroplating nickel onto the object before plating the chrome. This creates a smooth texture, corrosion resistance, and a reflective surface. Therefore, nickel chrome will protect against tarnish and minimize scratching. However, it’s important to note the final appearance of chrome wire shelving is only as good as the preparation of the product itself.
Additional Facts:
- Intended for dry storage only
- Shinier than Zinc
- Nickel tends to be more visually appealing than zinc but is also more expensive
Black & White Epoxy Finish
Black and White shelving simply provide an alternative look to chrome. Yet, it is the epoxy finish which protects the colored shelving from everyday wear and tear. Epoxy is a smooth and durable finish, mainly bought for the appeal of the black or white color.
Like any good finish, the coating requires meticulous preparation including the removal of oil, dirt, greases, etc. After preparation, there is the powder application process, which sprays on using an electrostatic gun. Next, the powder coated items are placed in an oven to obtain the final solid, sturdy, and abrasion resistant coating. They are then heated to temperatures ranging from 160 to 210 Degrees Celsius to lock in the quality.
Additional Facts:
- Popular in the retail industry
- Suitable for dry and wet storage environments
- Visual and economic appeal
Antimicrobial Epoxy Finish
Lastly, we have the antimicrobial epoxy finish. This finish uses the same technique as the baked epoxy mentioned above. However, it adds an extra antimicrobial barrier which inhibits or kills the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or protozoans.
The antimicrobial powder-coat finish used to create that barrier typically lasts up to twenty years, making it ideal shelving for schools, medical facilities, and other industries where bacteria and infection are of concern. However, because the coating relies on an active ingredient, it will eventually require a new coating given enough time and depending on what it’s being used to store.
Additional Facts:
- Mainly used in the food industry
- Rustproof
- Suitable for dry and wet storage environments
- Can be used indoor and outdoor
- Finish is often a greenish color
If you need further assistance, check out our Ultimate Guide to Buying to Wire Shelving or feel free to reach out us directly. Our team of experts is always ready to assist.
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