ZINGA VS PAINT

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF ZINGA

ACTIVE CATHODIC PROTECTION

ZINGA® has the most important advantage that it offers a real cathodic (galvanic) protection. ZINGA® has a concentration of 96% special zinc in its dry layer which gives it its galvanic characteristics. The film galvanising system ZINGA® (also called “Zinganisation®“) distinguishes itself from cold galvanisation because of its higher quality. Only the application method of ZINGA® can be compared to traditional paint products, and not its protective properties.

Not even paints with a relatively high zinc content can provide cathodic protection. It has been scientifically proven that a concentration of at least 92% of distilled zinc in the dry film is required to rightfully use the terminology “cathodic protection throughout the dry layer”. Most of these zinc rich paints have only a small percentage of zinc, which does not guarantee a galvanising protection throughout the layer.

EASY APPLICATION ON SITE

ZINGA® can be applied in the same way as paints, using a brush or roller or spraying (airless, conventional).

RELOADABLE

A cured ZINGA® layer, will reliquidise if a new layer of ZINGA® is applied. This ensures the creation of 1 ZINGA®layer with a continuous electrochemical contact between the Zinc particles and thus galvanic protection. If the ZINGA®layer is very old, the Zinc salts on the surface (ensuring a passive protection), need to be removed to ensure complete reliquidisation; this can be obtained by performing a light sweep blast.

Apart from reversible paints (e.g. vinyl paints), most paints cannot be overcoated with a paint without creating two separate layers. This can cause interlayer moisture and consequently weakening of the system. If a painted steel structures needs to be repainted, the entire structures needs to be blast cleaned.

OVERCOATABLE

ZINGA® can be overcoated with a fast drying, compatible paint. Care should be taken to avoid affection of the Zinc layer by aggressive solvents of the topcoat.

Protective paint systems mostly consist of 2 or 3 layers of paints; combining different types of paints to create a solid barrier layer and a decorative coloured finish.

APPLICATION UNDER EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES

ZINGA® can be applied in a wide variety of weather conditions. The application surface temperature range is from -15°C to +40°C with a maximum humidity of 95% so long as the dew point is 3°C above the steel temperature.

In comparison, most paints have rather small windows of application. This includes window ranges of ambient temperature, relative humidity and/or steel temperature. Only specialized paints (which are more expensive) can be used in less favourable conditions, limiting the application frame in which structures can be coated.

UNLIMITED SHELF LIFE

ZINGA® has unlimited shelf life. This means it is possible to always have ZINGA® in storage for touch up or for future projects.

Paints, on the other hand, only have a shelf life of between 1 and 3 years. This prevents long storage of paints for touch ups.

CONTACT WITH POTABLE WATER

ZINGA® only contains non-toxic elements in its dry layer (after evaporation of the solvent). Therefore it can be, and has been, used in contact with potable water. Since the ZINGA® remains active, it produces Zinc salts which dissolve in the water. This can sometimes lead to small precipitations in the water, which are however non toxic. To avoid this, we recommend to wash the surface very thoroughly with fresh water. For more information, contact a Zingametall representative.

In contrast, only highly specialized paints can be used in contact with potable water. Since most paints use xylene, toluene or M.E.K. solvents, these cannot be used in contact with potable water as this poses threat to human health. 

ZINGA is officially AS4020 approved for contact with potable water.

FLEXIBLE LAYER

ZINGA®, containing 96% Zinc in the dry layer has very few binder. In fact, not every Zinc particle is completely surrounded by resin. This also explains why the ZINGA®layer is rough and porous. However, this is why ZINGA®behaves like a metal when it comes to impact and bending. An impact will simply push away and compress the Zinc particles, not “breaking” the ZINGA® layer.

Paints are formed by adding pigments and other components to a resin. Generally, the pigments take in only a small part of the paint; therefore the pigments are completely surrounded by resin. As the resin cures, it becomes a solid, strong product. However, this is also brittle. Upon impact, the resin will show cracks, creating a breach in the barrier that form the protection of a paint.

WELDING ON COATED STEEL

Zinganised® steel can be welded without the release of any toxic fumes (tested according BS 6853) and with a very small burn back.

Steel that has been coated with a paint can not be welded unless the paint is removed in that area. Most paints release toxic fumes upon welding and leave a burn back (area where the paint is burned away by the welding) that is extensive.

STRUCTURE KEEPS IT FORM DURING APPLICATION

ZINGA® is applied under ambient temperature and does not deform the structure.

Likewise, paints are applied under ambient temperature and do not deform the structure.