{"id":42019,"date":"2026-08-12T16:57:50","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T20:57:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/?p=42019"},"modified":"2026-08-18T16:14:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T20:14:59","slug":"fastener-coating-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/fastener-coating-types\/","title":{"rendered":"Fastener Coating Types Explained: Zinc, Galvanized, Stainless, WAR\u00ae, and Strong-Shield\u00ae"},"content":{"rendered":"<section  class='av_textblock_section av-msrjbuju-0b2c1860e8adc997d8c766cc532431d5'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>Fastener Coating Types Explained: Zinc, Galvanized, Stainless, and WAR Coating<\/h2>\n<p>Choosing the best fastener coating types starts with understanding where the fastener will be used and what it will be exposed to. Moisture, chemicals, treated lumber, salt, temperature changes, and other environmental conditions can all accelerate corrosion and shorten the service life of a fastener.<\/p>\n<p>That is why selecting the right fastener is about more than size, strength, and thread type. The material and protective finish can be just as important.<\/p>\n<p>From zinc and galvanized finishes to stainless steel and specialized options like Intercorp\u2019s WAR\u00ae and Strong-Shield\u00ae coatings, understanding the differences can help contractors and distributors choose fasteners that are better suited to the job.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='av_promobox av-mqs5snbh-33417efab724e4637f69e8c56350f5fe avia-button-yes  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '><div class='avia-promocontent'><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"989\" data-end=\"1045\"><strong data-start=\"989\" data-end=\"1045\">Find the Right Fastener Coating for Your Application<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Answer 6 quick questions about your environment, materials, and exposure conditions to see which coating may be the best fit.<\/p>\n<\/div><div  class='avia-button-wrap av-mqs5snbh-7e84f9299113f67bd90081b6c9af9003-wrap avia-button-right ' ><a href='#tool'  class='avia-button av-mqs5snbh-7e84f9299113f67bd90081b6c9af9003 avia-icon_select-no avia-size-small avia-position-right avia-color-theme-color' ><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Find the Right Fastener Coating \u2192<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-msrj9827-22f56495901b6b17cda325413bc7230a'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>What Is the Best Fastener Coatings?<\/h2>\n<p>The best fastener coatings depends on the environment, substrate, expected corrosion exposure, and application requirements<strong>.<\/strong> A fastener used indoors in a dry environment may require far less corrosion protection than one exposed to rain, treated lumber, chemicals, or changing outdoor conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Common options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Zinc plating<\/strong> for general-purpose corrosion protection<\/li>\n<li><strong>Galvanized fasteners<\/strong> for increased protection in exterior environments<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stainless steel fasteners<\/strong> for applications where strong inherent corrosion resistance is required<\/li>\n<li><strong>WAR\u00ae coated fasteners<\/strong> for demanding outdoor and treated-lumber applications requiring enhanced corrosion protection<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strong-Shield\u00ae coated fasteners<\/strong> for highly corrosive outdoor applications where additional rust and acid-rain protection may be beneficial<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There is no single finish that is best for every project. Instead, the goal is to match the fastener&#8217;s corrosion resistance to the conditions it will face.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-uvtljm-1ae8e7ba1036b26d414beb0507301d8f\">\n.flex_column.av-uvtljm-1ae8e7ba1036b26d414beb0507301d8f{\n-webkit-border-radius:5px 5px 5px 5px;\n-moz-border-radius:5px 5px 5px 5px;\nborder-radius:5px 5px 5px 5px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-uvtljm-1ae8e7ba1036b26d414beb0507301d8f av_one_full  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding column-top-margin'     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-msrj6ftc-3014cf9dcea2d833846e801d55e1d56f'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h4 id=\"tool\">Find The Right Fastener Coating<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jpbhfuvf-6739b3868177eea0b97c3995492925da'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>Why Do Fastener Coatings Matter?<\/h2>\n<p>Fastener coatings create a protective barrier that helps slow corrosion and protect the underlying metal. Selecting the appropriate coating can improve durability, reduce premature fastener deterioration, and help maintain connection performance.<\/p>\n<p>Corrosion occurs when metals react with their surrounding environment. Water, oxygen, salts, chemicals, and contact between dissimilar metals can accelerate that reaction.<\/p>\n<p>This becomes particularly important in construction applications involving:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Exterior framing<\/li>\n<li>Roofing<\/li>\n<li>Decking<\/li>\n<li>Treated lumber<\/li>\n<li>Moist environments<\/li>\n<li>Agricultural structures<\/li>\n<li>Coastal environments<\/li>\n<li>Industrial facilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>ASTM F1941\/F1941M specifically addresses electrodeposited coatings for mechanical fasteners, including coating thickness and corrosion-resistance requirements.