scope:

This guide provides general information on the description, selection, and application of zinc-rich coatings as well as the selection and application (including surface preparation) of topcoats.

Zinc-rich coatings as referenced in this Guide are broadly defined as coatings containing high levels of zinc such as SSPC-Paint 20 or SSPC-Paint 29.

Zinc-rich coatings are classified as follows:

Type IA Inorganic - post-cured, water-borne, alkali silicates

Type IB Inorganic - self-cured, water-borne, alkali silicates

Type IC Inorganic - self-cured, solvent-borne, alkyl silicates

Type IIA Organic - thermoplastic binders

Type IIB Organic - thermoset binders

Zinc-rich coatings, both topcoated and untopcoated, have been used successfully in a wide variety of environmental zones. For a detailed breakdown of applicability of various types of zinc-rich coatings in different environmental zones, see Table 1.