Durable Colour. Lasting Protection.
Enhance your Urbanfab shelter or storage solution with a powder-coated finish, adding colour and an additional barrier against the elements.
Powder coating incurs an additional cost and typically adds 3–4 working days to the standard lead time.
Hot-dip galvanising provides long-term corrosion protection in its own right and is Urbanfab’s standard finish for outdoor mild steel. As outlined by the Galvanizers Association, combining galvanising with powder coating creates a duplex coating system that adds colour and an additional barrier.
The two coatings work together to extend corrosion protection. Powder coating helps shield the underlying zinc from atmospheric exposure, slowing its weathering, while the galvanised coating continues to protect the steel if the outer polyester coating becomes damaged. Together, they provide enhanced corrosion resistance and a durable coloured finish.
Durable. Practical. Long-Lasting.
✓ Construction — Hot-dip galvanised after fabrication to ISO 1461:2022
✓ Protection — Corrosion resistance across accessible internal and external mild steel surfaces
✓ Appearance — Natural silver-grey metallic finish, with slight surface variations that may remain visible beneath powder coating
✓ Value — Inherent UV resistance and a low-maintenance finish, included as standard
Best suited where: Long-term corrosion protection and a natural galvanised appearance are preferred over a coloured finish.
Colour. Choice. Protection.
✓ Foundation — Hot-dip galvanised steel
✓ Coating — Exterior architectural-grade polyester powder coating applied over galvanising
✓ Appearance — Standard RAL colours, typically semi-gloss, with matt and gloss finishes available on request. The UV-resistant polyester finish helps resist UV-related fading and chalking
✓ Weathering — The polyester topcoat helps limit moisture and atmospheric contaminants reaching the zinc, helping extend corrosion protection
Best suited where: Colour choice and additional protection are preferred in locations with lower atmospheric corrosion exposure.
Epoxy. Barrier. Coastal.
✓ Foundation — Hot-dip galvanised steel
✓ Barrier — Additional epoxy primer helps protect the galvanised surface beneath the polyester topcoat in salt-laden environments
✓ Finish — UV-resistant architectural-grade polyester powder topcoat in standard RAL colours, typically semi-gloss, helping resist fading and chalking
✓ Weathering — Combined epoxy and polyester layers help preserve the galvanising beneath, helping extend corrosion protection in demanding environments
Best suited where: Additional corrosion protection for coastal or other demanding environments, with a choice of colours.
For powder-coated installations within approximately two miles of the coast, or in other locations exposed to significant salt-laden air, we recommend an enhanced coating system incorporating an additional epoxy barrier primer. This provides a further barrier against salt and moisture, helping preserve the galvanised surface and reduce the risk of corrosion beneath the polyester topcoat.
Choose from any standard RAL colour to complement surrounding buildings, match organisational branding or create a coordinated appearance across your site. The colours shown below represent a small selection of our popular options.
Anthracite Grey
Jet Black
Racing Green
Ultramarine Blue
Traffic Red
Traffic Green
Traffic Grey A
Traffic Yellow
Colours displayed on screen are for guidance only. Actual powder-coated colours may vary according to finish, substrate and screen settings. Please refer to an official RAL colour chart when specifying a colour.
The following comparison highlights the key considerations when choosing the right option for you and your project.
| Feature | Factory Powder Coating | Hand Painting |
|---|---|---|
| Finish & Protection | Consistent architectural finish with an additional protective barrier. | Appearance and protection depend on paint, preparation and application. |
| On-Site Practicalities | Factory-finished — no on-site painting required. | Requires time for preparation, painting and drying, with site access and safe working arrangements to consider. |
| Cost | Additional charge, quoted on request. | Generally lower initial cost, allowing for materials, time and labour. |
Regular cleaning and routine inspection help preserve both the appearance and protective qualities of powder-coated steelwork. Wash surfaces with mild soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue. Avoid abrasive cleaners, polishes and harsh chemicals, as these can damage the coating and affect its long-term performance.
For colour-matched touch-up materials to accompany your order, or advice on repairs to standard and enhanced coastal powder-coated finishes after installation, please contact us.
Keeping a simple record of cleaning and maintenance, including dates and any repairs undertaken, is recommended for future reference and support if required.
Our team is happy to help you choose a suitable powder-coated finish for your Urbanfab shelter or storage solution