Chain-link fence is simply a woven steel wire fence coated with zinc to prevent rust, commonly referred to as galvanized fence. There are two kinds of galvanized chain-link, GBW or GAW: galvanized before weaving (GBW) or galvanized after weaving (GAW). The vast majority on the market today is galvanized after weaving.

Color chain-link fence is sometimes called vinyl or color-coated. In this process, steel wire is first coated with zinc and then covered with a vinyl polymer coating that helps prevent rust and adds color. The vinyl is generally added to both the framework and the fabric of the fence.

Some chain-link fence products use an aluminized coating to cover the steel in place of the zinc that creates a highly reflective finish