Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Corrosion- and saltwater-resistant accessories are snap buttons, eyelets, rings, buckles and zips made from materials and with coatings that do not rust and do not stain the fabric on contact with sweat, moisture and seawater. They are essential for military and police uniforms, railway staff uniforms, swimwear and beachwear, and yacht equipment. Polkom manufactures such accessories with an additional protective treatment and laboratory-confirmed corrosion resistance.
Why ordinary metal is not enough
Metal corrodes when moisture, salt and the acids in sweat break down its protective layer. On everyday clothing this is a cosmetic issue, but on a uniform or swimwear the consequences are serious:
- The snap button jams or stops holding – dangerous on ballistic vests, load-bearing systems and gear.
- Rust stains the fabric around the button, eyelet or zip, and the stain does not wash out.
- The coating peels and the uniform loses its smart appearance long before the fabric wears out.
- Salt water speeds up the process many times over – which is why the choice of material is decisive for swimwear and yacht equipment.
Corrosion-resistant accessories: materials and coatings
| Material / coating | Corrosion resistance | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel AISI 316 (marine grade) | Very high, including in salt water | Yachts, swimwear, naval uniforms |
| Stainless steel AISI 304 | High | Uniforms, workwear, gear |
| Brass with protective coating and lacquer | High when properly treated | Military and police uniforms, eyelets for awnings |
| Aluminium (anodised) | Good, lightweight material | Ventilation eyelets, lightweight garments |
| POM plastic (polyacetal) | Does not corrode | Swimwear, rainwear, vests, marine covers |
| Polyester | Does not corrode | Rings and buckles for swimwear, buttons |
All Polkom metal accessories are nickel free – important for uniforms that are worn all day in contact with the skin.
Additional protective treatment
For snap buttons for uniforms we apply an additional treatment with a special protective liquid that seals the surface and increases resistance to sweat and moisture. Our snap buttons made this way for police uniforms passed a corrosion resistance test in an accredited laboratory with the highest rating – no change to the surface.
Where they are used
Military uniforms and gear
Combat uniforms, ballistic vests and load-bearing systems are worn in rain, mud and heavy sweating. They call for sturdy snap buttons with a 15–20 mm cap, ventilation eyelets, D-rings and buckles with a matt, non-reflective finish in olive green, khaki, black or coyote.
Police uniforms
Jackets, trousers, shirts and epaulettes with navy, black or grey snap buttons and metal buttons with an emblem. The requirement is that the accessories keep their colour and function after repeated industrial laundering.
Railway and other public service uniforms
Uniforms for railway staff, firefighters, customs and security services are worn outdoors in all weather and washed often. They need buttons, eyelets and zips with a durable coating that do not stain light-coloured shirts.
Swimwear and beachwear
Seawater, chlorine and sun are the toughest test for accessories. Swimwear uses rings and buckles made of polyester or 316 stainless steel, POM snap buttons and metal logo plates with a durable coating.
Yachts and marine equipment
Boat covers, canopies, sunshades and cushions require stainless steel or brass eyelets and snap buttons that withstand constant contact with salt water and UV rays.
How resistance is proven: tests
- EN ISO 9227 (salt spray, NSS) – samples are kept in a salt spray chamber for a set number of hours; the appearance of corrosion is assessed.
- ISO 22775 – corrosion resistance of metal accessories in contact with artificial sweat; the change of the surface and the staining of cotton fabric are assessed.
- Wash test – checks whether the accessory keeps its function and colour after repeated washing.
For uniform orders, the test report usually has to be issued in the name of the ordering company. Polkom can arrange testing of the specific production batch in an accredited laboratory.
What to include in your inquiry
- Type of accessory and system (for example snap button system 54, 15 mm cap);
- Where it will be used – uniform, swimwear, yacht equipment;
- Colour and finish (matt, black, olive, navy);
- Testing requirement (EN ISO 9227, ISO 22775) and number of hours, if specified;
- Quantity.
Polkom – manufacturer of accessories for uniforms and marine environments
Polkom manufactures snap buttons, eyelets, rings, buckles and zips for military, police and railway uniforms, for swimwear and for yacht equipment. We offer more than 50 types of snap buttons, all metal accessories are nickel free, and we make a sample before series production. Send an inquiry with the type of accessory and the conditions of use, and we will suggest the right material and finish.
