The composition and scope of zinc primers, their advantages and disadvantages

Zinc primer is a special substance that is used for metal surfaces. With its help, it is possible to create a coating that easily resists the action of moisture and protects the metal from it. This prevents rust from forming on the surface. Initially, these types of floors were made only on the basis of zinc dust. However, they then started using zinc flakes for this. This provides reliable coverage.

Composition and properties of zinc primer

Zinc primer is a complex anti-corrosion compound. It provides active and passive protection of metal surfaces. There are many zinc primers on the market today.

In all cases, they contain up to 99% zinc in the form of dust and flakes. Depending on the content of other ingredients, the following types of primers are distinguished:

• Contains zinc and organic compounds. These are film formers - epoxy or polyurethane.Such substances provide high electrical conductivity and help achieve protective shielding due to metal polarization. This process is considered the main factor.
• Contains zinc and inorganic components. They include high dielectrics, amorphous polymers, water glass.

Combined and bimetallic soil types are also distinguished. In addition to zinc, the composition may contain magnesium, aluminum, red lead. Film-forming substances are alkali-resistant materials. It can be chlorinated rubber, polystyrene, polyvinyl resins.

Auxiliary ingredients include:

• Chromic acid salts - React with iron and form a corrosive passive layer.
• Surfactants - reduce the surface tension of liquids and improve the wettability of metal. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed over the surface.
• Red iron is a neutral pigment that forms a chemically resistant protective film. The primer with this substance has a characteristic brick-red tint.

For polymerization of a two-component primer, a hardener is added to it. This substance is sold in a separate container. It is added just before starting work.

Scope and principle of operation

The zinc primer forms a thin film on the surface. It protects the material from oxidation. The film is formed due to the contact of a substance with air. Powdered zinc in combination with flakes is evenly applied to the surface. Zinc is considered a more active metal than iron. Therefore, it does not oxidize.

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Other substances, which are contained in the primer with zinc, provide the reaction of the composition with iron.This helps to achieve the formation of an anti-corrosion layer. Surfactants, which are present in the composition, reduce the tension of liquids and increase the wetting of the metal surface. This helps to distribute the substances evenly over the substrate.

Red leaded iron forms a film resistant to chemical attack. These types of soil have an orange-burgundy color.

Zinc metal primers have a fairly wide range of applications. They are used to protect buildings and industrial structures - for example, bridges and overpasses. In the oil and gas industry, zinc soils are used to treat pumping devices, pipelines, storage facilities, pipes and tanks.

Also, the substances are used in the shipbuilding industry. They are used for anti-corrosion treatment of ships, metal structures and platforms.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Primers containing zinc have many beneficial properties. Therefore, they are often used by professionals and amateurs. The main advantages of these materials are:

• the ability to use in any weather - the primer can be used even in conditions of high humidity and low temperatures;
• durability - the coating can serve for 15-50 years;
• resistance to moisture and mechanical stress;
• resistance to a large number of chemicals;
• excellent rust protection;
• resistance to high temperatures, refractory properties;
• increase the adhesion parameters of the base and the following coating;
• plasticity - even over time the coating does not peel off.

At the same time, zinc primers also have some disadvantages. The main disadvantages are:

• high toxicity parameters;
• insufficient adhesion with finishing;
• low electrical conductivity parameters - this limits the use of welding equipment.

Types of primers containing zinc

Zinc-filled soil has different release forms and differs in composition.

This allows you to choose an effective remedy.

In spray can

Soil in spray cans has the following characteristics:

• It is produced on the basis of alkyd or acrylic resins and contains zinc in the form of fine powder.
• Differs in ease of use. The composition is completely ready for use and does not need additional devices.
• Does not include phosphoric acid. Therefore, this substance is only suitable for cleaned surfaces that do not show traces of rust.

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Two-component zinc primers

Two-component soil has the following characteristics:

• The kit includes 2 separate containers containing the base and the thinner.
• The base includes a composition based on polymer resins and a zinc filler.
• Thinner contains isopropyl alcohol, phosphoric acid and additives.
• Differs in high durability and provides a pronounced protective effect.

