To protect your purchase from the elements, we strongly recommend hot-dip galvanizing. This process provides up to 50 years of rust resistance, ensuring long-term durability for your gates, railings, and other steel products. Hot-dip galvanizing applies a protective coating inside and outside any hollow bars, like box iron, to guard against corrosion. It leaves a silver or gray finish that can either remain as-is or be painted or powder-coated to achieve your desired look. For non-ferrous metals, a special etch primer is required before applying paint or coatings.