Surface Preparation of Galvanized Steel Surfaces
Surface Preparation of Galvanized Steel Surfaces
Surface Preparation of Galvanized Steel Surfaces
10-78 R2
September 2020
T N E M E T E C H
SUBJECT
Surface Preparation and Coating of Hot-Dipped Galvanized (Non-Immersion Service)
PURPOSE
To provide Tnemec sales representatives surface preparation and coating recommendations for
hot-dipped galvanized surfaces in non-immersion service. This Technical Bulletin does not apply
to “paintable primers”, which are sometimes applied to coil stock. Some, but not all, “paintable
primers” have been found to be compatible with certain Tnemec Products. Contact Tnemec
Technical Services for information about compatible “paintable primers,” test results and potential
testing of untested “paintable primers”.
GENERAL
This Technical Bulletin simplifies and standardizes the surface preparation and coating system
recommendations for hot-dipped galvanized surfaces for non-immersion service.
There are many types of galvanizing and passivation treatments. For the purposes of this technical
bulletin, it is to be assumed that all galvanized surfaces are passivated. In general, all galvanized
surfaces must be clean, dry, and properly prepared prior to coating.
Tnemec recommends the following surface preparation and coating system when applying
coatings over galvanized surfaces in dry, benign interior exposures (e.g. Dry goods warehouses,
gymnasiums, mechanical rooms, hospitals, schools and general office space).
Prime Coat: Tnemec Series 115/V115 at 2.0 to 4.0 mils DFT. No exceptions.
Finish Coat (Optional): Tnemec Series 115/V115 at 2.0 to 4.0 mils DFT.
Total Film Thickness: 2.0 to 4.0 mils or 4.0 to 8.0 mils DFT.
Tnemec recommends the following surface preparation and coating system when applying coatings over
galvanized surfaces in moderate interior exposures (e.g. Kitchens, pharmaceutical, natatoriums, light
manufacturing and textile plants).
Surface Preparation: Visible deposits of oil, grease, or other contaminants shall be removed
as required by SSPC-SP1. Remove any storage stains per Section A3 of
SSPC-SP16. Galvanized surfaces must be clean, dry, and contaminant
free prior to application of coatings.
Prime Coat: Tnemec Series 115/V115 at 2.0 to 4.0 mils DFT. No exceptions.
Finish Coat: Tnemec Series 115/V115 at 2.0 to 4.0 mils DFT. No exceptions.
For the best performance, Tnemec recommends the following surface preparation and coating systems when
applying coatings over galvanized surfaces using Tnemec epoxies and/or all other exposures:
Surface Preparation: Visible deposits of oil, grease, or other contaminants shall be removed
as required by SSPC-SP1. Sweep (Abrasive) Blasting per SSPC-SP16 to
achieve a uniform anchor profile (1.0 to 2.0 mils). Galvanized surfaces
must be clean, dry, and contaminant free prior to application of coatings.
Prime Coat: Tnemec Series 27WB, 66, L69, N69, V69, 115, V115, 118, 135 and 1224
at 2.0 to 3.0 mils DFT.
Before commencing the coating application, Tnemec recommends that the applicator, with the owners’/
specifiers’ review and approval, install a mock up or test area of the surface preparation and coating system
application to show final color, appearance, compatibility, and acceptability of performance.
After a minimum of 1 week of exposure, perform adhesion testing per ASTM D 3359; Test A (X-Cut) Standard
Test Method for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test A minimum adhesion rating of 4A is required on a 0 to 5
scale, without blasting.
Immersion Service
JG