Zinc-coated steel resists rust but needs special care when welded: fumes, coating repair and finishing for lasting protection.
Galvanized steel carries a zinc coating that protects it from rust, which is why it is used on fences, gutters, fasteners, trailers and farm structures. When zinc burns during welding it releases fumes that are harmful to breathe, so welding galvanized steel needs good ventilation and respiratory protection.
Best practice is to grind the coating back from the joint before welding, weld with proper ventilation and then repair the coating. Cold galvanizing compound or zinc-rich paint restores protection to the welded area, so the repair does not become a rust spot.
Resists rust for many years.
Ventilation and protection required.
Clean joints weld better.
Zinc-rich paint over welds.
Fences, gates and structures.
We follow ventilation guidance.
Pick a welding process, size your steel or ballpark the cost.
Welding Process PickerPick the metal, thickness and location and see which welding processes suit the job.Try it 
Steel Weight and Material CalculatorEnter a shape and its size and see weight, stock lengths and how much steel to order.Try it 
Welding Cost EstimatorPick a project and a size and get a ballpark planning range.Try it It can be if done carelessly, because zinc fumes are harmful. We use ventilation and respiratory protection and remove coating from the joint.
Bare weld areas can rust unless the coating is repaired. We treat them with zinc-rich paint or compound.
It requires care. We recommend good ventilation, grinding the coating back and wearing proper respiratory protection.
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