The finish of a wire shelf, basket, divider, grid or hanger affects much more than its appearance. It can influence corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, mechanical durability, dimensional fit and the service life of the finished component.
Powder coating, polyethylene coating, zinc plating, chrome plating and AISI 304 stainless steel should not be treated as interchangeable options. Even two components with the same geometry and a similar black appearance may perform differently in refrigeration equipment or a retail display.
There is no single finish suitable for every application. The right choice depends on actual operating conditions, technical requirements and the expected visual effect.
What determines the choice of finish?
Before selecting a finish, it is worth defining:
- operating temperature,
- exposure to moisture and condensation,
- frequency and method of cleaning,
- cleaning chemicals used,
- risk of impact and abrasion,
- direct or indirect contact with food,
- expected colour, gloss level and texture,
- critical mounting dimensions,
- required service life,
- whether the component must match existing equipment.
In a dry retail environment, appearance may be the main consideration. In commercial refrigeration, the decision is more likely to be influenced by condensation, temperature changes, cleaning cycles and mechanical wear.
Quick comparison of available finishes
| Finish or material | Main advantages | What needs to be checked? | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder coating | Wide range of colours and textures, repeatable appearance | Surface preparation, coating system, curing and operating environment | Visible retail components, shelves, dividers and grids |
| Polyethylene coating – PE | Thick, flexible protective layer and good coverage of wires and welded joints | Mounting tolerances, coating thickness and available colours | Refrigeration shelves and baskets exposed to moisture and intensive use |
| Zinc plating | Relatively thin metallic protection and technical appearance | Layer thickness, passivation and operating environment | Technical components and less visible mounting parts |
| Chrome plating | Bright, decorative metallic appearance | Complete electroplating system, humidity and expected service life | Retail hangers, grids and display accessories |
| AISI 304 stainless steel | Corrosion resistance results from the material itself | Cleaning chemicals, surface treatment and cost | Frequently cleaned components and demanding humid environments |
The table provides general guidance only. The final decision should always be based on the complete technical specification and actual conditions of use.
Surface appearance also needs to be specified
The name of a coating technology does not fully define the appearance of the finished component.
The specification should also include:
- the required RAL colour or a physical colour reference,
- gloss level: matt, satin or gloss,
- smooth or textured surface,
- expected metallic effect,
- whether the component must match existing parts.
Coating thickness is also important. A thicker layer on hooks, mounting points or sliding connections can affect fit. This is particularly important when reproducing replacement components.
Powder coating for wire components
In a standard powder-coating process, powder paint is applied electrostatically to a prepared metal surface and then cured in an oven.
Main advantages
- wide selection of colours,
- matt, satin or gloss appearance,
- smooth and textured surfaces,
- repeatable and aesthetically consistent finish,
- suitability for visible retail components,
- possibility of matching the component to the equipment housing.
What needs to be considered?
The resistance of the finished component does not depend on paint colour alone. It is also affected by:
- surface preparation,
- type of coating system,
- coating thickness and continuity,
- product geometry,
- curing parameters,
- operating conditions.
Powder coating is often a suitable choice for displays, dividers, grids and shelves used in dry indoor environments. It may also be used in refrigeration if the complete coating system is selected according to moisture, temperature and cleaning requirements.
A specification stating only “black powder-coated steel” does not define the corrosion resistance of the finished product.
Polyethylene coating – PE
PE coating is a thermoplastic layer applied to a prepared metal component. For wire products, it can be applied using a fluidised-bed dip-coating process.
In this article, polyethylene coating is distinguished from standard thermosetting powder coating. Both processes use material in powder form, but they create coatings with different characteristics.
Main advantages of PE coating
- flexible protective layer,
- good coverage of wires and welded joints,
- impact and abrasion resistance depending on the selected system,
- softer and less metallic surface feel,
- suitability for low-temperature applications when the correct material is selected,
- usefulness for baskets and shelves exposed to moisture and intensive handling.
What needs to be considered?
PE coating is generally thicker than standard powder coating. This can be important for:
- tight mounting connections,
- sliding hooks,
- hinges,
- mounting holes,
- components working with rails or guides.
