Metallic Zinc Coated Pipe

First adopted in Europe and increasingly standardized across the United States, zinc metallizing has become a trusted solution for municipalities and water works seeking durable, cost-effective external corrosion control.

Metallic zinc coating is thermally applied using either arc spray or flame spray processes. In both methods, high-purity zinc wire is melted and atomized into fine droplets that bond to the pipe surface, forming a continuous, active protective layer. The arc spray process melts zinc wires using electrical energy, while flame spray uses high-temperature combustion. In each case, molten zinc is propelled onto the pipe with clean compressed air, creating an inner coating of approximately 200 g/m² of pure metallic zinc beneath an asphaltic topcoat.

This zinc layer provides uniform cathodic protection across the pipe surface, actively protecting the iron even if minor coating damage occurs. In many environments, zinc coatings can “self-heal,” further enhancing long-term reliability. Importantly, zinc metallizing is compatible with standard joint tolerances and requires no special handling, installation practices, or accommodations for field cuts, tapping saddles, or corporation stops.

Decades of global research confirm that metallic zinc coating with a topcoat—and enhanced polyethylene encasement—are among the most economical and effective corrosion protection methods available. In especially aggressive environments, studies in Europe and the U.S. show that combining arc-sprayed zinc coating with polyethylene encasement creates a synergistic system, delivering superior protection where single methods may fall short.

Backed by over 25 years of experience supplying zinc-coated pipe, U.S. Pipe offers a comprehensive, standards-compliant solution for long-term corrosion protection and infrastructure confidence.