Frequently Asked Questions
Steelscape is a premier coil coater, not a roofing or siding company. We produce metallic-coated and pre-painted steel that manufacturers turn into various products. These FAQs are designed to help you better understand our products, processes, and how we support our customers.
About Steelscape
What is Steelscape?
Steelscape is a coil coater. We take raw steel and transform it into a finished, corrosion-resistant, pre-painted product ready for our customers to roll form, stamp, or fabricate into metal roofing, siding, and other building components. We don’t sell to homeowners or install anything; we supply the steel that goes into the products manufacturers build. For over 50 years, we’ve been a trusted upstream partner to the metal construction industry across North America. Lean more About Us.
Who buys from Steelscape?
Our direct customers are metal roof and wall panel manufacturers, roll formers, distributors, and OEMs who form our coil into finished products. If you’re a homeowner or contractor, you won’t buy directly from us, but the metal panel you’re specifying or installing was very likely produced from Steelscape steel. Ask your manufacturer if they run genuine Steelscape material.
What makes Steelscape different from other coil coaters?
Scale, consistency, and color innovation. We run advanced, closed-loop metallic coating and paint lines with in-line, computer-controlled quality gauges, a level of process control that’s uncommon in reversing cold mill and coil coating operations. We’ve also invested heavily in proprietary color and texture technology, like our Vintage® and Textured Rustic finishes, to give manufacturers a design edge, not just a commodity product.
Is Steelscape part of a larger company?
Yes. Steelscape is part of NS BlueScope Coated Products, combining global metallurgical and coating expertise with North American manufacturing scale. That backing means our customers get the R&D depth of a global coatings leader with the responsiveness of a domestic supplier. Lean more About Us.
Where are Steelscape's facilities located?
Steelscape operates coil-coating and metallic-coating lines in Kalama, Washington, and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Each facility is strategically located near major transportation hubs for truck, boat, and rail, positioning us to efficiently serve manufacturers across the Western U.S. and beyond.
Our Process & Capabilities
What does the coil coating process actually involve?
Coil coating is a continuous, roll-to-roll process. Steel enters as a coil, is cleaned and pre-treated, metallic coated for corrosion protection, primed, painted, cured in-line, and re-wound, all before it ever reaches a customer’s roll former. Line speeds can exceed 700 feet per minute, which is what allows us to deliver tight, consistent quality at volume. Learn more about What We Do.
What capabilities does Steelscape offer beyond painting?
We’re a full-service coil processor. Our capabilities include pickling, reversing cold rolling, metallic coating (TruZinc® and ZINCALUME®), coil coating and painting, slitting, cut-to-length, and embossing. That means we can take a customer from raw hot-rolled or cold-rolled steel all the way to a finished, ready-to-form product. Learn more about our Capabilities.
Does Steelscape offer toll coating?
Yes. If a customer supplies their own base metal, we can coat it to their specification through our toll processing services. This is common among manufacturers who source their own substrates but want Steelscape’s coating quality and consistency. Learn more about our Quality Commitment.
What gauge and width ranges does Steelscape produce?
We produce coil across the gauge and width ranges most commonly specified in metal building, roofing, and wall applications. Exact capabilities vary by product line and facility, so reach out to our team with your specification, and we’ll confirm fit. Learn more about our Capabilities.
How does Steelscape ensure consistency across production runs?
Our metallic coating and paint lines use closed-loop, computer-controlled quality gauges in-line, not just spot checks after the fact. Combined with rigorous ASTM-aligned testing protocols, this is how we maintain tight tolerances batch to batch and run to run. Learn more about our Quality Commitment.
Substrates & Metallic Coatings
What's the difference between TruZinc® and ZINCALUME®?
TruZinc® is our galvanized product, steel hot-dip coated with pure zinc for corrosion protection. ZINCALUME® (also known industry-wide as Galvalume®) is our aluminum-zinc alloy coating (roughly 55% aluminum, 44% zinc, plus silicon), which delivers superior corrosion resistance and carries a substrate warranty. Most premium metal roofing and wall programs specify ZINCALUME® as the base for exactly this reason. Learn more about Protective & Specialty Coatings.
Why choose ZINCALUME® over standard galvanized steel?
The aluminum in ZINCALUME® forms a durable barrier layer, while the zinc provides sacrificial (self-healing) protection at cut edges and scratches. That combination consistently outperforms zinc-only galvanizing in the field, which is why ZINCALUME® carries a substrate warranty that hot-dip galvanizing simply doesn’t offer. Learn more about Protective & Specialty Coatings.
Are there environments where ZINCALUME® isn't recommended?
Yes. The aluminum-zinc alloy is sensitive to prolonged exposure to wet concrete or highly alkaline environments. We work with specifiers and manufacturers to select substrates for unusual or aggressive environments, including severe marine and industrial applications.
Does Steelscape offer both steel and aluminum substrates?
Yes. Steelscape provides coating solutions for both steel and aluminum substrates. However, steel remains the most widely used material due to its strength-to-cost advantage, durability, and recyclability. Aluminum offers a lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternative that is well-suited for coastal, marine, and other demanding environments. Both substrates are available with a range of metallic-coated and pre-painted finishes. Learn more about Protective & Specialty Coatings.
Paint Systems & Finishes
What paint systems does Steelscape offer?
We offer the full performance spectrum: standard polyester, Silicon Modified Polyester (SMP), and Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF/Kynar®/Hylar®), and Fluoroethylene Vinyl Ether (FEVE) systems. Each is engineered for a different balance of cost, color longevity, and weatherability. Our team helps manufacturers match the right system for their end application and warranty needs. Learn more about Protective & Specialty Coatings.
What's the practical difference between polyester, SMP, and PVDF?
