The choice of metallic substrate is determined by the dimensional, mechanical and corrosion resistance properties required of the coated product in use. The most common metallic substrates that are organically coated are:
* Hot dip galvanised steel (HDG) which consists of a cold reduced steel substrate onto which a layer of zinc is coated via a hot dip process to impart enhanced corrosion properties onto the base steel.
* Galvanized mild steel (GMS) can be used as balustrade and handrail of staircase, pipe, etc. 
* Other zinc-based alloys are coated onto steel and used as a substrate for coil coating, giving different properties. They give improved corrosion resistance in particular conditions.
* Electro-galvanised (EG) coated steel consists of a cold reduced substrate onto which a layer of zinc is coated by an electrolytic process.
* Cold reduced steel (CR) without any zinc coating
* Wrought aluminium alloys
* Many other substrates are organically coated: zinc/iron, stainless steel, tinplate, brass, zinc and copper.