Galvanized finishing nails are specially treated through various procedures to increase their durability and resistance to corrosive factors such as salt and moisture. These nails are usually made of materials such as brass or copper, many of which may be susceptible to corrosion when exposed to the elements. To reduce this tendency, they can be treated through a process known as galvanization. A layer of another metal such as zinc is applied to the exterior of a nail in order to prevent rusting, corrosion or discoloration.
Nowadays, nail galvanization may be performed in different ways. Firstly, electricity can be used to apply a layer of zinc to the surface of a fastener in what is known as the electro-plating or electrodeposition process. Secondly, in the hot-dip galvanizing process, galvanized finishing nails are produced when ordinary nails are dipped into tanks of molten zinc. Thirdly, in mechanical galvanizing, zinc powder is hammered onto nails to protect their exterior. Lastly, in the hot-tumbled galvanizing process, nails are dropped into rotating barrels with zinc chips and heated in order to be coated with melted zinc.
Regardless of the specific procedure, galvanizing results in finishing nails that are far less susceptible to corrosion than they would otherwise be. Since zinc is less prone to corrosion than copper or brass, galvanization can help lengthen the service life of a finishing nail. The use of galvanized finishing nails thus reduces the probability of woodworking problems such as staining due to corrosion or reduced durability of the overall project or structure.