A Guide to Using Red Oxide Metal Primer

Construction experts have long used metals such as steel, iron, copper, and aluminum for upcoming projects due to their durability, strength, low maintenance requirements, cost efficiency, and appearance or aesthetics.

However, much like other construction materials, metal surfaces can be at risk for problems that can compromise their appearance, strength, and durability. One major problem people encounter with metal surfaces is the formation of rust.

Fortunately, these issues are preventable with the help of products such as red metal oxide primer that can help strengthen the metal/s involved in a project. Learn about the benefits of this product if you’re working with metals and how you can utilize it properly to your advantage.

Why Does Rust Occur in the First Place?

In the Philippines, rust or kalawang can appear on metal surfaces such as gates, bridges, and roofing that have been exposed to air, water, moisture, and other chemicals.

Once exposure to the elements happens, a process called oxidation begins. This targets and weakens the metal surface over time, causing corrosion within the metal, and resulting in the appearance of rust that’s orange in color and has a rough texture. Even worse, corroded and rusty metal surfaces can become weaker and brittle, and lead to safety issues or hazards if left unaddressed.

How Do Primers Help You Deal With Rust?

The use of primers on metal surfaces has been recommended when it comes to avoiding rust. Metal primers are known to help provide increased protection on a surface and promote paint adherence onto a surface, to name a few.

There are many types of metal primers available in the market, and before you use them, it is important to know the type of metal you are working with. Various metals are used for construction work, and these can react to primers differently. Metals for construction can be classified according to the following:

• Ferrous metals: These are metals that contain iron, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, steel, and wrought iron. This particular group of metals are more likely to rust.
• Non-ferrous metals: These are metals without iron, such as copper, aluminum, tin, zinc, gold, silver, and platinum. While non-ferrous metals are known to have a high rust resistance, you may want to add a layer of protection on surfaces made of these materials too.

What Is Red Metal Oxide Primer and How It Helps Combat Rust?

When it comes to stopping rust formation, red metal oxide primers have long been trusted by industry experts. Since construction materials made of metals are often utilized in the Philippines, it may be wise to be one step ahead and add Island Metal Primer 700 Red Oxide to your toolbox.

This alkyd-based substance contains a pigment that helps prevent red iron oxide rust from forming, and assists in protecting the metal surface against rust and corrosion. Island Metal Primer 700 Red Oxide can be utilized on surfaces made of steel and other ferrous metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. Once the product is applied onto a metal surface, it will yield a flat finish.

To know whether you would need to use an anti-rust primer for your next build, feel free to check out this read!

How to Use Red Metal Oxide Primer?

Before using a red metal oxide primer like Island Metal Primer 700 Red Oxide, make sure that the surface you’ll be applying it on is clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, and other substances or contaminants.

If there are existing traces of rust, make sure it has been thoroughly cleaned. This same principle also applies if you are repainting existing metal surfaces. Remove the rust thoroughly until you are left with a bright metal surface, and spot prime the area.

Island Metal Primer 700 Red Oxide can be applied with either a brush, roller, or spray. Don’t forget to combine this primer with suggested amounts of Island Chemicals’ Mayon Paint Thinner too:

• When applying by brush or roller: Add approximately 5% of paint reducer to the primer.
• When applying by spray: Add approximately 5% of paint reducer to the primer.

Take note of these drying times for this red oxide metal primer:

• Dry to handle: six to eight hours
• Dry hard: eight to 10 hours
• Dry to recoat: dry overnight

Once you’re done using this product, seal the container tightly and store in an area with a temperature above 35⁰ C. See to it that the product is in an area that cannot be easily accessed by children.

Moreover, when disposing of this product, do not combine it with household garbage and see to it that traces will not reach the sewage system. Take note as well of the government regulations regarding proper disposal of this product.

Are There Other Ways to Prevent Rust on Metal Surfaces?

Apart from applying metal primers onto surfaces, industry experts have also suggested using these techniques or materials to help prevent corrosion and rust in metal surfaces:

1. Galvanizing: This is a process wherein a zinc coating is applied on a metal or iron surface. Some examples of anti-corrosive galvanizing methods include hot-dipped galvanized coating, continuous galvanizing, or Supa-alloy 5 (SA5).
2. Weathering steel: Also called “Cor-Ten” steel, this material contains alloys that help reduce the risk for corrosion over time. Weathering steel can also be cheaper compared to stainless steel.
3. Stainless steel: A type of alloy, stainless steel has a minimum of 11% chromium. The presence of this much chromium will lead to the formation of a protective film composed mainly of chromium oxide. Once this film appears, it may help protect the surface against rust. Even better, if the film suffers from damage, it can be reformed or restored.
4. Bluing: This is a process wherein items made of steel are dipped into a solution made of potassium nitrate, water, and sodium hydroxide. This method may be useful for small steel products that need additional protection against rust.
5. Organic coating: This helps provide a barrier that’ll shield the surface against rust-causing substances. An advantage of using organic coating is its cost-effectiveness.
6. Regular maintenance and cleaning of metal surfaces: If possible, inspect metal surfaces from time to time for traces of rust. Doing so may help you see if rust is starting to form on a metal surface so you can act on it right away to prevent further damage.
   
   If there are small traces of rust, you can use a razor blade to remove these, especially in small areas. The combination of warm water and soap may also help clean up dirt, grime, and rust that has formed. Afterwards, when the surface is clean and free of other debris, you can apply rust-resistant coating or red oxide metal primer.

Whether you choose to utilize red oxide metal primer or any other rust-inhibiting technique to your advantage, try to talk to an expert first. They can help you determine the type of metal surface you are working with, provide advice on how to apply red oxide metal primer on iron and other surfaces, and give suggestions on how you can prevent rust from forming.

Want to stop rust from forming on metal surfaces on your next build once and for all? With Island Premium Paints, you can! For more information about red oxide metal primer and other ways to stop rust from affecting metal surfaces, visit the Island Premium Paints website today.

References:

https://www.morecambemetals.co.uk/how-is-metal-used-in-the-construction-trade/

https://van.physics.illinois.edu/ask/listing/358430

https://astronmetal.com/blog/uses-structural-steel-construction/

https://www.zrcworldwide.com/blog/what-causes-rust-in-metals

https://hia.com.au/resources-and-advice/building-materials-and-products/use-the-right-building-products-for-the-job/articles/how-to-avoid-rust

https://www.zrcworldwide.com/blog/how-to-prevent-rust

https://tampasteel.com/how-to-prevent-rust-on-metal/

https://www.palatinepaints.co.uk/which-metal-primer-to-use-and-when/