The range of colours and textures may be more limited than with powder paints. Specific properties depend on the selected polyethylene material and the parameters of the complete process. Identical performance should therefore not be assumed for every PE coating.
Electrolytic zinc plating
During electrolytic zinc plating, a layer of zinc is deposited on the surface of a steel component. It provides metallic protection while maintaining a more technical appearance.
When should zinc plating be considered?
- for technical equipment components,
- when a relatively thin coating is required,
- when a specific RAL colour is not necessary,
- for components located outside the main display area,
- when maintaining the dimensions of hooks and mounting points is important.
The resistance of zinc plating depends, among other factors, on layer thickness, passivation, component design and the operating environment.
Zinc plating should not automatically be treated as a decorative surface equivalent to chrome. Its appearance may change over time, particularly in the presence of moisture. Before selecting it, it is necessary to decide whether technical protection or a repeatable visual effect is more important.
Chrome plating for wire components
Chrome plating is selected primarily when a bright, glossy and decorative metallic appearance is required. It is characteristic of traditional retail display systems, hangers, grids and store accessories.
Advantages of chrome plating
- high-gloss finish,
- decorative metallic appearance,
- hard surface,
- visual compatibility with traditional retail systems,
- an effect that cannot be achieved with standard zinc plating.
Chrome plating does not, however, provide complete resistance to every environment. Durability depends on the entire electroplating system, preparation of the substrate, surface quality and conditions of use.
In humid refrigeration environments, the decision to use chrome plating should be preceded by an assessment of the working conditions and expected service life.
AISI 304 stainless steel – a material, not a coating
Stainless steel is not a layer applied over standard carbon steel. Its corrosion resistance results from its chemical composition and the passive layer that forms on its surface.
This means that scratching the surface does not expose carbon steel hidden under a coating. It does not mean, however, that every stainless steel grade is resistant to all chemicals and operating environments.
When should AISI 304 be considered?
- when components are cleaned frequently,
- in environments with increased humidity,
- when a hygienic metallic appearance is required,
- when damage to an additional coating would be particularly problematic,
- for long-term use involving repeated cleaning cycles.
The type of cleaning agent must also be considered. Products containing chlorides and incorrect cleaning methods may negatively affect stainless steel as well.
Surface treatment and the correct finishing of welded areas are also important.
Which finish is suitable for refrigeration?
When selecting a surface finish, it is worth considering the technical requirements for wire shelves, baskets and dividers used in refrigeration, because actual operating conditions matter more than the name or type of equipment alone.
Powder coating should be considered when:
- the component is clearly visible,
- its colour must match the equipment,
- moisture occurs periodically,
- the cleaning method is known,
- the coating system has been selected for the operating environment.
PE coating may be suitable when:
- the component operates at low temperatures,
- it is exposed to impact and sliding products,
- a thicker and more flexible protective layer is required,
- good coverage of wires and joining points is important,
- mounting tolerances allow for a thicker coating.
Stainless steel may be a good choice when:
- the component is washed frequently,
- moisture is present for extended periods,
- long-term durability without an additional organic coating is required,
- the higher material cost is acceptable,
- cleaning agents are suitable for the selected stainless steel grade.
Zinc plating and chrome plating may also be used in particular projects, but their suitability needs to be assessed against the exact operating environment.
Which finish should be selected for retail?
In a dry indoor retail environment, the choice is more often influenced by appearance and the character of the display.
Powder coating
Powder coating is suitable when the component needs to match the colour scheme of the store, shelving system or brand. It offers a choice of colour, gloss level and surface texture.
Chrome plating
Chrome works well in systems where a bright, glossy and traditional metallic appearance is required. It can be used for hangers, grids and visible display components.
Zinc plating
Zinc plating may be appropriate for less visible technical parts, back-room structures and components where function is more important than a specific colour.
PE coating
PE coating is worth considering for components that are handled intensively, exposed to impact or require a flexible protective layer.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel may be used in areas with increased requirements concerning cleaning, moisture or long-term material durability.
