--- title: How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Metal Shelving & Racking description: This article outlines the most popular finishes for wire stand shelving racks. Simply Metal is an experienced manufacturer of metal shelving racks. image: https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hubfs/%E4%BC%81%E4%B8%9A%E5%BE%AE%E4%BF%A1%E6%88%AA%E5%9B%BE_197836d3-a82d-4e0a-8e73-a92f4a0d8f4f.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/right-finishing-metal-shelving-racking#main-content) - [About us](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/about-us) - [Our factory](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/our-factory) - [Contact us](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/contact-us) Close - Metal Products - [Home & Office](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/home-office-shelving) - [Commercial & Industrial](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/commercial-industrial-storage-shelving) - [Medical & Handling](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/medical-storage-handling-shelving) - [ODM & OEM](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/odm-oem-wireshelving) - [Pricing](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/pricing) - Resources - [Support and Product Installation](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/wire-shelving-technical-support-hub-installation-manuals-solutions) - [Blog](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog) - [Our Sales Network](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/sales-network) [BECOME DEALER](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/become-a-dealer) [BECOME B2B CUSTOMER](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/pricing) [![logo](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Simply%20wire%20shelving%20logo.png?width=400&height=200&name=Simply%20wire%20shelving%20logo.png "logo")](https://www.simplywireshelving.com) - Metal Products - [Home & Office](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/home-office-shelving) - [Commercial & Industrial](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/commercial-industrial-storage-shelving) - [Medical & Handling](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/medical-storage-handling-shelving) - [ODM & OEM](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/odm-oem-wireshelving) - [Pricing](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/pricing) - Resources - [Support and Product Installation](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/wire-shelving-technical-support-hub-installation-manuals-solutions) - [Blog](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog) - [Our Sales Network](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/sales-network) [BECOME DEALER](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/become-a-dealer) [BECOME B2B CUSTOMER](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/pricing) ![different surface finishing of wire shelf ](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/different%20surface%20finishing%20of%20wire%20shelf%20.webp?width=575&name=different%20surface%20finishing%20of%20wire%20shelf%20.webp) [Editorial](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/author/editorial) May 18, 2022 4:53:00 PM 2 min read # How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Metal Shelving & Racking [Previous](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/iceman-sri-lanka) [Next](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/china-homelife-dubai-2022) ### Most Popular Shelving Finishes First, let us look at the 4 most popular designs of wire shelving. - Epoxy powder coating--for dry and wet areas - Nickel-chrome coating--for the dry area - Galvanized--for dry area - Antimicrobial epoxy powder coating---for food and medical industry. For more information about shelving finishes,  check out this [video.](https://youtu.be/KVDMB0hKdqc) ---   Next, let us see the more details of each finishing starting with a type of powder coated steel shelving. ## 1. What is epoxy powder coating? Epoxy powder coating is a thermoset polymer coating that is hard and also offers chemical resistance, flexibility, and high adhesion. These coatings do not produce any hazardous vapors, neither for factory workers nor for users of the final articles. On top of this, the long-term protection they provide extends the life expectancy of infrastructures and articles alike, thus reducing maintenance and replacement costs. ### Advantage of epoxy power coating finishing wire shelving - Suitable for dry and wet storage environments - Visual and economic appeal - Low cost shelves ![factory spray application](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/factory%20spray%20application.jpg?width=704&height=469&name=factory%20spray%20application.jpg) ## 2. What is nickel-chrome plated? Chrome plated is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. The product of chrome plating is called