5. Maintenance and reconditioning

5.1 White zinc salts

Zinc exposed to the atmosphere naturally reacts with ambient elements: humidity, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc., to form a "patina". In terms of appearance, this translates into a gradual reduction in the metallic lustre of the surface. The layer thus formed is insoluble and adherent, and provides additional protection to the coating.

However, in the presence of stagnant water, the build-up of this layer is thwarted and whitish stains quickly form, generally with poor adhesion and no protection.