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding the different <strong>fastener coating types<\/strong> allows contractors to select products based on actual exposure rather than simply choosing whatever fastener is available.<\/p>\n<h3>Zinc-Coated Fasteners<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Zinc coating is one of the most common ways to provide economical corrosion protection for steel fasteners. The zinc layer helps protect the underlying steel by acting as a sacrificial material that corrodes before the steel beneath it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Electroplated zinc coatings are widely used for screws, nuts, bolts, and other threaded fasteners. ASTM notes that electrodeposited zinc coatings are applied to iron and steel specifically to protect those materials from corrosion.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Zinc-coated fasteners are generally well suited for:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Interior construction<\/li>\n<li>Dry environments<\/li>\n<li>Light-duty applications<\/li>\n<li>Applications with limited moisture exposure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">However, standard zinc plating may not provide enough protection for prolonged outdoor or highly corrosive exposure.<\/p>\n<p>Intercorp\u2019s Strong-Point\u00ae technical documentation includes screws manufactured with electroplated zinc or phosphate coatings that meet specified corrosion-resistance requirements under ASTM F1941.<\/p>\n<h3>Galvanized Fasteners<\/h3>\n<p>Galvanized fasteners use a thicker zinc-based protective layer and are commonly selected for applications requiring greater corrosion protection than conventional zinc plating.<\/p>\n<p>Hot-dip galvanizing involves coating steel with zinc to create both barrier and sacrificial corrosion protection. The American Galvanizers Association notes that the zinc coating preferentially corrodes to protect the underlying steel, including small exposed areas caused by mechanical damage.<\/p>\n<p>Because of this additional protection, galvanized fasteners are commonly considered for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outdoor construction<\/li>\n<li>Decks and fences<\/li>\n<li>Exterior structures<\/li>\n<li>High-moisture environments<\/li>\n<li>Certain treated-lumber applications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The exact fastener still needs to be matched to the material being connected and the environmental conditions involved.<\/p>\n<h3>Stainless Steel Fasteners<\/h3>\n<p>Stainless steel fasteners provide corrosion resistance through the composition of the metal itself rather than through an applied protective coating. Although stainless steel technically isn&#8217;t a fastener coating, it is frequently compared with coated carbon-steel fasteners when contractors evaluate corrosion-resistant options.<\/p>\n<p>Stainless steel fasteners can be an excellent solution for demanding applications, particularly where moisture or corrosive exposure is a major concern.<\/p>\n<p>Common applications include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Coastal construction<\/li>\n<li>High-moisture environments<\/li>\n<li>Exterior applications<\/li>\n<li>Food-processing environments<\/li>\n<li>Certain chemical environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Different stainless alloys provide different levels of corrosion resistance, so specifying simply \u201cstainless\u201d does not always provide enough information. The application should determine the appropriate grade and fastener.<\/p>\n<p>Stainless steel may also carry a higher material cost than many coated carbon-steel alternatives, making the required level of corrosion resistance an important part of the purchasing decision.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is WAR\u00ae Coating?<\/h2>\n<p>WAR\u00ae is Intercorp&#8217;s high-performance coating option designed to provide enhanced corrosion protection for demanding construction applications.<\/p>\n<p>Intercorp&#8217;s current product catalog specifies <strong>1,000-hour\/ACQ-compatible WAR\u00ae coating<\/strong> on Strong Timber\u2122 structural fasteners designed for interior and exterior wood-to-wood connections.<\/p>\n<p>This makes WAR\u00ae especially relevant when selecting fasteners for applications where conventional finishes may not provide the desired level of environmental protection.<\/p>\n<p>Potential applications include construction involving:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Exterior exposure<\/li>\n<li>Moisture<\/li>\n<li>Pressure-treated wood<\/li>\n<li>Structural wood connections<\/li>\n<li>Other corrosion-demanding environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For contractors, the advantage is straightforward: high-performance corrosion resistant fastener coatings\u00a0can provide another option between standard finishes and alternative fastener materials.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is Strong-Shield\u00ae Coating?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Strong-Shield\u00ae is Intercorp\u2019s high-performance corrosion-resistant coating designed for demanding outdoor applications, including environments where rust and acidic exposure are concerns.