Sheet Metal

Zintec Steel has a protective zinc layer electroplated onto steel, and is the cheapest metal that IOTA offers.

For most commercial projects, where cost is of paramount importance, Powder Coated Zintec Steel is the most commonly specified material.

For tough environments, like public realm, it can be worth paying a bit extra to powder coat onto 1.4003-grade Stainless Steel, rather than Zintec Steel, to enhance longevity and corrosion-resistance.

Higher grade Stainless Steels [such as 304- and 316-grades] can also be painted; but the cost is generally prohibitive except for marine environments and ultra high-end projects.

Aluminium offers similar benefits of corrosion-resistance to 1.4003-grade Stainless Steel, but at a higher cost - which can only be justified if Aluminium's lower weight delivers genuine benefits.

The patina of old Lead is utterly distinctive. Unlike Zinc and Bronze/Brass [which are stiff], Lead's softness also means that embossed/debossed designs are possible.

At the beginning, Zinc's patina resembles old Lead. However, over time, Zinc will become generally lighter, with increasing levels of tonal variation and highlights - and characteristic 'white-ish' zinc oxide highlights will start to come through.

Bronze and Brass start with a general background patina of warm brown and gold. Over time, the metals will become generally darker, with increasing levels of tonal variation and highlights - and eventually some green tones will start to show through.