When steel is bare, it rusts easily especially when it is exposed to the elements. To prevent the steel from rusting, you need to make sure it is coated. Most of the steel used in building construction is coated using red-oxide. Some buildings are constructed using galvanized light gauge steel. Red-oxide primed steel is a better finish and this is one of the reasons why it is used for commercial buildings.

If you are constructing a building in an environment that is corrosive, the galvanized steel is more appropriate. The disadvantage is that it cannot be painted and it can be very abrasive.

Red-oxide primed is water based and this makes it an eco-friendly option. It prevents surface rust when it is used on a structure and is quite durable. This finish can also be painted in any color to suit the building and it costs less than the galvanized light gauge steel.