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How Different Metal Coatings Affect Mesh Performance

  • Category: Wire Fencing

Metal mesh is a versatile and essential material used in a broad range of applications—from agricultural fencing to architectural design and industrial filtration. The performance and longevity of metal mesh, however, can vary significantly depending on the type of coating applied to its surface. These coatings are more than just cosmetic finishes; they serve a functional role in protecting the mesh from corrosion, environmental wear, and chemical exposure.

This article explores the different types of metal mesh coatings, their performance characteristics, and how to choose the best option for your needs. At The Mesh Company, we offer a wide selection of coated and uncoated meshes to suit both domestic and industrial applications. Read on to discover how coatings can enhance durability, appearance, and suitability for specific environments.

Why Coatings Matter: The Role of Protection

Coating a metal mesh provides an essential layer of protection that influences both its appearance and function. Whether it’s used outdoors, in corrosive environments, or in decorative installations, the coating can:

  • Extend product lifespan

  • Improve corrosion and rust resistance

  • Enhance visual appeal

  • Increase UV and weather resistance

  • Provide electrical or thermal insulation (in specific coatings)

 

Aluminium Insect Screen - 200mm (20cm) Width | Black Epoxy-Coated Aluminium Fly Mesh Roll

Choosing the wrong type of coating—or opting for no coating at all—can significantly reduce mesh performance and lead to premature failure.

Overview of Common Metal Mesh Coatings

1. Galvanised Coating

Galvanisation involves applying a protective layer of zinc to steel or iron. It is one of the most widely used coatings due to its affordability and excellent corrosion resistance.

Benefits:

  • Strong protection against rust

  • Ideal for outdoor use and humid conditions

  • Affordable and long-lasting

✅ Recommended Product: Galvanised Welded Wire Mesh (1/2″ x 1/2″) – Perfect for animal enclosures, compost bins, and fencing applications.

Drawbacks:

  • Can eventually corrode in highly salty or acidic environments

  • May not be suitable for food-grade or medical use

Should I Choose 1/2" (13mm) Hole x 19 Gauge Galvanised Welded Wire Mesh?

2. PVC Coating

A PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coating adds a flexible, plastic-like finish to the metal mesh. This coating is commonly applied over galvanised mesh for additional protection and aesthetic appeal.

Benefits:

  • Available in a variety of colours (green is most common)

  • Weather and UV resistant

  • Adds flexibility and reduces sharp edges

✅ Recommended Product: Green PVC-Coated Garden Mesh – Excellent for garden fencing and decorative enclosures.

Drawbacks:

  • Not suitable for high-temperature environments

  • Can degrade over time with prolonged UV exposure

9mm Hole x 5mm Flat Strand Heavy Duty Blue PVC Lattice Mesh

3. Stainless Steel (Self-Coated)

Although not technically a surface coating, stainless steel achieves corrosion resistance through the inclusion of chromium, which forms a passive film of chromium oxide.

Benefits:

  • Naturally corrosion-resistant

  • Suitable for food, medical, and marine use

  • Low maintenance

✅ Recommended Product: 316 Grade Stainless Steel Mesh – Highly resistant to corrosion, especially in marine or chemical environments.

Drawbacks:

  • More expensive than galvanised or PVC-coated mesh

  • Can be overkill for low-exposure applications

Should I Choose 4mm Hole Heavy Duty Woven Wire Mesh – 304 Stainless Steel?

4. Epoxy Coating

Epoxy coatings are used to enhance chemical resistance and improve electrical insulation. These are often found in specialised industrial applications.

Benefits:

  • High chemical resistance

  • Smooth, clean finish

  • Durable under harsh conditions

✅ Recommended Product: Black Epoxy-Coated Aluminium Mesh – Suitable for electronics shielding or HVAC filtration.

Drawbacks:

  • Less commonly used in general-purpose mesh

  • Limited flexibility in colour and texture

beekeeping mesh

 

5. Powder Coating

Powder coating uses electrostatically applied dry powder, cured under heat to form a durable finish. Though not as common in standard mesh, it’s growing in popularity for custom and architectural designs.

