Carbon Coated Products: 101

Coated carbon steel, a product that complements our other offerings, is a steel alloy with a thin layer of metallic and/or non-metallic coating to prevent rust and corrosion.

Coated carbon steel is a material that has an extra layer of metal, paint or both that provides protection against the environment. With galvanized steel, a thin protective zinc layer is applied by a chemical or electrochemical process which helps extend the life of carbon steel. Its corrosion resistance allows it to be used indoors and outdoors, even where exposed to the elements or moisture.

Olympic Steel’s Milford division has made galvanized steel one of its main focuses for more than 30 years. We are now stocking inventory in our divisions in Winder, GA; Minneapolis, MN; and Schaumburg, IL. The facilities carry 18 to 26-gauge galvanized steel in coil form and have the ability of slitting the product or cutting it into sheets.

We provide galvanized steel to a variety of customers, primarily for use in the HVAC and construction industries. While it may typically exist “behind the scenes” as heating/cooling ductwork or metal joists or studs in construction, you may likely find it as part of the outer body of your washing machine in your laundry room.

Supplying coated carbon steel was a natural evolution within the growth at Olympic Steel. It complements other products – including unique connectors from our Metal-Fab division – and is the perfect solution for the needs of our customers. As a result of increased capacity, sales of coated carbon grew more than 30% in 2023.

Mike Tookey, Director of Coated Products, joined Olympic Steel’s Carbon Flat Rolled group in 2022 and is leading the efforts to accelerate growth related to coated carbon flat-rolled products and processes.

To learn more about our coated products and services, visit olysteel.com/products/coated.