The metal-sprayed coating applied over steel and iron structures is a complete protective system within itself. However, sealant is used in order to enhance the protection level and give the coated metal a pleasing appearance. Some of the beneficial characteristics of aluminizing are:
- It perforates and fills the pores, thus reducing the total area of the exposed metal and therefore decreasing the rate of dissolution of the coating.
- It smoothes the surface texture preventing the retention of grime and other contaminants, thus reducing still further the rate of surface attack.
- By smoothing the surface texture the appearance of the coating will remain cleaner and more attractive than without a sealant, and may more readily be maintained in a clean condition.