Finish
The surface treatment or coating applied to the screw.
1000 Hr Coat
This finish has been salt spray tested for up to 1000 hours corrosion resistance in a standardized salt spray test. This 1000 hour benchmark is a very high rating in this method.
Black Oxide
An extremely thin attractive finish with minimal corrosion resistance. This coating reduces galling, improves lubrication of mating parts and reduces glare. This finish looks great when trying to achieve a stylish or "high-tech" look on exposed fastener heads.
Black Zinc
Provides mild corrosion resistance and a black finish. It is thicker than a Black Oxide finish, so on tight fitting parts be wary of this finish. If a stylish finish is required as well as corrosion protection this is a good option.
Climacoat™
This multi-layer electroplated finish features a tough film for good corrosion resistance. It is also designed to resist surface chipping and marring. This coating is approved for use with ACQ lumber.
Climaseal®
This finish starts with a mechanically plated zinc base layer. Next a thermosetting polyester coat is applied over this initial layer in multiple coats. This finish is very resistant to moisture and corrosion.
EcoGuard®
<p>This finish provides some of the highest corrosion resistance. It has been tested at a minimum of 1000 hours in the salt spray test for corrosion, eliminates hydrogen embrittlement, and is free of toxic metals. This a great corrosion resistant environmentally friendly finish.</p>
Epoxy
This coating is often used as a base layer for another metal coating to be applied on top. Epoxy has good abrasion resistance and very good corrosion resistance as well. It also provides resistance to chemical corrosion.
Gray Spex™
<p>This electroplated gray organic coating is applied with uniform thickness and has good abrasion resistance as well as corrosion resistance.</p>
Plain
Nothing has been done to this bare metal surface to improve appearance or corrosion resistance, which is very low if the material is steel. Often the surface has been oiled which improves lubricity. This finish is susceptible to rusting and corrosion in exterior environments. This most basic finish can be used when protection is not an issue or indoors.
Stalgard®
This chrome-free finish starts with a primary coating of zinc and increases corrosion resistance by adding a secondary aluminum organic coat. This dual approach offers great resistance to environmental and galvanic corrosion.
Zinc
This finish, also know as zinc plating, zinc chromate or dichromate provides good corrosion resistance and is the standard for many hardware fasteners. It is an electroplated zinc layer covered with a chromate post-treatment. The zinc protects the steel from corrosion and the chromate layer protects the zinc from degrading. It is a popular finish because of its protection, value, and ease of coating. Slightly less corrosion resistant than yellow zinc, it is a versatile finish that is best used indoors. This finish should not be used in marine or high salt spray environments.
