Bare Steel - The polished beauty of bare steel offers a knurl-showcasing, tactile quality that many lifters love. This finish requires a small amount of regular care to keep the bar in good condition. We recommend you apply a small amount of 3-in-1 oil with a soft cloth the barbell's clean, dry shaft and sleeves three times a year to help protect the bar from corrosion. Additionally, care should be taken to keep the bar protected from damp conditions. Horizontal or vertical bar storage is recommended to keep the bar off the floor.Zinc: The least expensive plating option, zinc is shiny and bright on arrival with a hue that varies from bluish to brownish. As the bar is used this coating will develop a dull, gunmetal gray patina. This default option is a very durable and corrosion-resistant plating choice commonly found on many barbells.Black Oxide -The onyx sheen of black oxide is an attractive addition to any barbell roster. This finish requires the same upkeep protocol as we recommend for Bare Steel--apply a light application of 3-in-1 oil with a soft cloth to the bar 3 times a year and take care to keep it protected from damp or humid conditions. Cerakote - Cerakote is a ceramic based coating, originally used in the firearms industry for its excellent corrosion resistance and wear characteristics without excessive coating buildup. Cerakote is known for being a highly protective finish that stands up to the elements well. When cleaning chalk from the knurl on a cerakote bar, be sure to use a stiff nylon bristle brush, not a wire-bristled brush.