Galvanization is the most durable method for protecting metal from rusting. The metal is immersed into a zinc bath which results in a protective layer. If the layer gets damaged the metal under it will start rusting. However any damage can be touched up with some zinc paint available from any DIY store. Galvanized steel has a very long life span and if necessary can perfectly be recycled, thus not burdening the environment.

After the immersion in several cleansing baths, the parts (suspended with wires onto a supporting beam) are carefully lowered into a bath filled with zinc, which has become totally fluid by heating up to 450 C. The metal is immersed until it has reached the same temperature. The tensions produced by the welding in the construction are now released and can reform the whole construction: the Gargantua table is inevitably subject to this because of its construction. After cooling, all gutter swellings are tidied up manually.

A perfect layer of galvanization has a minimum thickness of 80 microns. The cohesion of the layers, however, is more important. If the appropriate metal and the correct process are applied, there is a transitional zone where the zinc mingles with the metal through annealing. This provides a perfect cohesion. The product life depends on the ambient factors. We distinguish 4 types in the order of aggressiveness: maritime, industrial, urban and rural. Mechanical causes can damage the zinc layer in some places. If rust should appear locally because of this, these parts should be treated with zinc paint, which mainly consists of pure zinc.

Galvanisation or thermal coating with zinc is the most durable way of protecting metal against rusting. If the zinc coating is damaged, the exposed metal can rust. This can easily be touched up with zinc paint that automatically has the same colour and is generally available in shops.