Galvanized metal is one of the most weather-resistant materials. The advantages are simplicity and ease of use, allowing the use of galvanization during the construction of private and public facilities. However, galvanized metal requires additional protection against corrosion and spraying. To avoid damage caused by corrosion, which provokes damage and failure of metal structures, it is recommended to use galvanized paint.
Galvanization of metal and its advantages
In civil and private construction, despite a wide range of materials, the highest priority is galvanized or galvanized sheet. This material is used for roofing, in the construction of factories, office centers, private homes, industrial buildings, garages, storage rooms, hangars.
To obtain the best characteristics, providing, first of all, the resistance of the galvanized metal to the destructive action of moisture and oxygen, allows the application of a thin layer of zinc on the surface of metal sheets. Thus, there is an increase in the resistance of iron to corrosion.
However, the zinc coating does not allow one hundred percent success, since zinc itself also corrodes over time. Traces of its manifestation become noticeable on the surface of the metal in the form of a substance resembling a powder. This substance is called white rust. Thus, galvanized metal also requires additional protection in the form of coloring with special paints, as well as ordinary iron without any coatings.
Paint Selection Criteria
Painting metal surfaces with increased passivity is a prerequisite for extending the life of any metal structure. The main criterion that the paint for galvanizing should meet is high-performance elastic and adhesive characteristics. Such characteristics do not possess, for example, oil paints and varnishes. When applied to a metal surface, they cause chemical reactions that significantly reduce the adhesive properties of the paint itself. As a result, the coating applied to the surface quickly peels off, and after a year a new painting of the structure will be required.
The best option would be to choose from the following list of types of coatings designed for aluminum painting and steel structures, as well as galvanized metal:
- acrylic;
- alkyd;
- rubber;
- vinyl.
Each type of paint has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, acrylic paints, produced on the basis of organic solvents, without fail include special anti-corrosion additives. The surface formed after painting with acrylic paints is most often matte.
The coating has good resistance to atmospheric phenomena (which is especially important if it is necessary to paint the roof of galvanized metal), is resistant to the sun, has an excellent water-repellent effect, has good adhesive properties, and a long service life. Acrylic paints, which is important, attract attention to themselves at a very affordable cost.
Alkyd paints and varnishes work perfectly in conditions of a special climate (for example, marine) or when used for painting structures in an industrial environment.
They form a glossy coating, contain active anticorrosive pigments and are distinguished by good performance characteristics.
Vinyl paints are not inferior to their predecessors in weather resistance. This type of paintwork copes with the effects of high temperatures, it is durable, although it requires several large financial investments.
A coating characterized by a high degree of elasticity, made on the basis of acrylic and resembling rubber to the touch, this is the result of coloring with a rubber paint. The main advantage of this type of coating is resistance to mechanical stress.
Thus, each type of paint coatings has items in the list of advantages that distinguish it from other materials intended for painting galvanized metal. Therefore, when choosing it is worth paying attention to the following characteristics:
- resistance to moisture;
- resistance to atmospheric effects and climate features;
- long term of operation;
- the absence of harmful substances in the paintwork (environmental friendliness);
- resistance to chemicals;
- good decorative properties.
The best choice
Especially popular with consumers who are guided by the choice of paint and varnish coating with the above criteria, enamel for galvanization and rust. This type of paint coating provides a significant extension of the life of any structures made of galvanized metal (roofing, pipes). The cost of primer-enamel exceeds the price of conventional paints. However, the result obtained after painting is worth the investment.
Hammerite alkyd primer enamel attracts with high adhesive properties, the ability to create a durable coating and provide a good appearance of the painted structure. In addition, this primer enamel is applied directly to rust, dries quickly and does not suffer from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Additional advantages include a wide range of colors.
Of course, Hammerite enamel is not a panacea. Among the minuses, there is a demand for the choice of painting methods (for example, when applied by a roller, air bubbles can form). In addition, insufficient surface degreasing leads to cracking, rust is formed about the third year after staining, and salt deposits appear even earlier.
Tikkurila epoxy paint has a less whimsical character. Withstands aggressive effects from atmospheric phenomena and chemicals, it is able to withstand temperatures reaching + 80 ° C.
It is important for domestic consumers that it is possible to transport and store epoxy paint from Tikkurila even at severe subzero temperatures. The only whim is that the painting should be done in the hot season, since in this case the adhesion of the paint to the heated galvanized metal will be much better.
The necessary fire safety will provide galvanized coating with fire retardant paint for metal "Leafed through." This paint perfectly protects structures in case of fire and has a very affordable cost.
If you want to increase the level of protection, it is best to use Zinga conductive paint. This coating is an analogue of production hot dip galvanizing due to the composition of 96% zinc. The impression of high anticorrosion properties and the absence of difficulties in work can slightly spoil the cost. But if you need good protection, you can not think about the price.
to contents ↑It is important
Regardless of the set of positive characteristics declared by the manufacturers, all the advantages of the chosen type of paint coating can manifest themselves only if the rules of preliminary preparation of the surface for painting are observed.
For galvanized metal, this is a one-year aging or the so-called natural aging. It provides the appearance of roughness, providing better adhesion. Having received help from nature, immediately before painting, you will have to clean the surface of debris, wash off grease, dirt, salt with an alkaline solution, and thoroughly dry the treated surface itself. Then apply the primer, and if you can skip this step, then paint with coating enamel.
