Zinc Rich Epoxy Primer

Hi,

Wondering what the "forums" thoughts are for a zinc rich ( Product data sheets http://www.ppgpmc.com/Product-Data-Sheets/P111/DIMETCOTE-302-H.aspx ) primer for decks vs just going with an epoxy like Amerlock 2/400.

Any comments are welcome, we will be painting in the next month so need to decide and order paint.

Thanks,
Mark

 

Hi Mark

The amount of zinc a zinc loaded epoxy can release is low because the epoxy encapsulates the particles. It won’t do any harm, there will be some benefit probably not as much as you imagine or the paint salesperson suggests. It certainly slows down the oxidation under damaged paint. However you do still get corrosion where paint is chipped, it just delays maintenance by a few months.

If those minor visible rust blemishes are treated early and you don't knock your decks around the way a work boat is treated then there’s not a great advantage.

Just for reference: Better cathodic protection is provided by zinc silicate primers than epoxy zinc primers but they have a surface that limits the use of various top coats.

 

Thanks Mike,
It doesn't sound like it's massive benefit, yet adds extra materials (different paint). I've been checking out various paint schedules for coast guard ships as a reference and it's an option.

Mark

 

google aluthane -- a mcu (moiture cured urethane) anti corrosion primer