For the protective zinc coating to last long, adhere firmly, and remain defect-free, proper preparation is essential. At the First Ukrainian Zinc Plant, this stage begins with abrasive blasting. Abrasive blasting is a key part of the hot-dip galvanizing process—without it, no part will receive proper corrosion protection.
Why clean metal before galvanizing?
Zinc won’t adhere to rust, dirt, or paint residues. If all foreign layers aren’t removed, the coating will peel and lose adhesion to the base. That’s why before immersion in molten zinc, each product is treated with a powerful stream of fine abrasive material.
This method allows to:
- remove scale, corrosion, and oil stains;
- even out the surface and make it rough — for better adhesion with zinc;
- ensure uniform application of the protective layer.
All of this is critically important, especially for large metal structures, pipes, trusses, and beams that will operate in aggressive environments.
Many people confuse abrasive blasting with sandblasting because the idea is similar — metal cleaning under pressure. But in our case, we use abrasive (shot) blasting: it’s more precise, removes rust better, and doesn’t damage the metal. It’s simply a reliable way to prepare the surface for galvanizing.
The abrasive blasting process at our facility: how it works
After accepting the parts at the plant, we assess the degree of contamination, choose the type and size of shot (steel or mineral), and set the required parameters. The process is fully automated: the equipment treats the surface evenly from all sides.
The most important thing is precise control. Our specialists ensure that no area is left untreated, as even a small spot can ruin the result of subsequent galvanizing.
Why is abrasive blasting mandatory?
Without this step, hot-dip galvanizing will be ineffective. Zinc simply won’t “grip” the surface. Moreover, the roughness created by shot blasting acts as an “anchor” layer, allowing the zinc coating to penetrate deeper and form a reliable barrier against moisture, chemicals, and UV rays.
This is especially important for:
- Outdoor structures;
- Metal that will be underground or underwater;
- Products operating under load.
Where we work and what we guarantee
The First Ukrainian Zinc Plant is located in the city of Stryi, Lviv region. The plant serves the needs of companies from 16 regions of Ukraine and works with both small manufacturers and globally known enterprises.
Our hot-dip galvanizing plant is certified under ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 1461:2022, which confirms the quality of our processes and compliance with European standards.
Ready to get started?
Do you have a metal structure that needs galvanizing? Send us a drawing, photo, or just describe the item — we’ll provide expert advice, estimate the timeline, and give you a quote.
Remember: zinc holds where the preparation is right. Don’t cut corners on the first step if you want long-lasting protection!