Benefits:

  • Very durable and uniform appearance

  • Wide range of colours available

  • Eco-friendly (contains no solvents)

  •  

Drawbacks:

  • Not as widely stocked in pre-fabricated mesh formats

  • Costlier due to specialised process

bronze powder filter image

Performance Comparison Table

Coating TypeCorrosion ResistanceFlexibilityUV ResistanceTypical Use Cases
GalvanisedModerate to HighLowModerateOutdoor fencing, compost bins
PVC CoatedHighHighModerateGardens, pet enclosures, decorative use
Stainless SteelVery HighMediumVery HighMarine, food, medical
Epoxy CoatedHighLowHighElectronics, HVAC, industrial
Powder CoatedHighMediumHighDecorative, architectural

How to Choose the Right Coating

Should I Choose 4mm Hole Heavy Duty Woven Wire Mesh – 304 Stainless Steel?

Selecting the right metal mesh coatings involves evaluating the environment and demands of your specific application. Consider the following:

  • Exposure to Moisture or Chemicals: Stainless steel or epoxy is ideal.

  • Visual Aesthetics: Choose PVC or powder-coated options.

  • Budget Constraints: Galvanised mesh offers great value.

  • Physical Contact or Safety: PVC is softer to touch and safer for pets and children.

✅ Tip: If you’re unsure, opt for stainless steel mesh, which offers excellent all-round performance and long-term durability.

Practical Examples from The Mesh Company

To better illustrate the versatility of metal mesh coatings, here are some real-world applications using products from our store:

🏡 Garden Fencing

  • Green PVC-Coated Steel Mesh is a popular option for garden perimeters.

  • Resistant to weather and easy to install.

green PVC chicken wire

🧼 Food Processing

  • 304 and 316 Stainless Steel Woven Mesh used in drying racks, strainers, and processing screens.

  • Complies with food hygiene standards.

316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel Woven Wire Mesh | Clearance Stocks

🐀 Pest Control

  • Galvanised Welded Wire Mesh (1/4” Aperture) helps build secure, durable rodent barriers.

  • Suitable for compost bins, base linings, and more.

Top 10 Applications for 1/4" x 0.6mm Galvanised Steel Welded Wire Mesh

💨 Ventilation Grilles

  • Black Epoxy-Coated Mesh is ideal for covering vents while adding aesthetic value.

  • Often used in electronics and appliances.

beekeeping mesh

Coating Performance in Weather Conditions

To provide a clearer picture of durability across environments, here’s a simple bar graph showing expected coating longevity under outdoor conditions:

Coating Longevity (Years of Outdoor Durability)

  • Stainless Steel: 20+ years

  • Epoxy Coated: 15–20 years

  • Powder Coated: 10–15 years

  • PVC Coated: 8–12 years

  • Galvanised: 5–10 years

Note: These estimates vary depending on exposure level and maintenance.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

From an environmental standpoint, metal mesh coatings can influence sustainability. While stainless steel is long-lasting and recyclable, coatings like PVC require more resources to produce and may eventually degrade into microplastics. Powder coating, by contrast, is solvent-free and considered more eco-friendly.

When planning for large-scale use or frequent replacements, considering a coating’s lifecycle impact can make a substantial difference.

50mm chicken wire green PVC vs galvanised steel

Maintenance and Care Tips

cleaning hollander mesh

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your mesh. Here are some simple practices:

  • Clean stainless steel periodically to prevent tea-staining.

  • Inspect galvanised and PVC mesh for rust or cracking.

  • Store unused mesh in dry conditions to prevent coating damage.

  • Use appropriate cleaning agents—avoid harsh chemicals on coated mesh.

Conclusion

The coating you choose can make or break the performance of your mesh installation. From corrosion protection to aesthetics and functionality, metal mesh coatings are a vital consideration in any project. By understanding the properties of each coating type and matching them to your application, you can extend your mesh’s life and reduce future maintenance costs.

At The Mesh Company, we stock a wide range of coated and uncoated mesh materials to suit all types of projects. Whether you’re installing garden fencing, building pest-proof enclosures, or fitting industrial ventilation, we have the right product and expertise to help.

As always, thank you for checking out our blog. We hope that this helps you with your project. We try to launch a couple of new guides every week. Eventually we will have covered everything there is to cover about mesh. 

You may be interested in our blog that explores how to build a chicken coop. 

Our goal for our blogs and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers. 

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