Surface Preparation for Inorganic Zinc Silicate Coatings
Rob Francis
The single-coat inorganic zinc silicate (IZS) coating provides one of the most durable and cost-effective coating systems available. Properly applied, it will provide many years durability in even the most severe environments, such as off-shore platforms and other marine applications. It is also widely used in many other industries where colour is not required, such as power stations, refineries, bridges and other engineering structures and water and wastewater treatment facilities. In fact, as long as the environment is not too acidic or alkaline, it can be used in just about any atmospheric application. There are water-borne inorganic zincs, ideal where there are VOC limitations, and solvent-borne coatings, which are easier to use but require humidity to cure. Both types provide similar longterm protection.