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Like WAR\u00ae, Strong-Shield\u00ae is designed for highly corrosive outdoor applications and provides <strong>more than 1,000 hours of salt-spray resistance<\/strong>. It is also compatible with <strong>ACQ-treated lumber<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Strong-Shield\u00ae adds another important performance characteristic: <strong>rust and acid-rain protection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Intercorp\u2019s technical documentation also identifies Strong-Shield\u00ae with a <strong>15-cycle Kesternich rating<\/strong>, a corrosion test used to evaluate performance in sulfur-dioxide-containing environments.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The Strong-Shield\u00ae coating system consists of multiple protective layers designed to help prevent fastener corrosion, including a metallic zinc layer, passivation, a functional nano-coating sealer, and an anti-corrosion chemical conversion film.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Strong-Shield\u00ae can be particularly relevant for applications involving:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Outdoor weather exposure<\/li>\n<li>Highly corrosive environments<\/li>\n<li>Roofing and siding<\/li>\n<li>Moisture<\/li>\n<li>ACQ and other treated lumber<\/li>\n<li>Environments subject to acidic precipitation or similar corrosive conditions<\/li>\n<li>Metal-to-wood and certain metal-to-metal applications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For projects where corrosion protection must extend beyond ordinary moisture exposure, Strong-Shield\u00ae provides another specialized option within Intercorp\u2019s Strong-Point\u00ae fastener line.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-msqjs37n-bbe68364b536440ec5a50b3f723a514f'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>WAR\u00ae vs. Strong-Shield\u00ae Coating<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">WAR\u00ae and Strong-Shield\u00ae are both high-performance Intercorp coating options designed for demanding construction environments, but they should not necessarily be treated as interchangeable.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Feature<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>WAR\u00ae<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Strong-Shield\u00ae<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Salt-spray resistance<\/td>\n<td>1,000 hours<\/td>\n<td>Exceeds 1,000 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Outdoor use<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Highly corrosive applications<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ACQ compatible<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Acid-rain protection<\/td>\n<td>Not specifically identified<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kesternich testing<\/td>\n<td>Not identified<\/td>\n<td>15 cycles<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Typical consideration<\/td>\n<td>Exterior and treated-lumber applications<\/td>\n<td>Highly corrosive, acidic, roofing, siding, and treated-lumber applications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The main differentiator is that <strong>Strong-Shield\u00ae specifically adds documented rust\/acid-rain protection and Kesternich performance<\/strong>, making it particularly worth considering where atmospheric or acidic corrosion may be a concern.<\/p>\n<p>The appropriate coating should still be selected based on the specific fastener, substrate, exposure conditions, and project requirements.<\/p>\n<h2>Zinc vs. Galvanized vs. Stainless vs. WAR\u00ae vs. Strong-Shield\u00ae<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The right choice depends primarily on exposure conditions and the materials being fastened.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Option<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Corrosion Protection<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Typical Application<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Best For<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Zinc<\/td>\n<td>General<\/td>\n<td>Interior<\/td>\n<td>Dry indoor use<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Galvanized<\/td>\n<td>Enhanced<\/td>\n<td>Exterior<\/td>\n<td>Moderate moisture exposure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Stainless<\/td>\n<td>High<\/td>\n<td>Coastal \/ wet<\/td>\n<td>Severe corrosion exposure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>WAR\u00ae<\/td>\n<td>High-performance<\/td>\n<td>Exterior \/ treated lumber<\/td>\n<td>Demanding outdoor and structural applications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Strong-Shield\u00ae<\/td>\n<td>High-performance + acid-rain protection<\/td>\n<td>Exterior \/ roofing \/ siding \/ treated lumber<\/td>\n<td>Highly corrosive or acidic environments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Corrosion resistance should not be evaluated by coating name alone. Coating thickness, application method, substrate, installation conditions, environmental exposure, and testing standards can all affect performance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Salt-spray testing is one method commonly used to evaluate coating corrosion performance under controlled conditions. Testing hours can be useful when comparing products, but they should be considered alongside the actual intended application rather than treated as a direct prediction of real-world service life.