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Steel FinishesTwo common steel finishes are weathering steel or paint. Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Self-Weathering Steel is a special formulation that develops a protective oxide patina. Under acceptable atmospheric conditions the steel “rusts” to a patina, eventually stabilizing and protecting the steel from further corrosion. Weathering steel provides an economical choice with a rustic appearance and relatively little maintenance. The bridge will never require recoating and can be sand blasted to remove graffiti. It will simply rust again in the affected area. Precautions with weathering steel include rust staining in runoff areas below the bridge, and avoiding salt latent atmospheres (coastal areas or bridges over highways requiring winter maintenance). Painted bridges can be considered for applications where weathering steel is undesirable. Many two and three part paint systems used for other highway applications are available in virtually any color. Most paint systems are rated for 10-15 years of service. Painted bridges are more expensive due to additional sealing of accessory connections, more extensive sand blasting and the cost of materials and application of the paint. Painted
Weathered
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