When shopping for site fence panels, many customers get confused by terms like galvanized and hot-dipped galvanized. They both sound similar—and both have that classic silver finish—but they’re not the same thing. Knowing the difference can help you choose the right panels for your site, protect your investment, and avoid costly mistakes.
Let’s break it down.
🔧 What Does “Galvanized” Really Mean?
Galvanizing is a process where steel is coated with zinc to prevent it from rusting. Zinc is a corrosion-resistant metal, so it acts like a protective shield for the steel underneath.
This coating gives the fence panel its recognizable silver color and protects it from moisture, air, and the elements. But there’s a catch: once a panel is welded, the heat from welding burns off the zinc in that area—leaving the spot exposed to rust. That’s why manufacturers or installers typically apply zinc-based spray paint on welded joints to restore that protective layer.
If a panel is galvanized but has no other coating on top—no color or extra finish—it’s called a “bare” panel. While it may look fine at first, bare galvanized panels left exposed to weather will eventually start to discolor, rust, and look aged.
At Olivec, we never recommend using bare panels for long-term site applications. The performance and appearance just don’t hold up.
💡 What Is Hot-Dipped Galvanized?
Hot-Dipped Galvanized (HDG) is a more advanced, premium-grade version of galvanizing. In this process, the entire panel is dipped into molten zinc, which creates a thick, bonded coating that’s far more durable than basic galvanizing.
This method leaves a silver finish with a unique flake texture—a signature look of HDG panels. But here’s something most people don’t know: the size and appearance of the flakes matter.
- If the flake is large and uneven, it usually means the zinc used was impure.
- High-quality zinc produces a smoother, more uniform flake pattern, which not only looks better but also performs better in harsh conditions.
Our most demanding clients—especially in industrial or coastal environments—prefer hot-dipped galvanized site fence panels for their long-lasting protection and clean, high-end look.
🎨 What About Powder-Coated or PVC Panels?
This is where many customers get confused. Some think that if a fence panel is painted, it’s not galvanized—but that’s not true.
At Olivec, all our site fence panels are galvanized first, and then finished with either powder coating or PVC coating. These coatings go on top of the galvanized layer to provide extra weather resistance and allow for color customization.
So, if you’re looking for silver fence panels, we can offer:
- Powder-coated panels in silver, which are galvanized underneath and have a clean, uniform color finish.
- Hot-dipped galvanized panels, which are silver by nature and offer the highest level of corrosion protection.
✅ So What Should You Choose for your site fencing?
Ask yourself:
➡️ Do I just want a silver color?
➡️ Or do I want the premium hot-dipped galvanized finish?
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Type | Process | Look | Durability | Cost |
| Bare Galvanized | Zinc-coated steel | Dull silver, exposed welds | Basic | $ |
| Powder-Coated Silver | Galvanized + color finish | Smooth, clean silver | Excellent | $$ |
| Hot-Dipped Galvanized | Immersion in molten zinc | Flaky silver texture | Premium-grade | $$$ |
💡 Remember: Powder-coated silver panels often look better and last longer than bare galvanized ones—and they maintain a more professional appearance on your site.
🏗️ Why It Matters for Site Fence Panels
Site fence panels need to stand up to weather, wear, and time. Choosing the right coating is key to ensuring you’re not constantly replacing or touching up rusted panels.
At Olivec Canada, quality comes first. All our panels start with proper galvanizing—and from there, we help you choose the right coating for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a professional silver finish or the highest level of rust protection, we’ve got the right panel for your job.
📩 Not sure what’s best for your site? Reach out to our team—we’ll guide you through it.
