Monday, 2 July 2012

Use of Finishes on Fencing, Gates and Rails

BS EN ISO 146 provides a specification concerning the general properties of coatings used and the standards required for the treatment of iron and steel today. These guidelines are produced by the British Standard Institute (BSI) and are essential to be followed in order to protect structures made of these materials. These coatings, also called finishes, provide maximum protection against corrosion after they have been hot dip galvanised.

Structures that often need this treatment include fencing such as bow top, chevron and flat top fences. As well as providing protection, these coatings can improve surface properties of the structure such as adhesion, wet ability, scratch resistance and wear resistance. Aesthetically these coatings can also improve the appearance of the structure using colour or texture.


Bow top fencing is regularly used for parks and children’s play areas. Often used for its security benefits and lack of sharp edges, this type of fencing comes in a variety of styles such as interlaced, bow in bow and bar in bow.  Factory applied polyester powder coated finish can be applied to this fencing, in a wide range of colours that can make the fencing match with the surroundings and be eye catching to passers-by.

Fencing has been around for thousands of years, ever since humans had possessions, land and farms we have had fencing. Ultimately they are used to keep things in or out of a particular space, marking boundaries or for privacy reasons.  Chevron and flat top fencing are popular railing systems that can be suitable for most applications. As an alternative to polyester powder coating, site applied wet painting services are available from a wide variety of companies such as Alpha Rail who offers both procedures following guidelines produced by the BSI.


Finishes can be applied to a wide range of fencing, gates and rails. It is true that fencing and railing systems ultimately need to be strong, robust and safe but that does not mean that they can’t be aesthetically pleasing.

To see designs incorporating colour and shape to communicate ideas visit Alpha Rail today! For enquiries call 01623 750 214.

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