chrome. The chromed layer can be decorative, provide corrosion resistance, ease cleaning procedures, or increase surface hardness. ### Features of chrome plated shelving - Intended for dry storage only -  Shinier than Zinc plated -  more visually appealing , a better aesthetic purposes. ![Chrome Bath](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Chrome%20Bath.jpg?width=535&height=356&name=Chrome%20Bath.jpg) ## 3. What is zinc plated? Zinc plating is frequently used to protect metals like steel against corrosion. The process for zinc plating involves electroplating a thin coating of zinc metal onto the surface of another metal object. The zinc coating creates a physical barrier which works to prevent rust. Typically, buyers choose zinc because of its distinctive ability to fight corrosion. ### features of zinc plated -  Low cost -  High-temperature tolerance -  Intended for dry storage ![zinccoatingprocess-845x283-1](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/zinccoatingprocess-845x283-1.png?width=759&height=254&name=zinccoatingprocess-845x283-1.png) ## **4. Antimicrobial Epoxy Finish** Lastly, we have the antimicrobial epoxy finish. This finish uses the same technique as the baked epoxy mentioned above. However, it adds an extra antimicrobial barrier which inhibits or kills the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or protozoans. The antimicrobial powder-coat finish used to create that barrier typically lasts up to twenty years, making it ideal shelving for schools, medical facilities, and other industries where bacteria and infection are of concern. However, because the coating relies on an active ingredient, it will eventually require a new coating given enough time and depending on what it’s being used to store. ### Features of antimicrobial epoxy finishing: - Mainly used in the food industry - Rustproof - Suitable for dry and wet storage environments ![BC_antimicrobial-img](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BC_antimicrobial-img.png?width=922&name=BC_antimicrobial-img.png)   Contact Sophie Yim today for the right finish! Office: NewBase Industrial Park, Nancheng District, Dongguan, Guangdong, China Dongguan Factory: Jiaoyitang Industrial Park, Shiqiao Road, Tangxia Town, Dongguan, Guangdong Huizhou Factory: Hongtian Industrial Zone, Xinxu Town, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, 516223 Vietnam: Road D33, An Phu Ward, Thuan An City, Binh Duong Province , Viet Nam #### [Editorial](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/author/editorial) ## RELATED ARTICLES Button Title ### [Editorial Mar 27, 2023 5:58:18 PM 5 min read Winning Design in Commercial Kitchens (Storage Finishes) The Best Wire Shelving to Choose for Commercial Kitchens Industry expert, consider the specific needs of your clients when ... 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Start Reading](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/benefits-wire-metal-shelves-retail-spaces) [![logo](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Simply%20wire%20shelving%20logo.png?width=400&height=200&name=Simply%20wire%20shelving%20logo.png "logo")](https://www.simplywireshelving.com) Simply Metal is a leading manufacturer of wire shelving and metal racks. In business since 2005. +86 186 8005 9866 [sophie@simplyindustrial.net](mailto:sophie@simplyindustrial.net) - Products & Solutions - [Home & Office](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/home-office-shelving) - [Commercial & Industrial](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/commercial-industrial-storage-shelving) - [Medical & Handling](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/medical-storage-handling-shelving) - [ODM & OEM](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/odm-oem-wireshelving) - Simply Metal - [About us](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/about-us) - [Our factory](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/our-factory) - [Sales network](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/sales-network) - [Pricing](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/pricing) - [Become a dealer](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/become-a-dealer) - [Blog](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog) - [Contact us](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/contact-us) Send me the price list and dealer info   **[Privacy  Policy  Statement](https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/privacy-policy) ** Copyright © 2022 Dongguan Simply Metal Products Co., Ltd. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "China", "addressLocality" : "Dongguan City", "addressRegion" : "Guangdong", "postalCode" : "523076", "streetAddress" : "New Base Industrial Park, Nan Cheng District" }, "knowsLanguage" : "en", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hubfs/Simply%20wire%20shelving%20logo.png" }, "name" : "Dongguan Simply Metal Products Co., Ltd.", "url" : "https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/right-finishing-metal-shelving-racking" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "abstract" : "This article outlines the most popular finishes for wire stand shelving racks. Simply Metal is an experienced manufacturer of metal shelving racks.