How Do You Know if You Need Anti-Rust Primer for Your Home?

When building a new house or space, or giving it a makeover, you’d want to consider metal surfaces for their sleek appearance and good durability. Even better if you’re going for that industrial aesthetic too. 

However, you may have to deal with the threat of rust forming on these surfaces once they’re exposed to elements like oxygen and moisture. Not only can rust make your surfaces look unappealing, but also it can damage the structural integrity of the metal and negatively affect its quality.

Fortunately, you can prevent this issue from occurring on your metal surfaces by using an anti-corrosive metal primer. Take a closer look at how these primers can work on your surfaces, and why these can be a good addition to your toolbox if needed.

How Does an Anti-Rust Primer Work?

In general, metal primers mainly improve the surface’s resistance against corrosion or decomposition of the materials due to chemical reactions with the environment. Professionals recommend that you use metal primers on:

• Shiny or brand-new unsealed metal 
• Metal that can be exposed to humid, cold, or extreme weather conditions
• Metal in already poor condition

Anti-rust primers fall into this category, as rusting is a known form of corrosion. These primers are made of substances that help clean, seal and protect the metal. Moreover, the resulting coating that develops once you apply an anti-rust primer can give the surface extra resistance against rain, humidity, and salt, all of which are corrosion-causing agents in the environment.

Just like other primers, anti-rust primers help the paint stick better to the metal surface by acting as a bonding agent. Extenders that are commonly found in metal primers help increase the solution’s weight and make the primer more durable. 

What Are the Types of Anti-Rust Primers You Can Use?

There are many metal primers you can use, but if you’re aiming for those with anti-rust capabilities, these are the types you may want to consider: 

• Red Oxide Primer: Known to help protect the surface against rust and corrosion, red oxide primers are best used on ferrous metals (items that contain iron) that can be exposed to elements like cold air, dampness, and humidity.
  
  Red oxide primers have been extensively used in the industrial and agricultural industries. These are usually applied on structural steelworks, outdoor equipment, gates, and railings. What’s good about red oxide primers would be their ability to stick onto a surface even if it’s showing signs of rust. Just make sure to thoroughly clean and/or get rid of the rust before using red oxide primers to ensure better-quality output.
• Zinc-rich primer:  As its name suggests, zinc-rich primers contain high amounts of the mineral of the same name. Zinc can protect the surface against rust and is considered to be more reactive compared to iron. A unique quality about zinc-rich primers is their tendency to oxidize first before iron does (by “sacrificing” itself).
  
  Zinc-rich primers can be used in the agricultural industry and construction plants and machines, and they offer protection for steelwork, gates, railings, and pipework.
• Fast Dry Metal Primer: Sometimes also called cellulose primer, fast dry metal primers are solvent-based and offer protection against corrosion. These are best used on ferrous metals such as mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, and cast and wrought iron.

How Do You Properly Use an Anti-Rust Primer?

When you’re using an anti-rust primer or any other type of metal primer for that matter, make sure to prioritize your safety. Wear gloves, masks, and/or personal protective clothing, since these products are made of chemicals and can emit a strong odor.

Before applying primer, see to it that metal surfaces are clean and dry, and don’t contain traces of rust, dust, grease, and other contaminants. If you already have rust forming on the surface, clean it until the surface becomes bright. 

Meanwhile, if you’re repainting a metal surface with signs of rust, do the same thing. Clean it thoroughly until the surface becomes bright. Don’t forget to spot prime finish like with new metal surfaces too.

A red oxide primer like Island Paints’ Island Metal Primer 730 Red Lead can be applied using a brush, roller, or spray. However, before doing so, it should be combined with a reducer that should comprise 0% to 10% of the final mixture, depending on the method of application used. Once the metal primer is applied onto the surface, allow ample time for it to dry:

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

Once you’re done using the primer, take note of the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly store it. Doing so can help prevent accidents in your workspace or project area. You can also ask a professional for guidance on the best anti-rust primer for your metal surface, and how to use it properly.

Looking to improve the look and quality of metal surfaces with an anti-rust primer? With Island Premium Paints, you can. Take your pick from its selection of anti-rust primers that come with its Product Satisfaction Guarantee. 

Discover more tips on working with metal surfaces, alongside other home improvement and decoration tips at the Island Premium Paints website today!

Sources:

https://islandpaints.wpengine.com/product/island-metal-primer-730-red-lead-2/ 

https://tampasteel.com/the-importance-of-priming-metal/ 

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

https://decorator.uk/metal-primers 

https://eoncoat.com/corrosion-101-what-is-corrosion/ 

https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/what-is-a-ferrous-metal/