Selecting the correct finish for your fasteners is as crucial as choosing the metal itself. A finish can impact corrosion resistance, installation torque, performance, appearance, and longevity. Here’s an engineered breakdown of the most common finishes we source across our global supplier network, why they matter, and where they’re typically used.
Plain / Self-Color (Uncoated Steel)
A raw steel finish with no plating—sometimes called "self-color." Suitable for indoor, non-corrosive environments or short-term use. Not recommended for outdoor or harsh conditions.
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Black Oxide (Chemical Black / Black Japanned / Bluing)
A thin oxide layer produced chemically (black oxide) or via lacquer (black japanning). Offers mild corrosion resistance, reduces surface reflectivity, and is dimensionally stable.
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Phosphate (Zinc, Iron, or Manganese Phosphate)
A crystalline coating formed via acid solution treatment. Often impregnated with oil or wax. Offers baseline corrosion protection from the oil or wax, good paint adhesion, and negligible hydrogen embrittlement.
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Electro-Zinc (Commercial Zinc Plating)
A sacrificial zinc layer applied by electroplating. Inexpensive and widely available. Effective in mild-to-moderate corrosive conditions, but higher-strength steels risk hydrogen embrittlement unless baking is applied.
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Zinc Nickel Alloy Plating
An alloy plating offering superior corrosion resistance. Good for highly corrosive environments and industrial or automotive usage.
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Hot-Dip Galvanized
Thick zinc coating obtained by dipping parts in molten zinc. Offers robust corrosion protection. Not recommended for small-diameter threads with internal drives.
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Zinc Flake / Non-Electrolytic Zinc-Organic Systems (DIP-SPIN)
An advanced coating combining zinc flake with a thin organic top-coat. Outstanding corrosion resistance, precise friction control, and zero hydrogen embrittlement risk.
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Nickel Plating (including Copper Strike + Nickel)
A dense, metallic coating that improves corrosion resistance and appearance. Common in high-temperature settings.
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Chrome / Hard Chrome Plating
A thin layer of chromium applied by electroplating. Known for aesthetic sheen and abrasion resistance.
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Electro-Brass Plating
A decorative brass layer applied via electroplating. Offers warm appearance and moderate corrosion protection.
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Additional Specialty Coatings
Anodizing: (for aluminum components): Thickened oxide layer for abrasion and corrosion resistance.
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Gold Plating: Provides electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance.
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PTFE / Ceramic or Organic Electrocoats: Used when low friction, lubrication or chemical resistance is required.
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How Field Can Help You Choose
With access to over 900 global suppliers and more than 120,000 SKUs, Field has the scale and engineering insight to recommend finishes that optimize for:
Whether your application demands exterior durability, assembly color match, or high-torque performance with minimal friction variation, our value-added engineering team and VMI programs can help specify the best finish for your application.
Summary of Common Finish Choices:
Looking for help choosing the right fastener finish? Contact Field Fastener’s engineering team today at fieldfastener.com.