Coastal utility poles built to perform
Project Overview
Along the East Coast, utilities face some of the most demanding conditions for infrastructure. Salt spray, high humidity, wind and constant exposure can accelerate corrosion and shorten the life of traditional materials. For this utility, durability alone was not enough. They needed a solution that could perform long term while maintaining a consistent, intentional appearance across their system.
Natina was selected as the preferred finish for galvanized steel utility poles installed throughout this coastal region. Over time, the utility has continued to specify Natina on all applicable projects, making it a standard solution for their environment.
The Challenge
Coastal conditions create a harsh testing ground for steel infrastructure. Untreated or improperly specified materials can show visible corrosion, staining and uneven aging in a short period of time. In areas where poles are highly visible to the public, appearance and community expectations also play a role in permitting and long-term acceptance.
The utility needed a finish that would:
- Hold up in salt air and constant moisture
- Preserve the corrosion protection of galvanized steel
- Maintain a natural, uniform appearance over time
- Reduce the need for maintenance or future rework
The Natina Solution
Natina’s reactive color treatment was applied to galvanized steel poles to create a natural, earth-toned finish that blends into the surrounding landscape. Rather than acting as a coating, Natina reacts with the zinc layer of galvanized steel, producing a durable brown finish that does not peel, flake or fade.
The result is infrastructure that maintains its strength and corrosion protection while aging consistently in one of the most aggressive environments for steel.
Proven Performance Over Time
Project photos clearly show the difference. Untreated steel in the same environment exhibits early corrosion and discoloration, while Natina-treated galvanized structures remain stable, visually consistent and structurally sound.
Project photos clearly tell the story. In the background, older and painted steel poles already show visible corrosion and degradation, signaling future replacement needs. In contrast, Natina-treated galvanized structures remain stable, visually consistent and structurally sound over time.
Because of this performance, the utility continues to specify Natina across projects in this region, relying on it as a proven solution rather than a one-time aesthetic enhancement.
Why It Matters
This project highlights why Natina has become a trusted option not only for this coastal utility, but for utilities nationwide. Natina delivers a finish that performs where others fail, helping utilities protect their investment, meet environmental conditions and maintain public-facing infrastructure that looks intentional from day one through decades of service.
To learn more about our coastal and energy projects, connect with us today.
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