A black surface is not a complete specification
Two black components may have:
- different finishing technologies,
- different gloss levels,
- different textures,
- different coating thicknesses,
- different mechanical resistance,
- different surface preparation,
- different resistance to moisture and cleaning.
A photograph of a black shelf or the description “black coating” is therefore not sufficient to prepare an unambiguous quotation.
If the new component must match existing equipment, a physical sample is the best reference. A photograph can help identify the construction, but it cannot reliably determine the coating technology, exact colour or surface texture.
How should the finish be described in an RFQ?
The finish is one of the key elements of a correctly prepared RFQ for wire components. The following information makes it easier to select the technology and prepare a realistic quotation.
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Application | Shelf for a refrigerated display |
| Base material | Carbon steel or AISI 304 |
| Finish | Powder coating, PE, zinc plating or chrome plating |
| Colour | RAL 9005 |
| Gloss and texture | Matt, smooth surface |
| Operating temperature | From −20°C to +10°C |
| Moisture | Regular condensation and defrost cycles |
| Cleaning | Daily cleaning with a specified product |
| Mechanical loads | Sliding packaging and occasional impact |
| Food contact | Packaged products or direct contact |
| Mounting requirements | Critical hook dimensions after coating |
| Reference document | Drawing, 3D model or physical sample |
| Order quantity | Sample, initial batch and expected series quantity |
If direct contact with unpackaged food is required, this must be stated separately. The material, colour or name of the coating technology alone does not automatically confirm compliance with food-contact requirements.
Why should a sample be ordered?
A properly managed sample and approval process for wire and metal components allows the customer to verify:
- component geometry,
- mounting and fit,
- coating thickness at mounting points,
- actual colour and gloss level,
- coverage of welded joints and corners,
- behaviour during cleaning,
- compatibility with the existing equipment or display.
A sample is particularly important when a component is intended to replace an existing part or when a larger, repeatable series is planned after approval.
Wire components with a finish selected for the application
SHELMO manufactures custom wire components for refrigeration and retail, including shelves, baskets, dividers, grids, hangers and other parts based on customer documentation, a physical sample or agreed dimensions.
Before production preparation, we can assess:
- component construction,
- material and wire diameters,
- mounting method,
- operating environment,
- available finishing technologies,
- critical tolerances after coating,
- need for a sample,
- size of the initial and subsequent production runs.
If you have a technical drawing, 3D model, photograph or worn component, send us the available materials. We will check whether the component can be manufactured and help complete the specification required for quotation.
FAQ – finishes for wire components
Which coating is best for wire components used in refrigeration?
There is no single coating suitable for every refrigeration unit. The choice depends on temperature, moisture, cleaning frequency, mechanical loads, mounting tolerances and the required appearance.
What is the difference between powder coating and PE coating?
Standard powder paint creates a thermosetting coating offering a wide selection of colours and textures. PE is a thermoplastic coating that is generally thicker and more flexible. Its specific properties depend on the selected system and application parameters.
Can powder-coated components be used in refrigerated equipment?
Yes, provided that the surface preparation, paint and complete coating system have been selected according to temperature, moisture and cleaning conditions. Paint colour alone does not define the resistance of the finished component.
Are zinc plating and chrome plating the same?
No. Zinc plating is used primarily as metallic protection for steel, whereas chrome plating is often selected for its bright, decorative appearance. The technologies create different surfaces and are used for different purposes.
Does AISI 304 stainless steel require an additional coating?
It can generally be used without additional painting because its corrosion resistance results from the material itself. Surface treatment and cleaning products must still be selected according to the operating conditions.
Can the coating type be identified from a photograph?
A photograph may help with preliminary identification, but it is usually insufficient to determine the technology, thickness, exact colour or texture. Technical documentation or a physical sample is the best reference.
Is every coating suitable for food contact?
This should not be assumed. If direct contact with unpackaged food is expected, the requirement must be stated in the RFQ and confirmed for the specific material and coating system.
Is it worth preparing a sample before series production?
Yes, particularly when the component needs to fit existing equipment, contains critical mounting points or will be manufactured in larger and repeatable production runs.
