From zinc plating to black oxide and galvanising, Horizon Inc explains the most common surface finishes for fasteners and how to choose the right one for your application.
Understanding Surface Finishes for Fasteners: Types, Benefits & Applications
When it comes to selecting fasteners for your project, it’s not just about the type, size, or material — the surface finish matters just as much. Fastener finishes impact corrosion resistance, appearance, electrical conductivity, and even assembly performance.
At Horizon Inc, we supply fasteners with a variety of industrial-grade surface treatments tailored to specific environments and applications. In this blog, we’ll take you through the most widely used fastener finishes, their benefits, and where they’re best applied.
📌 Why Fastener Finishes Are Important
✔ Prevent rust and corrosion in humid, coastal, or outdoor environments
✔ Enhance aesthetic appearance in furniture and appliances
✔ Improve lubricity for smoother installation and controlled torque
✔ Provide electrical insulation or conductivity where needed
✔ Increase wear resistance in high-friction assemblies
📌 Common Types of Surface Finishes for Fasteners
🔹 Zinc Plating (White/Blue/Yellow/Black Passivation)
A thin coating of zinc applied by electroplating to protect against corrosion.
Passivation options:
- White/Blue Zinc: Common, economical, medium corrosion resistance
- Yellow Zinc: Better corrosion resistance, used in automotive and industrial assemblies
- Black Zinc: For decorative or low-glare industrial use
Applications: Sheet metal, appliances, furniture, automotive parts.
🔹 Hot-Dip Galvanizing (HDG)
A heavy zinc coating formed by dipping fasteners in molten zinc. Superior corrosion protection, especially for outdoor and marine applications.
Applications: PEB structures, telecom towers, bridges, fencing systems.
🔹 Dacromet® / Geomet® Coating
Non-electrolytic, water-based coatings combining zinc and aluminum flakes. Known for exceptional corrosion resistance, even in salt spray conditions, without hydrogen embrittlement.
Applications: Automotive, solar structures, heavy construction.
🔹 Black Oxide
A chemical conversion coating giving fasteners a black finish and mild corrosion resistance. Typically combined with oil for improved durability.
Applications: Indoor, decorative fittings, control panels, tools.
🔹 Nickel Plating
A bright, corrosion-resistant finish often used for decorative purposes and moderate protection.
Applications: Furniture fittings, hardware, bathroom accessories.
🔹 Phosphate Coating (Zinc or Manganese)
Provides mild corrosion resistance and good paint adhesion. Often used with lubricants for better torque control.
Applications: Automotive, electrical panels, industrial machinery.
🔹 Chrome Plating
A bright, mirror-like finish applied over nickel plating for superior appearance and corrosion protection.
Applications: Decorative hardware, furniture, appliances.
🔹 Stainless Steel (Natural Finish)
Often no additional coating required due to inherent corrosion resistance. Can be polished, pickled, or passivated to enhance surface durability.
Applications: Marine hardware, food processing, medical equipment.
📌 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fastener Finish
✔ Environment (indoor, outdoor, marine, chemical exposure)
✔ Required corrosion resistance level
✔ Appearance and aesthetics
✔ Lubricity and torque control needs
✔ Electrical conductivity or insulation
✔ Cost vs performance expectations
📌 Why Source Fasteners with the Right Finish from Horizon Inc
✔ Complete range of finishes: zinc plating, galvanizing, Geomet, Dacromet, black oxide, nickel, phosphate
✔ Quality-tested finishes with salt spray and adhesion reports on request
✔ Fasteners ready for critical applications: PEB, automotive, solar, electronics, furniture
✔ Custom coating options for special projects
📌 Final Word
The right surface finish extends fastener life, improves performance, and ensures assembly reliability. At Horizon Inc, we help customers choose fasteners with finishes best suited to their environment, industry, and budget — delivering better value and product safety.
📌 Connect With Us
For corrosion-resistant, industrial-grade fasteners with high-quality surface finishes:
📞 Call: 080-41179152
📱 WhatsApp: +91 9916777262
✉️ Email: sales@horizonincindia.com
🌐 Visit: www.horizonincindia.com