Is Galvanized Steel Magnetic? What It Means for You and Your Project

When it comes to corrosion protection, galvanized steel is the perfect choice. Its zinc coating keeps your project corrosion-free for decades despite exposure to harsh environments. This makes it perfect for construction and DOT projects.

But is galvanized steel magnetic? And what does this mean for your next venture? 

We’ll take an in-depth look at this and other questions as we delve deeper into the qualities of galvanized steel.

We are the nation’s only manufacturer of pre-galvanized steel, and our products meet the “Buy American” criteria. With a stringent QA process and more than 2,000 tons ready to ship, we invite you to discover why we’ve been trusted by national brands for more than 50 years.  Just contact us to get a quote.

Is Galvanized Steel Magnetic?

In short, yes, galvanized steel is magnetic. However, the zinc coating is not magnetic. Therefore, the thickness of the zinc coating may affect the magnetic attraction/force of the steel (or reduce the magnetic pull).

Is All Galvanized Steel Magnetic?

Does the Zinc Coating Affect Magnetic Properties?

Yes. As we mentioned earlier, it is the underlying steel itself, not the zinc coating, that is magnetic. Since the zinc coating is thin, it doesn’t interfere with the steel’s magnetism.

Are There Any Instances Where Galvanized Steel is NOT Magnetic?

This is possible, but is generally rare. If the steel was mixed with non-magnetic alloys, you should reevaluate the steel. If the piece becomes damaged, it could weaken its magnetic pull. Finally, any coatings, paints or surface treatments over the zinc affect its magnetism. 

Are There Any Safety Concerns Related to the Magnetism of Galvanized Steel?

In general, you should use caution when you’re in an environment where magnetic fields are a concern. An example would be if they were exposed to sensitive electronic equipment. You should also be aware of its potential effect on magnetic clamps and lifting tools.

Take time to evaluate if steel is the best choice to use in these environments. 

Can You Demagnetize Galvanized Steel?

Yes, you can, but it involves a lengthy process and many safety precautions must be taken. 

First, in order to demagnetize the steel, it has to be heated to the Curie temperature. This would be around 770 degrees Celsius or 1,417 degrees Fahrenheit. 

However, this would be detrimental to the coating and cause peeling and flaking of the zinc away from the steel. This could potentially ruin the coating and compromise the corrosion protection.

Second, care must be taken to avoid the resulting zinc oxide fumes, which are extremely toxic. For this reason, we want to emphasize that this is a complicated and sometimes dangerous process.

For Quality Galvanized Steel That Is Ready to Ship, South Atlantic Has Got You Covered

If pieces arrive at your work site damaged, it sets your entire timeline back. You can’t afford to miss deadlines, and you need to work with a galvanized steel supplier that understands this. At South Atlantic, our reputation has enabled us to serve loyal and repeat customers for more than 50 years, including nationally recognized companies. 

If you need to learn more about our galvanized steel offerings, we invite you to contact us for a quote.