<\/p>\n<p>Strong-Shield\u00ae also carries a 15-cycle Kesternich rating, providing an additional performance measurement relevant to corrosive atmospheric conditions.<\/p>\n<h2>How Does Treated Lumber Affect Fastener Selection?<\/h2>\n<p>Pressure-treated lumber can create a more corrosive environment for metal fasteners, making material and coating compatibility especially important.<\/p>\n<p>Modern wood preservatives can interact with metal hardware differently than untreated lumber. For this reason, contractors should verify that a fastener is approved or designed for use with the specific treated material involved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Intercorp identifies both <strong>WAR\u00ae and Strong-Shield\u00ae coating options as ACQ compatible<\/strong>, providing corrosion-resistant options for appropriate treated-lumber applications.<\/p>\n<p>Certain Strong-Shield\u00ae products are also identified as compatible with <strong>pressure-treated and fire-treated lumber<\/strong>, depending on the specific fastener.<\/p>\n<p>Fastener compatibility should always be considered alongside load requirements, connection design, and installation specifications.<\/p>\n<h2>How Do You Choose the Right Fastener Coating?<\/h2>\n<p>Start with the environment and application, then select the level of corrosion resistance required. Choosing the best fastener only by price can result in a product that is poorly matched to its operating conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Consider these questions:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Will the fastener be indoors or outdoors?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Will it experience regular moisture exposure?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Is pressure-treated lumber involved?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Will the connection be exposed to chemicals or salts?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Could dissimilar metals create <a href=\"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/galvanic-corrosion-chart\/\">galvanic corrosion<\/a>?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>What corrosion testing or specifications does the project require?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Does the application require a particular fastener material or coating?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The answers help determine whether standard zinc, galvanized steel, stainless steel, WAR\u00ae, Strong-Shield\u00ae, or another specialized coating is the better fit.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='hr av-uat5tv-0a9614fa58d77f714ea79ce1d9a76e31 hr-default  avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-msqk32ue-ea8b1aebfc0436df33af8dd851746455'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>Find the Right Corrosion-Resistant Fastener for the Job<\/h2>\n<p>The best coating for fasteners is the one engineered for the conditions the connection will actually face. Indoor construction, exterior framing, treated lumber, industrial environments, and moisture exposure can require very different levels of protection.<\/p>\n<p>Intercorp offers Strong-Point\u00ae fasteners for a wide range of construction applications, including products with corrosion-resistant coating options such as WAR\u00ae and Strong-Shield\u00ae.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of treating fastener coatings as an afterthought, choose the fastener, material, and finish together. The right combination can provide greater durability, better compatibility, and more reliable performance in demanding applications.<\/p>\n<p>Explore Intercorp\u2019s Strong-Point\u00ae fastener solutions to find the right product and coating for your next application.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='av_promobox av-wpdl57-01106e6530696249be4662bda92d3f75 avia-button-yes  avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last '><div class='avia-promocontent'><p>\n<strong data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"760\">Still need help choosing the right fastener?<\/strong><br data-start=\"760\" data-end=\"763\" \/>Tell us about the application, materials, and exposure conditions, and the Intercorp team can help identify the appropriate Strong-Point\u00ae fastener and coating for the job.<\/p>\n<\/div><div  class='avia-button-wrap av-wpdl57-f50a87bd466ac3e3ff59114cc24039bd-wrap avia-button-right ' ><a href='https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/contact-us\/'  class='avia-button av-wpdl57-f50a87bd466ac3e3ff59114cc24039bd avia-icon_select-no avia-size-medium avia-position-right avia-color-theme-color' ><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Request a Recommendation<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":39263,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-42019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42019"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42053,"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42019\/revisions\/42053"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42019"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intercorpusa.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}