In Episode 6 of Big Timber’s Screw 101 video series, we break down everything you need to know about screw coatings so you can make the right choice the first time. Choosing the correct coating is more than just appearance. It directly affects corrosion resistance, chemical compatibility, and ultimately the life span of the structure you’re building.
This episode dives into a side-by-side comparison of different fastener coatings and materials: Bronze 3x Coating, zinc-plated, or coated, and stainless steel—each with their own strengths, limitations, and ideal applications.
Screws with zinc plating, or coating, are a go-to for many light-duty indoor projects. They’re cost-effective and offer minimal corrosion resistance, making them suitable for dry, low-moisture environments like framing or cabinetry. But bring them outside or near moisture—and especially pressure-treated wood—and problems can arise fast. That’s because zinc corrodes quickly in outdoor conditions, especially when exposed to copper-based preservatives like ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary).
Which brings us to a critical but often overlooked detail: ACQ compatibility. Pressure-treated lumber has come a long way in preventing rot, but the copper-based chemicals used in the process are highly corrosive to unprotected steel. That means using the wrong screw—even something as common as a zinc-plated fastener—can lead to rapid corrosion, structural weakness, and even total failure over time. For any application involving pressure-treated wood, you need a fastener that’s ACQ-compliant.
This is where Big Timber’s Bronze 3x Coating shines. Designed specifically to offer superior corrosion protection and ACQ compatibility, Bronze 3x is ideal for all kinds of applications, from indoor and outdoor, to structural and pressure-treated applications. Looking for more than just performance protection? Big Timber Construction Fasteners offers a Black 3x Coating that provides the same high-quality performance as our Bronze 3x—only with a clean black finish. Our Peak Performance (TM) lubrication helps provide an additional reduction of friction during installation, ensuring efficiency and ease for your building efforts.
Got a project that calls for a cleaner, more professional finish? Our team has got you covered. Our array of Composite Deck Screws (CD) is available in eight different colors, from Gray Birch to Rustic Cedar. Check them out here.
Master the Parts of a Screw—and the Job Site!
So, if you’ve ever wondered what makes one screw last a decade while another rusts out in a year, Episode 6 has the answers. Learn how coatings protect more than just metal, they protect your project’s integrity from the inside out.
Catch the full Screw 101 video series here.
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