Galvanising is the process of coating a thin layer of zinc onto the mild steel members. Hot-dipped galvanising is the done by dipping the completed mild steel members (in this case, the gate) into a molten bath of zinc at very high temperature.

As for the price, it will be slightly more than those non-galvanised. This is due to the galvanising cost and also the increase in the thickness of the members to be galvanised. There is a minimum thickness of the mild steel member for galvanising. If the member are too thin, it could warp during the hot-dip galvanising process.

If you are concern with rust, then hot-dip galvanising is the way to go. My gate is galvanised.

according to google translator

镀锌

You can ask your gate fabricator..

BTW, if you are galvanising the gate, you need to apply the following surface protection system. Else, there will not be proper adhesion between the paint and the galvanised surface. After sometime the paint will start peeling off.

1. Hot dip galvanising
2. Etching primer - can get from most hardware shops
3. Finish coat - can be Micaceous Iron Oxide or the normal Nippon/ Jotun paint


Many of the workshop (I meant those the make the gate & grille) does not know this. This what what I come across when I was try to do up my front gate. They just apply the normal red oxide and the finishing coat. Few months/ years later, the paint starts coming off.
However, the galvanising remains if properly done.

these items cost just a very small fraction of the overall gate cost. Mostly included.
Just a word of caution in using the stainless steel rail (where the gate's roller slides on). They can get rusty if you use strong acid to wash your car porch floor. Happened to mine when my maid used acid to wash the car porch floor after the renovation work

Depend on your gate fabricator. I bought the etching primer and MIO; and pass them to my fabricator to use. He applied them using his spray equipment. The finishing is much better than painting with a brush.

The etching primer is important for galvanised surface. If you apply the normal red oxide, it will not bond properly with the galvanised surface. The primer is the first coat after the galvanised surface. Thus, it is the most important coat. If the bond is not good, after some time, the paint will start peeling off. So, whatever paint that is painted on top of the primer will be of no use.

If I recall correctly, the etching primer that I used was Olive Green in colour.

As for the MIO, they comes in either grey, black and another lighter colour which I cannot recall. I used MIO for its durability as well as for its texture (like the surface of fine grade sand paper)
Alternatively, you could use the normal Acrylic finishing paint.

This post has been edited by kelvyn: Jul 5 2011, 10:56 AM

Ya.. just buy the paint and pass to him to use. He could be reluctant as he is worried about the cost. Since he may not have used them before, he will most probably be skeptical. I believe after your "project" he will claim to be expert with galvanised gates

p/s. I did not deduct the paint cost from my fabricator's payment although he mentioned for me to do so.. The cost is small as compared to the headache of repainting the gate every now & than..

Do you mean etching primer?
Yes, can be use. All surface must be clean and dry before applying. Clean away any rust.
Just like what ever paint you use, surface preparation is most important. Else whatever that you apply on would be useless.

you can refer here:

http://www.nipponpaint.com.my/professional...=14&rangeID=114

Bro,
care to elaborate on why you say DC motor not suitable for swing gate?
If not suitable for swing gate, then what are they suitable for?

Not worth to repair. Spares may not be able to get if they are very old.
Sometimes have to use salvage parts for other old system. The the question of durability.

Long run, you may be better off getting a new set which comes with warranty.

Hi phoenix69,

For gate that are exposed to our weather. The MS gate is hot dip galvanised and followed by Etching primer.
The finishing coat can be Micaceous Iron Oxide (which is what I used for mine) or you could paint with the normal gloss finish paints.

Powder coating is a different process and the contractors will not charge cheap. I have not used power coating, so cannot comment.

For the window grilles which are not exposed to the rain, No need to galvanise unless you have the extra cash to throw around

this is what I used Nippon Etching Primer 120

http://www.nipponpaint.com.my/professional...=14&rangeID=114

Cost me RM90 for 5 lit tong

For more information on the difference, refer HERE

If I recall correctly, the difference is only abt rm 200-300

Having the rubber stopper at the middle of the gate is a safety hazard. People get tripped over. Nowadays, mostly new auto gate do not use that anymore.

Having a folding type gate is a good choice as it avoids the gate from hitting the car parked outside your gate when opening the gate. Just make sure the rail are firmly installed to avoid having problem of the undulating rail later on. Try to use a stainless steel rail. e.g stainless water pipe
As for choosing whether to go for the arm type or the surface mounted rotary type; both have its pros & cons.
Try to avoid those floor mounted underground motor. They are the cheapest; but may not be lasting. The underground motor gets flooded due to seepage of water.

Very true. It is important to get an installer that are long term into this business. Not forgetting the spare parts. You will have lesser headache when you need to maintain your auto gate in years to come.

When the installer installs the auto gate, they just drill a few small holes onto the gate's frame for fastening. Nothing major
If galvanised, the inside of the steel sections are also galvanised. No wories

If you are using folding gate, you should take into consideration the type of mechanism used.
If you use the arm type, it could reduce the effective opening of the gate. This is due to the need to allow space for the fitting between the gate panels, thus smaller gate opening.

IMHO, taking up 1.5' each side is quite a lot. Unless you are planning of getting only one car into the porch.

DC Moto should be OK. Using them on my current gate.
BTW, if you use DC Moto, it is should take up lesser on each side.

This post has been edited by kelvyn: Nov 5 2011, 10:03 PM

I have a strongest feeling that the weight given to you by your contractor is not correct. No way it is 400+ kg per side. On top of that, you said that they are aluminum panels.

I reckon, it should be the most 130kg each side even it is MS instead of aluminum. So, with aluminum panels, it should be lesser.