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Editorial" }, "dateModified" : "February 12, 2025 1 PM", "datePublished" : "May 18, 2022 8 AM", "headline" : "How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Metal Shelving & Racking", "image" : "https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hubfs/%E4%BC%81%E4%B8%9A%E5%BE%AE%E4%BF%A1%E6%88%AA%E5%9B%BE_197836d3-a82d-4e0a-8e73-a92f4a0d8f4f.png", "inLanguage" : "en", "keywords" : "[]", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Metal Shelving & Racking", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hubfs/Simply%20wire%20shelving%20logo.png" }, "name" : "Dongguan Simply Metal Products Co., Ltd." }, "text" : "Most Popular Shelving Finishes First, let us look at the 4 most popular designs of wire shelving. Epoxy powder coating--for dry and wet areas Nickel-chrome coating--for the dry area Galvanized--for dry area Antimicrobial epoxy powder coating---for food and medical industry. For more information about shelving finishes, check out this video. Next, let us see the more details of each finishing starting with a type of powder coated steel shelving. 1. What is epoxy powder coating? Epoxy powder coating is a thermoset polymer coating that is hard and also offers chemical resistance, flexibility, and high adhesion. These coatings do not produce any hazardous vapors, neither for factory workers nor for users of the final articles. On top of this, the long-term protection they provide extends the life expectancy of infrastructures and articles alike, thus reducing maintenance and replacement costs. Advantage of epoxy power coating finishing wire shelving Suitable for dry and wet storage environments Visual and economic appeal Low cost shelves 2. What is nickel-chrome plated? Chrome plated is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. The product of chrome plating is called chrome. The chromed layer can be decorative, provide corrosion resistance, ease cleaning procedures, or increase surface hardness. Features of chrome plated shelving Intended for dry storage only Shinier than Zinc plated more visually appealing , a better aesthetic purposes. 3. What is zinc plated? Zinc plating is frequently used to protect metals like steel against corrosion. The process for zinc plating involves electroplating a thin coating of zinc metal onto the surface of another metal object. The zinc coating creates a physical barrier which works to prevent rust. Typically, buyers choose zinc because of its distinctive ability to fight corrosion. features of zinc plated Low cost High-temperature tolerance Intended for dry storage 4. Antimicrobial Epoxy Finish Lastly, we have the antimicrobial epoxy finish. This finish uses the same technique as the baked epoxy mentioned above. However, it adds an extra antimicrobial barrier which inhibits or kills the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or protozoans. The antimicrobial powder-coat finish used to create that barrier typically lasts up to twenty years, making it ideal shelving for schools, medical facilities, and other industries where bacteria and infection are of concern. However, because the coating relies on an active ingredient, it will eventually require a new coating given enough time and depending on what it’s being used to store. Features of antimicrobial epoxy finishing: Mainly used in the food industry Rustproof Suitable for dry and wet storage environments Contact Sophie Yim today for the right finish! Office: NewBase Industrial Park, Nancheng District, Dongguan, Guangdong, China Dongguan Factory: Jiaoyitang Industrial Park, Shiqiao Road, Tangxia Town, Dongguan, Guangdong Huizhou Factory: Hongtian Industrial Zone, Xinxu Town, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, 516223 Vietnam: Road D33, An Phu Ward, Thuan An City, Binh Duong Province , Viet Nam", "url" : "https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/right-finishing-metal-shelving-racking", "wordCount" : "1007" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Editorial", "url" : "https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/author/editorial" }, "dateModified" : "2025-02-12T13:38:22.903Z", "datePublished" : "2022-05-18T08:53:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Metal Shelving & Racking", "image" : [ "https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hubfs/%E4%BC%81%E4%B8%9A%E5%BE%AE%E4%BF%A1%E6%88%AA%E5%9B%BE_197836d3-a82d-4e0a-8e73-a92f4a0d8f4f.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.simplywireshelving.com/blog/right-finishing-metal-shelving-racking", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.simplywireshelving.com/hubfs/Simply%20wire%20shelving%20logo.png" }, "name" : "东莞鑫普莱金属制品有限公司" } } ```