KTA Podcast #1 – Inorganic vs. Organic Zinc Rich Primers

Ken Trimber (KTA President) moderates as Bill Corbett (KTA COO) and Jim Machen (KTA Sr. Coatings Consultant) debate the merits of using inorganic vs. organic zinc rich primers. This 33 minute podcast finds Mr. Machen promoting the use of organic zinc rich primers, while Mr. Corbett supports the use of inorganic zinc rich primers. The benefits and challenges of both types of primers are thoroughly debated, providing viewers with plenty of information to draw upon when determining which primer might be best suited for use on a project-specific basis. 

This is the 1st in a Line of Podcasts by KTA-Tator, Inc, and is available in both Video (Youtube) and Audio (Soundcloud) below, as well as available for Free Download at the iTunes Store. The KTA Podcasts are excellent for group viewing, and provide both education and a forum for sparking internal debates amongst the participants.

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3 thoughts on “KTA Podcast #1 – Inorganic vs. Organic Zinc Rich Primers”

  1. Many thanks for an insightful talk by three experts.
    All the points discussed were good for laymen or for shop floor level engineers.
    In the list these few points could be included I thought –

    IOZ vs OZ
    Better hardness vs lesser flexibility;
    Lesser hardness vs better flexibility!
    More out-gasing vs lesser out-gasing.
    Exemplary chemical resistance vs limited chemical resistance.

    Furthermore, the pertinent question “why Zinc” also must be addressed while choosing the coating.
    Most specifiers (consultants) write Zinc-rich just for the fancy of it or to make it look good on paper.
    If the service requirement does not call for a possibility of any mechanical damage, then the Zinc can be done away with unless it is for totally immersed structures.

    My personal opinion is, if it’s Epoxy, then better drop the Zinc. Epoxies with Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide or even Red Iron Oxide pigmentation give better barrier, applicability, over-coatability, flexibility without Zinc or even Aluminum!
    IOZ is the best choice if applied under controlled conditions by trained operators on lesser complex areas. Epoxy Zincs are a complimentary or repair method for where the IOZs’ application is not possible.

    “The Zinc debate part two” also can be arranged shortly which may discuss the Epoxy and non-Epoxy Organic Zinc-rich coatings; as a passing reference to them was made in the beginning of this debate. As I know, MCPUs shall prove to be much better than the Epoxy Zincs in terms of non-ageing performance, flexibility, toughness, Zinc contacts, dry times, ease of application, storage (being single pack) and also longevity. But not the per liter prices of course!

    Thanks again.

    1. Mr. Deshpande, thank you for your thoughtful comments. You make some excellent points and we will definitely take this into consideration as we plan future podcasts. A “Zinc Debate, Part 2” makes a lot of sense. Thanks again.

      -Ken Trimber

  2. Excellent presentation. I can relate to all the points that were made for each type of zinc coating. One item that I believe that was omitted on the advantage of the OZ primer on a 3 coat system is cost. Having to mist coat along with possibly some prior screening to remove IOZ dry spray and then the apply the full intermediate coat, costs extra labor to the system, shop or field. On a 3 coat system for protection comes the old question, cost versus reward. I believe faster through put time for the OZ in the shop or field was mentioned.
    On the IOZ side, the temperature environment of the substrate was left out. In the event that the substrate is subjected to prolonged temperatures over 400 degrees F leaves out most, if not all, OZ primers. With the low film build silicone coatings typically used to topcoat those paint systems, it is imperative to use the IOZ primer for corrosion protection. Looking forward to the “Zinc Debate, Part 2”.

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