Zinc Sheet                                       Enquire / Request a Quote

Zinc sheet metal is traditionally used to create distinctive long lasting architectural building features and finials. It is also used in interior design to create rustic charm and character in features such as tabletops, (watch diy video) and splashbacks. A rustic patina can be achieved artifically; for example using techniques and chemicals such as muriatic acid, acetic acid and copper sulphate, (COSHH regulations must be considered).

In nature, bright zinc sheet on a roof will develop a light grey patina typically in 6 months to 2 years depending on the atmosphere. This patina naturally reduces the corrosion rate to about 1 micron of metal per year so a 0.8mm thick zinc sheet should last around 80 years.

Recently, (early 2011), we provided over  a 1000kgs of natural zinc sheet cut to size for Elementary Productions to be used for the creation of sets in the new Sherlock Holmes 2 film, it was used for cladding walls, floors & roof of buildings such that after patination it would achieve the period look.

Last month celebrity chef Raymond Blanc opened an al fresco dining area at his new Brasserie in Chichester - MetalSheets manufactured 16 zinc clad table tops for this extension.

Current zinc interior design, refurbishment / feature table top projects include Malmaison Manchester, Fitzbillies, (Chelsea Buns), Cambridge, La Tasca in Leeds

Our zinc sheet is also suitable for print workshops, etchers and stencil makers              

Our Products            Finish                    Thickness mm          Max Sheet Size

Natural                     Semi Bright           0.8                            8ft x 3ft, 2m x 1m, 17m x 1m

Natural                     Semi Bright           1.0                             8ft x 3ft, 2m x 1m, 3m x 1m

Weathered               Quartz                   1.0                              2m x 1m

Solder                      Lead free pre-fluxed        1.5 dia                            coils of 2.5m

Roofing                    Pressings, Cills, Soakers, Valleys, Cappings, Abutments, Gutters

Table Tops               Robust Restaurant Construction and Light Duty Domestic Quality

Finishes: Natural sheet is semi bright, direct from the rolling mill, Quartz is pre-weathered under controlled factory conditions, it has a consistant even patination. Hand Patina is created by manually applying chemicals, it is not a controlled process, each style will vary from sheet to sheet. Brasilia and nova are pre-weathered structured finishes. Noir is pre-weathered.

 Natural                       Quartz                        Hand Patina             Hand Patina              Structure Brasilia       Structure Nova            Noir

Brasilia and Nova zinc sheet are new, they are 3D textured surfaces, quite unlike anything else in zinc. This is unique and offers designers and architects a new tool in design. Horizontally Brasilia gives the impression of wind blowing over the surface of a lake, held vertically its a lot like tree bark.

Our zinc sheet is manufactued to EN988 using 99.5% pure zinc. 

Zinc sheet metal fabrication is becoming more popular with architects for applications like roofing, flashings, cappings, soakers, valleys, abutments and gutter line products. Zinc is compatible with aluminium and stainless steel and can be included in building features, it does not require any finishing and will last for generations without maintenance. Zinc is totally recycleable and 30% of the total zinc production is from recycled metal.

Zinc was discovered in the 16th centuary and began commercial production in the 18th centuary in the UK and Europe. Though being used in Europe for many years increased awareness of its technical properties and the aesthetic appeal of zinc sheet is causing its use to expand in the UK.

Zinc also makes appealing table tops and counter tops, zinc acquires a natural patina over time which adds to the charm of the metal though it can be easily re-polished back to its natural bright finish. Zinc counter tops and table tops are traditionally used in seafood and oyster bars. The sheet should be mounted on a backing board such as plywood, but not MDF unless it is sealed.

Zinc sheet is relatively soft and will bear the witness marks of use. Slight dents and abrasions will occur during use and these need to be appreciated as an intrinsic part of the character of the metal. If a prestine appearance is required an alternative material should be considered such as stainless steel.

Zinc is reactive to acidic foods and other substances that come into contact during use. It must be appreciated that natural zinc is  a "living" material and discoloration becomes part of the desirable character.

Zinc work surfaces can be cleaned with a mild detergent solution, avoid chlorides and abrasive compounds. Stains can be reduced using vinegar.

Mastics and adhesives compatible with zinc sheet are Polyurethane, non-acetic silicone and MS Polymers. The Gluepeople.co.uk stock a suitable range of adhesives and mastics.

Zinc can be polished for example with scotchbrite or normal polishing compounds to produce a variety of finishes which can then be left to patinate or sealed with beeswax or Sheila Shine metal polish to reduce further patination.

Zinc sheet can be used as an alternative to stainless steel for kitchen splashbacks.

Zinc and copper sheet are metals traditionally used to make weather cocks and weather vanes.

Zinc strips can be used on roofs to inhibit the growth of moss and algae

Zinc sheet can be joined using soldering techniques or glued with waterproof epoxy.

Zinc is an ideal metal for manufacturing building finals and outdoor artwork. 

On a health note zinc is a safe metal and an essential trace element for humans, animals and plants. It is vital for many biological functions and plays a crucial role in more than 300 enzymes in the human body. The adult body contains about 2-3 grams of zinc. Zinc is found in all parts of the body: it is in organs, tissues, bones, fluids and cells. Muscles and bones contain most of the body’s zinc (90%). (Courtesy of the International Zinc Association).

The density of zinc is 7.2 so it is just less than steel at 7.8.

Storage: Zinc sheets should be always stored and transported in dry and ventillated conditions, it is a reactive metal and wet storage causes white oxides to form. Once installed outdoors the natural weather conditions will cause a patina to develop which protects and adds to the charm to this sheet metal. 

Compatability: zinc is a reactive metal and consideration should be given to materials it comes into contact with..... (courtesty of rotometals.com)

 Examples of acceptable contact products with zinc

• Galvanized Steel
• Aluminium
• Stainless Steel
• Lead
• Compatible Woods: pine, spruce, Scots pine, poplar.

Examples of non compatible products with zinc

• Non-compatible woods:  larch, oak, chestnut, red cedar, Douglas fir, white cedar, all woods with a pH < 5.
• Mortar
• Rosin paper
• Bituminous membranes
• Products with fire retardant and preservation treatments
• Acidic cleaners (brick cleaner etc…)
• Brass
• Cast Iron
• Chrome
• Bitumen, even when not in direct contact but simply close to it

 Zinc sheet can also be supplied in an artificial pre-weathered finish, (Quartz), it is a uniform colour. 

Or we can offer zinc sheet which has been Hand Patinated by our own craftsmen. This produces a pleasing modern art effect. Each sheet processed will be different. Three examples of this using diferent techniques are shown below.This finish can also be used outdoors where it will continue to age or it can be treated with Bees Wax or Sheila Shine and used indoors as a feature.