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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.
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)
Choosing the wrong type of coating—or opting for no coating at all—can significantly reduce mesh performance and lead to premature failure.
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
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
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
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
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
| Coating Type | Corrosion Resistance | Flexibility | UV Resistance | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanised | Moderate to High | Low | Moderate | Outdoor fencing, compost bins |
| PVC Coated | High | High | Moderate | Gardens, pet enclosures, decorative use |
| Stainless Steel | Very High | Medium | Very High | Marine, food, medical |
| Epoxy Coated | High | Low | High | Electronics, HVAC, industrial |
| Powder Coated | High | Medium | High | Decorative, architectural |
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.
To better illustrate the versatility of metal mesh coatings, here are some real-world applications using products from our store:
Green PVC-Coated Steel Mesh is a popular option for garden perimeters.
Resistant to weather and easy to install.
Galvanised Welded Wire Mesh (1/4” Aperture) helps build secure, durable rodent barriers.
Suitable for compost bins, base linings, and more.
Black Epoxy-Coated Mesh is ideal for covering vents while adding aesthetic value.
Often used in electronics and appliances.
To provide a clearer picture of durability across environments, here’s a simple bar graph showing expected coating longevity under outdoor conditions:
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.
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.
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.
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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