The main reason for applying a zinc containing coating is to have a primer with the ability of providing cathodic protection. This will contribute to protecting the steel substrate and reducing the risk of having undercutting corrosion. For the cathodic protection process to work properly, it is extremely important that the coating contains a sufficient quantity of zinc metal, usually above 75% weight of the dry film for water-borne and 82% for solvent borne paints.

They are very resistant to different chemicals and especially solvents. Zinc ethylsilicate (solvent-based) and alkali silicate (water-borne) are also often used inside storage tanks for solvents because of the extremely good solvent resistance. Inorganic zinc coatings have, generally, not been used for services implying continuous water immersion.

Typical practice in the use of inorganic zinc coating systems varies with the exposure environment and type of structure. One coat of inorganic zinc, typically 75-125 microns DFT, is often used for tank lining. The water-borne zinc silicate has to be applied with conventional spray. The solvent borne zinc-ethylsilicate, however, is excellent to apply with airless spray. Careful monitoring of the relative humidity is important during application and curing. Multiple topcoats over inorganic zinc coatings are used for offshore structures, ships, industrial plants, refineries, tanks, bridges etc.

• Very good solvent resistance
• Very high heath resistance (max 400^oC)
• Very high mechanical strength
• Very good adhesion to blast cleaned steel
• Relatively good re-coatability

• Requires humidity for curing
• 2-pack
• Max. DFT: 100 microns
• At higher DFT tendency of mud-cracking or checking

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