Steel or iron, when used in exposed or potentially humid or wet environments, require surface protection. When the steel has an aesthetic application it is common for the steel to be painted rather than galvanised.
When the steel element is exposed or a critical structural element, an assessment should be made on the weathering ability of the steel over the life of the project and whether maintenance will be easy to undertake.
It is recommended that the paint specification is undertaken specifically for the project and monitored by a recognised industrial paint representative.