What is the Finish on Kenda Loadstar ST175/80D13 Tire with 13-Inch Galvanized Wheel # AM3S130

Question:

OK so Dexstars web page makes no mention of a galvanized finish wheel, they only mention powder coat finishes. Now I have seen powder coat finishes that are this color, in fact I have been thinking of getting one for my prop, that are shiny for a long time and I have seen old Galvanized buckets that are dull and greyed out but were once shiny. Exactly what is this?

asked by: Richard H

Expert Reply:

The tire/wheel you referenced, Kenda Loadstar ST175/80D13 Tire with 13-Inch Galvanized Wheel, part # AM3S130, has a galvanized finish. This wheel is dipped in a 860-degree solution of molten zinc to provide a degree of corrosion resistance. This zinc coating reacts with oxygen and carbon dioxide to form zinc carbonate. This is the usually dull grey surface material you have seen on galvanized buckets.

Dexstar does offer a silver-color powder coat finish on some of their rims, such as on # AM20363. This baked-on finish is applied over an e-coat primer layer.

Availability of galvanized versus powder-coated finishes will vary by wheel size, manufacturer and bolt pattern.

expert reply by: Adam R