Zincconol

This agent is a one-component cold galvanizing agent. It has the following characteristics:

• Made from liquid polyurethane resins.
• Contains fine zinc powder, which provides active protection.
• Used for steel and cast iron products. Furthermore, the composition can be used for the treatment of non-ferrous metals.
• Distinguished by a high degree of resistance to moisture, acids, alkalis and petroleum products. The composition is not sensitive to organic solvents and other aggressive compounds.
• At a relatively low cost.
• It can be used in a wide temperature range - from -70 to +120 degrees.

Ranking of the best brands: opinion and cost

The best types of zinc soil include:

• "Zinkor-Barrier" - includes 96% zinc and protects ferrous metals from corrosion. The composition has a tread compound. Its service life reaches 10 years. A bucket with a volume of 10 kilograms will cost 6400 rubles.
• Tektil Zinc is an effective agent that reliably protects metal surfaces from corrosion. The composition has a water-repellent effect and combines the advantages of the latest generations of floors. The product contains dispersed zinc, corrosion inhibitors, solvents and wax. 1 spray can cost 697 rubles.
• Body 425 Zinc Spot spray is a single component compound that dries quickly. It contains a lot of zinc. The substance is highly conductive and, in addition to zinc, contains many acrylic and nitrocellulose resins. You can buy the product for 628 rubles.
• CRC AC-PRIMER is an effective aerosol primer. It contains zinc orthophosphate. The substance dries quickly and can be used on different types of metal surfaces. The composition can be purchased for 510 rubles.

Terms of use

In order for the substance to give the desired result, it is important to strictly adhere to the rules of its application.

Preparatory stage

At the surface preparation stage, it is recommended to proceed as follows:

• completely remove the old coating;
• remove loose rust;
• sand the metal until it shines;
• treat the surface with acetone or a solvent.

Primer Consumption Calculation

The specific consumption of soil depends on its variety and type of surface. On average, 300-400 grams of the substance are consumed per square meter.

Primer application technique

The rules for using a substance directly depend on its type. To use "Zincconol", it is recommended to do the following:

• Mix the product with xylene or solvent before use. This will help you get the consistency you want.
• Apply to the surface using a roller, spray gun or brush. In this case, the temperature can be + 5-40 degrees.
• Stir the composition all the time during the application of the substance. This will help prevent delamination of the composition.

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To use aerosol primers, it is recommended to do the following:

• Shake the can vigorously for 20-30 seconds before using the substance.
• Spray the contents of the aerosol from a distance of 200 to 300 millimeters. In this case, the ball must be held vertically.
• To avoid the appearance of spots, the spray head must be constantly moved. This should be done in the vertical and horizontal planes.

When working with two-component floors, it is recommended to consider the following characteristics:

• It is necessary to prepare a two-component composition immediately before use. However, it retains its properties for 6 hours.
• Pour 4 parts of the base containing zinc into a clean plastic container.
• Add 1 part Acid Thinner to the same dish.
• Stir the mixture well and let sit for 15-20 minutes to remove air bubbles.
• Apply the prepared mixture with a roller or brush.

Drying time

The specific drying time of a substance depends on its type. Thus, "Zincconol" dries in 2 hours. Aerosol primers are applied in 2 coats. Intermediate drying of each of them takes half an hour.In this case, it is allowed to proceed with the application of the paint only 2 hours after the application of the last layer. The two-component mixture dries for 2-6 hours.

Safety measures when working with equipment

When working with hardware, it is recommended that you adhere to the following rules:

• Avoid floor contact with naked flame sources.
• Apply the composition exclusively with rubber gloves.
• Avoid eye contact. This will require special glasses.
• Working with earth in a respirator. High toxicity can damage the mucous membranes and walls of the respiratory organs.

Errors and difficulties

When working with zinc earth, novice craftsmen make the following mistakes:

• choosing the wrong primer;
• not observing the temperature regime when using the composition;
• do not prepare the surface for the primer;
• do not withstand the required drying time of coats.

Expert advice

In order for the zinc primer to lay down well and evenly on the surface, it is recommended to observe the following rules:

• choose the right composition, taking into account the characteristics of the surface;
• observe the humidity and temperature parameters when applying the composition;
• control the uniformity of the application of the substance.

Zinc primer is an effective product that can be used to treat metal surfaces. In this case, it is important to strictly follow the instructions.