Ever wondered what makes Bonderized steel so special? This type of steel is unique because it’s a form of galvanized steel that has undergone an extra treatment.
Bonderized steel is put through a phosphate bath and then coated with chromate, making it perfect for painting. Known as “Paint Grip,” it boasts a dull grey finish that holds paint exceptionally well.
Developed to improve paint adhesion, Bonderized steel has a history steeped in construction and industrial applications. You’ll often find it used for roofing, siding, and rainwater goods.
Chemical Composition
Bonderized steel starts with galvanized steel as its base material. Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to prevent rust. Think of it as steel wearing a shiny armor. After coating, the steel goes through a chemical treatment.
Chemical Treatment Process
The steel is dipped in a phosphate bath. This bath includes zinc phosphate, which sticks to the steel and reacts with its surface. After this, a layer of Chromate is applied. This process turns the bright metal into a dull gray color, sometimes called “paint grip” because it holds paint so well.
Property | Details |
---|---|
Base Material | Galvanized steel |
Coating Layers | Zinc, Phosphate, Chromate |
Color | Dull gray |
Popular Uses | Roofing, sidings, facades |
Manufacturing Process
Ever wondered how bonderized steel gets its special coating? Let’s dive in!
First, the steel goes through galvanization. Here, the steel is dipped in a bath of molten zinc. This gives the steel a protective layer that helps it resist moisture and rust.
Next up, it’s time for the phosphate coating application. The galvanized steel is cleaned and then dipped in a phosphate solution. This process creates a rough, dull gray surface. It’s perfect for holding paint later on.
After the phosphate coating, we have the curing process. The coated steel is heated at high temperatures. This step ensures the phosphate layer sticks well to the steel and becomes durable.
Advantages of Bonderized Steel
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance
Bonderized steel is treated through a phosphate bath and a layer of chromate. This extra coating means it stands up well against rust and other types of corrosion. Nearly all Bonderized roofing jobs are done using 24 gauge steel, which is quite sturdy and reliable.
Improved Paint Adhesion
One of the main features of Bonderized steel is its ability to hold paint incredibly well. The phosphate and chromate coatings make the surface ideal for painting. This means you get a strong bond between the steel and the paint, preventing peeling and flaking.
Ready-to-Paint Surface
If you’re considering a project that involves painting, Bonderized steel is an excellent choice. Its surface is ready to go, which can save you both time and money on preparation work. You won’t need additional primers, which is a big plus.
Consistency in Appearance
Bonderized steel has a dull gray finish that looks uniform and neat. This can be a great advantage if you’re looking to keep a consistent appearance in your project. This uniformity can be especially important in large-scale jobs where a sleek, professional look is desired.
Disadvantages of Bonderized Steel
No Warranty
One of the big downsides is that Bonderized steel usually comes with no warranty. This means if anything goes wrong, like premature rusting, you’re on your own. No warranty can be a significant risk, especially for large projects where costs are high.
Wet Stacking Issues
Wet stacking is another problem. If Bonderized steel sheets get stacked while wet, the moisture can get trapped. This can lead to rust and other damage. It’s something you really need to keep an eye on during the installation process.
Immediate Painting Required
Once you get it, you need to paint it fast. Bonderized steel should be painted immediately to avoid any damage. This means added steps and costs in your project timeline.
Limited Use
Bonderized steel isn’t suitable for every type of environment or application. It’s primarily used for roofing and other outdoor projects, but is not always the best option in areas with severe weather conditions.
Applications
Bonderized steel is a versatile material used in various industries. Its pre-primed surface makes it ideal for painting, offering excellent adhesion properties.
You’ll often find bonderized steel in roofing and wall panels. Because it’s ready to paint, it matches the rest of a building easily. This is a huge plus for architects and builders looking for both durability and aesthetics.
Comparison with Other Coated Steels
Bonderized steel is unique, but how does it stack up against other coated steels? Let’s take a look.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is coated with a layer of zinc. This helps it resist rust and corrosion.
- It has a speckled look, somewhat like a sponge painting.
- Needs priming before painting.
- Known for its durability against moisture.
Galvalume Steel
Galvalume steel combines the benefits of aluminum and zinc coatings.
- Contains 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicon.
- More heat resistant than galvanized steel.
- Offers excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.
Painted Steel
Painted steel is simply steel with a painted coating.
- Comes in a variety of colors and finishes.
- Needs regular maintenance to keep the paint looking good.
- Great for aesthetics but not as durable as other coatings.
Cost Comparison
Here’s a quick cost breakdown to see how they compare price-wise:
Steel Type | Cost per Sq. Ft |
---|---|
Bonderized | $1.50 – $2.50 |
Galvanized | $0.75 – $0.90 |
Galvalume | Varies |
Painted | Varies |
Bonderized steel sits in the middle of the price range. It offers a unique dull gray finish that’s ready to paint without priming.
Conclusion
You’ve learned quite a bit about Bonderized steel. Remember, it’s Galvanized G90 steel that’s gone through a phosphate and chromate bath.