Zinc-Rich Paint
Zinc-Rich Paint’s Value Proposition
Zinc-rich paints offer a cost-effective way to protect metal surfaces from corrosion and rust. Containing 77-95% metallic zinc dust, these specially formulated paints create a dense metallic zinc particle matrix that not only acts as a barrier against corrosion but also provides cathodic protection to the underlying steel. Zinc oxide also can be added as a white pigment to paints to improve texture, block ultraviolet radiation, and prevent corrosion. Zinc-rich paints can be brushed or sprayed and are available as organic and inorganic chemistries. They work in many applications, particularly in construction, energy, infrastructure, and marine environments.
Choose the Right Paint
Inorganic and organic zinc-rich coatings differ significantly in their composition, properties, and some applications.
Zinc Paint Advantage
Versatile, no steel restrictions
Low-cost
Applied by brush or spray
Single coat or in multi-coat paint system
Short dry time
Applied in factory or field
Organic Zinc-Rich Paints
Organic Zinc-Rich Paint Composition
Organic zinc-rich coatings are made by suspending zinc dust in an organic binder, such as epoxy, polyurethane, or alkyd. This type of coating relies on the organic binder to provide a protective barrier in addition to the sacrificial protection from the zinc.
Applications:
- Used frequently in construction, automotive, and offshore structures where a combination of aesthetic appearance and corrosion protection is desired
- Suitable for environments where the coating may face mechanical stress or impact, as the organic binder provides a degree of flexibility
Properties of Organic Zinc-Rich Paints
- Provide more flexibility and better adhesion on various substrates, including smooth and blasted surfaces
- Offer a smoother finish and availability in a wider range of colors than inorganic paints
- Have lower resistance to heat compared to inorganic paints
- Cures faster with less dependence on humidity, better in controlled or time-sensitive environments
Inorganic Zinc-Rich Paints
Inorganic Zinc-Rich Paint Composition
Inorganic zinc-rich coatings primarily use zinc dust suspended in a silicate binder. This combination results in a coating that bonds chemically to the metal surface it protects.
Applications:
- Ideal for heavy industrial environments, power plants, bridges, and marine applications where long-term corrosion protection is crucial
- Often used in situations where the coating is expected to withstand physical abuse or high temperatures
Properties of Inorganic Zinc-Rich Paints
- Offer excellent resistance to high temperatures, the ideal choice for environments exposed to extreme heat
- Provide premier protection in harsh environments, including areas with industrial pollution or marine exposure
- Provide cathodic protection to steel, sacrificing the zinc to protect the metal surface
- Require moisture in the air to cure and can take longer than organic paints






