Phosphating provides a protective and insulating layer of phosphate crystals on steel surfaces. It can be used in the form of iron phosphate, zinc phosphate, and manganese phosphate. As with painting, it can be used for cold working processes or before applying protective lubricants. It can be applied to iron, steel, and in some cases aluminum surfaces. Direct immersion and spray application methods are common. It is an important process in the electrical installation and pipe drawing sectors. To facilitate cold shooting, chemical phosphating is used. Wire phosphating is used by immersion to speed up the process and increase corrosion resistance.