Polyester is the most economical system with good general performance. SMP adds a silicone-modified resin for improved UV and chalk/fade resistance at a moderate cost increase. PVDF and FEVE are our top-tier systems, offering the best chalk, fade, and chemical resistance available, the standard for high-end architectural and long-warranty commercial programs.
What is Vintage® and Riverstone?
These are Steelscape’s proprietary finish platforms, engineered without the need for a traditional primer while still delivering exceptional adhesion, color depth, and durability. Vintage comes with a TruZinc substrate while Riverstone comes with a ZINCALUME substrate. They also come standard with graffiti-resistant properties, making them a differentiated option for architectural wall and roof programs where design impact matters as much as performance.
Can Steelscape create custom colors or patterns?
Yes. Beyond our standard Design Solution colors, we offer custom color matching and flexographic roll printing to create woodgrain, weathered metal, and other pattern effects, all built on the same durable paint systems we use across our line. This is a core part of how we help brands differentiate their product in the market. Learn more about Custom Design & Color Solutions.
What's the difference between a matte, textured, and gloss finish?
Gloss level is a paint chemistry and process decision, not just a look. Textured systems cure with a micro-surface texture that scatters light and reduces the appearance of panel waviness (oil canning); low-gloss/matte systems use specialty micro-wrinkle technology and/or flatteners for a smoother, satin appearance. We help manufacturers choose the finish approach that fits their panel profile and market.
What are "cool" color pigments and why do they matter?
Cool pigments are infrared reflective, meaning they reject solar heat while still delivering the visible color a designer wants, even in darker shades. For manufacturers targeting energy codes, LEED credits, or Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) requirements, cool pigment technology allows them to offer high-SRI colors without sacrificing the color palette their customers want. Learn more in the Learning Center.
Quality, Testing & Warranty
How does Steelscape validate paint and coating performance?
We test and exceed relevant ASTM standards, using industry-standard methods including T-bend testing (forming flexibility), reverse impact testing (adhesion under stress), and accelerated weathering to validate chalk, fade, and corrosion performance before a product ever ships. Learn more about our Quality Commitment.
What warranties does Steelscape stand behind?
Warranty coverage depends on the selected paint system and substrate combination. PVDF systems offer our most extensive protection against delamination, chalking, and color fade, while the ZINCALUME® substrate carries a corrosion warranty. Sample warranty documentation is available in our Document Library, and our team can advise on the right coverage for a specific program.
How can a manufacturer confirm they're getting genuine Steelscape material?
Ask your supplier directly whether the coil is genuine Steelscape product. Because coating quality is the single biggest driver of a finished panel’s durability and warranty eligibility, we encourage manufacturers and specifiers to verify their source, and we’re glad to confirm directly on request.
Does Steelscape support LEED, CRRC, or other green building certifications?
Yes. Our cool color technology and recycled content support Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) requirements common to LEED and other green building programs, and we can provide the technical documentation manufacturers and architects need for certification submittals. Learn more about how Steelscape is your partner in Sustainability.
What's the difference between a matte, textured, and gloss finish?
Gloss level is a paint chemistry and process decision, not just a look. Textured systems cure with a micro-surface texture that scatters light and reduces the appearance of panel waviness (oil canning); low-gloss/matte systems use specialty micro-wrinkle technology and/or flatteners for a smoother, satin appearance. We help manufacturers choose the finish approach that fits their panel profile and market.
What are "cool" color pigments and why do they matter?
Cool pigments are infrared reflective, meaning they reject solar heat while still delivering the visible color a designer wants, even in darker shades. For manufacturers targeting energy codes, LEED credits, or Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) requirements, cool pigment technology allows them to offer high-SRI colors without sacrificing the color palette their customers want. Learn more in the Learning Center.
Sustainability
How sustainable is coil-coated steel?
Steel is one of the most recycled materials on earth, and our finished products commonly incorporate 50 to 75% recycled content while remaining 100% recyclable at end of life. Our coil coating process is also a closed-loop system: curing ovens capture and combust VOCs rather than releasing them, and cool pigment technology helps reduce building energy loads for decades after installation. Learn more about how Steelscape is your partner in Sustainability.
What is Steelscape doing to reduce its environmental footprint?
Beyond VOC-capturing closed-loop curing, our continuous coil-coating process is inherently more energy- and material-efficient than piecemeal finishing methods. Through environmental transparency, responsible sourcing, and continuous improvement, Steelscape supports customers seeking sustainable solutions. Additionally, our long-life paint and metallic coating systems reduce the frequency of replacement and re-coating over a building’s life.
Working With Steelscape
How do I request a sample or start a conversation with Steelscape?
Reach out through “Ask Steelscape” or “Request Samples” on our website or call our team directly. We’ll connect you with the right technical or sales contact based on your application.
Does Steelscape sell directly to contractors or homeowners?
No, we supply coil to downstream manufacturers, who form it into finished goods. If you’re a contractor or homeowner, we’re happy to help you identify a manufacturer in your area running genuine Steelscape material. Reach out through “Ask Seelscape“.
What information should I provide when requesting a quote or sample?
Have your target substrate (TruZinc® or ZINCALUME®), gauge, paint system, and color/finish preference ready, along with your application (roofing, wall panel, etc.) and any performance or warranty requirements. The more specific you are, the faster our team can match you with the right product.
Where can I find technical documentation, color charts, or design guides?
Our Document Library houses our technical bulletins, product guide, warranty information, and design inspiration resources, built specifically for the specifiers, architects, and manufacturers who work with our material every day.
How can I stay current on new colors, finishes, or capabilities from Steelscape?
Our News + Insights page is updated regularly with new product launches, project spotlights, and design trends. It’s the best way to see how manufacturers and architects are putting our newest finishes to work.
