You can’t ignore the finish when choosing drawer slides. Most drawer slides aren’t made of bare, exposed metal. Even if a drawer slide consists primarily of stainless steel, it will likely feature a finish.
The finish is a protective outer layer. It shields the underlying material, such as steel, from damage while also adding a decorative touch to the drawer slide. While there are many different finishes available, some of the most common for drawer slides include blue zinc plated (BZP), yellow zinc plated (YZP) and electrolytic coating black (EB)
#1) Blue-Plated Zinc (BZP)
BZP is a zinc-based finish that’s characterized by a silvery-blue hue. This distinct silvery-blue hue is the result of a treatment process known as passivation. During passivation, the zinc-plated object, such as a drawer slide, is submerged in a bath containing trivalent chromium. The trivalent chromium triggers a chemical reaction that changes the color of the zinc to a light, silvery blue.
Benefits of BZP for drawer slides include:
- Protects against rust and corrosion
- Inexpensive
- Clean, polished appearance
#2) Yellow-Zinc Plated (YZP)
YZP is a zinc-based finish that’s characterized by a yellowish-gold hue. Like with blue-plated zinc, it involves the application of a layer of zinc, followed by passivation. YZP, though, uses a different chemical solution.
The chemical solution used for YZP results in a yellowish-gold hue. YZP still consists of zinc, but it has an extra layer that manifests in the form of a distinct yellow-gold hue.
Benefits of YZP for drawer slides include:
- Protects against rust and corrosion
- Features an extra chromate layer for enhanced protection
- Distinct yellowish-gold hue that exhibits a luxurious appearance
#3) Electrolytic Coating Black (EB)
In addition to BZP and YZP, drawer slides are available in an EB finish. As the name suggests, EB is a black finish that involves an electrolytic process. The black color is achieved via an electric current. The drawer slide is submerged in an electrolytic solution. An electric current is then applied to the solution, which causes the black coating to bind to the drawer slide’s surface.
Benefits of EB for drawer slides include:
- Protects against rust and corrosion
- Excellent resistance to wear and tear
- Matte black finish that many people prefer
- Long-lasting
In Conclusion
When choosing a drawer slide finish, think about corrosion resistance, durability and aesthetics. BZP, YZP and EB are all excellent choices, but they are subtle nuances between them.