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When bare steel needs more than a basic coat of paint, RLA Zinc Primer gives it sacrificial zinc protection against rust and corrosion. This one-pack zinc-rich epoxy primer is built for exposed steelwork, repair work and touch-ups where long-term protection matters. With 85% zinc in the dry film, it is suited to roofs, handrails, balustrades, gates, wrought iron, weld repairs, galvanised iron and Zincalume touch-ups.
Why use a zinc-rich primer?
The zinc pigment provides sacrificial protection to prepared steel, helping protect the metal beneath when the coating is exposed to harsh exterior conditions. RLA Zinc Primer can be left as a matte grey protective finish or used as the corrosion-control base beneath a suitable decorative topcoat.
Where it earns its place
- Exterior steelwork: Roofs, handrails, balustrades, gates and wrought iron exposed to weather and corrosion.
- Welding and fabrication: Touch up welded areas and other spots where the original protective coating has been removed.
- Galvanised and Zincalume repairs: Reinstate protection on compatible touch-up areas after cutting, drilling or fabrication.
- Concrete repair: Prime exposed steel reinforcement before compatible RLA repair mortars are applied.
Numbers that matter
- 85% zinc in the dry film: High zinc loading for sacrificial corrosion protection.
- 75 micron total DFT: Target film build for standalone protective use, typically applied in 2–4 coats.
- 25 micron total DFT: Minimum film build before a suitable decorative topcoat, applied in at least 2 coats.
- 30 minute touch dry: At 23°C and 50% relative humidity.
- 4 hour recoat / 24 hour topcoat: Practical turnaround for staged coating work under standard conditions.
Application
Apply directly to bare, properly prepared metal. Remove rust, scale, dirt, dust, grease, oil, loose material and existing coatings. Corrosion should be removed by grinding, sanding, grit blasting or wire brushing, with any remaining rust treated using a suitable deoxidiser or chemical rust remover before solvent degreasing.
Stir thoroughly before use. Apply neat by brush or roller. For conventional spray application, thin 30–40% with mineral turps and spray at 350–400kPa, agitating the material occasionally after thinning to keep the zinc pigment evenly dispersed.
Limitations
- Do not apply over rust converters or other existing coatings.
- Do not apply when ambient temperatures are below 10°C or above 30°C.
- Do not apply when rain is imminent or forecast within 24 hours.
- Use in a well-ventilated area and follow the current SDS for safe handling.
What is RLA Zinc Primer used for?
It protects prepared steel against rust and corrosion, including roofs, handrails, balustrading, gates, wrought iron, weld touch-ups and touch-ups to galvanised iron and Zincalume.
Can it be used on exposed reinforcing steel?
Yes. RLA specifies Zinc Primer for steel reinforcement before compatible repair mortars.
How much zinc does it contain?
The current technical data sheet states 85% zinc in the dry film.
Can it be left as the finished coat?
Yes. It can be used as a finished protective coat or top coated with a suitable decorative finish.
How long does it take to dry?
At 23°C and 50% RH it is touch dry in about 30 minutes, can be recoated after 4 hours and top coated after 24 hours.
- Bare prepared steel.
- Exposed steel reinforcement.
- Galvanised iron for touch-up work.
- Zincalume and zinc-alum surfaces for touch-up work.
- Wrought iron.
RLA Zinc Primer Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | One-pack zinc-rich epoxy primer |
| Form | Thin liquid |
| Colour | Grey |
| Finish | Matte |
| Zinc Content | 85% of dry film |
| VOC Content | <250 g/L |
| Container Size | 1 L |
| Application Methods | Brush, roller or spray |
| Spray Thinning | 30–40% with mineral turps |
| Spray Air Pressure | 350–400 kPa |
| Standalone Protective Coating | 2–4 coats to total dry film thickness of 75 microns |
| Decorative Topcoat Preparation | Minimum 2 coats to total dry film thickness of 25 microns |
| Coverage At 75 Microns | 1 L / 5.5 m² |
| Coverage At 50 Microns | 1 L / 8.2 m² |
| Coverage At 25 Microns | 1 L / 16.5 m² |
| Touch Dry | 30 minutes at 23°C, 50% RH |
| Recoat | 4 hours |
| Top Coat | 24 hours |
| Application Temperature | Above 10°C and below 30°C ambient |
| Shelf Life | 12 months in original unopened packaging |