The Secret Coating That’s Helping Changing Room Benches Last Longer

When it comes to changing room benches, you’d be forgiven for thinking that all are made equal. What could possibly set one bench out from the rest, I hear you ask? 

Well, as it happens, there’s an undercover world to changing room benches that’s hiding in plain sight; like a superhero who’s dressed to blend in, some changing room benches are invisibly armed to fight against those warm and humid environments. 

How can this be, you cry? Let me explain - it all comes down to the way they’re finished.  

Keep reading to find out exactly what it is that helps certain changing room benches carry out this secret life-extending mission. 

Zinc, the hero that’s protecting steel in changing rooms 

The periodic table is full of wonders, with a variety of elements that have incredible properties. From plutonium that glows in the dark, to oxygen that sustains a large amount of the world we live in, there’s no denying the periodic table is full of natural miracles. 

However, when it comes to changing room benches, there’s one element we’re interested in more than any other – and that’s zinc. 

Zinc has incredible corrosion resistance which makes it the perfect metal to be used in areas of high humidity, like swimming pool and gym changing rooms. However, it doesn’t like to steal the show and, in fact, you’d probably never know it was there if you weren’t looking – the perfect undercover agent.  

To help give steel changing room benches, located in damp spaces, a longer lifespan, zinc is used as a coating. It stands up against high moisture levels, valiantly protecting the steel underneath. 

How does zinc guard changing room benches against corrosion? 

Not all changing room benches have a protective zinc coating; if the bench is intended for use in a dry area, the coating is not as valuable.  

However, for wet area changing room benches, a layer of zinc is the perfect way for business owners to protect their investment and extend the bench’s life. The zinc coating won’t let any moisture get at the steel underneath without putting up a fight. 

So, how does it work? 

When exposed to moisture and air, zinc reacts by forming an oxide film. This oxide film creates a patina on the surface of the metal which acts as a defence against further oxidisation and prevents moisture getting through. As a result, the protective barrier acts as armour for the bench’s structural steel framework underneath. 

Zinc corrodes at least 20 times slower than steel, meaning that the life of a wet area changing room bench that is treated with a zinc coating is significantly longer than one that is not treated. 

Now, that’s what I call a successful undercover mission! 

Changing room benches defended by zinc at Commercial Washrooms 

At Commercial Washrooms, we recognise the importance of supplying our customers with products that are perfectly designed for purpose. 

We stock a range of wet area changing room benches that are finished with a zinc coating, creating strong, long-lasting fixtures that will stand up to the demands of the environment. 

We’ve been in the business of commercial washrooms for over 30 years, and in that time we’ve supplied innumerable companies with quality, long-lasting equipment. 

For more information about our products, or to find out more about our zinc-coated benches, give us a call on 01202 650900 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch!