While red oxide primer is fantastic at stopping rust in its tracks, zinc phosphate primer is a higher performing primer product. It has a higher film build than red oxide, so stops moisture and oxygen getting to the surface in the first place. This results in the surface looking great for longer.
In general, red oxide primer is used on exterior and interior ferrous metal surfaces. The product features excellent opacity and adhesion properties. However, note that the metal primer is different from red oxide primer as it comes with anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties.
Red Oxide Primer and Paints
It has excellent covering power and can be used on block work, steel sheets, asbestos sheeting as well as wood. It has a good gloss finish, gives protection against weathering and corrosion.
Red oxide primer can be covered with most conventional topcoats once it fully dries. The application usually happens with a brush.
I agree, stick with the epoxy primer, it's much better than red oxide. You risk loosing adhesion by adding another primer and your top coat could suffer.
Apply primer liberally, ensuring the surface is covered completely. 1 coat is usually sufficient. A second coat may be applied if required. Sand lightly between coats if required.
Sealing Bare Metal
When working with bare metal surfaces, epoxy primers act as a sealer, preventing moisture and contaminants from reaching the metal substrate. This includes not only steel and iron, but also aluminum.
Red Oxide Primer can be applied on to rusty and bare iron & steel making this perfect to use on gates, railings, fire surrounds and metal drain pipes to name a few.
Grey Oxide Metal Primer Paint is an alternative option to the more traditional (lead free) Red Oxide Primer and is solvent based and air drying. It creates a smooth, protective surface to your metal. This means it is easy for you apply your top coat without too much sanding.
Red Coat is completely moisture-free and gives a good waterproof layer and is better than Tar felted substitute. It is the first step for giving foolproof water proofing to roofs and is compatible with any type of roof-strata.
It produces a protective barrier against corrosion and rust when applied to metal doors, railings, and other fixtures, guaranteeing that these pieces stay structurally sound and visually appealing for an extended period of time. Finally, red oxide is a dependable and adaptable pigment for house painting applications.
Inhalation Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Central nervous system depression. Ingestion Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed. Skin contact Acts as a defatting agent on skin.
Red oxide primers deliver excellent water-resistance for steel and iron structures. They are ideally suited for ferrous metals, protecting it against rust and corrosion.
Red oxide is actually the common name for iron III oxide (Fe203) which in colour and chemically is very similar to the hydrated iron oxide (rust) which hides any early signs of rust.
Storage: Keep material in a cool place below 250C. Keep the container tightly closed. Shelf life of 12 months minimum.
Zinc rich primer is a cold galvanising paint, some times you may hear it referred to as 'galvafroid' which is a brand name. Used on iron or steel Palatine's zinc rich primer (Carbogalv) can actually be used as a self-finish coating. With a high zinc content it makes a durable, extremely rust inhibiting primer.
The Rust-Oleum Stops Rust 32 oz. Rusty Metal Primer helps stops rust and prevent corrosion when applied to heavily rusted metal. This primer features a unique fish-oil based formula that penetrates rust to bare metal, and bonds tightly to rust to form a surface to which most top coats can adhere.
This is about as cheap and cheerful as paint can get – Because it is just a holding primer. These budget red oxide primers will typically only last a maximum of 6 weeks in good weather before rust starts to appear.
With modern metal primers, it's simple to cover rust while protecting the surface from further corrosion. Rust-Oleum primers are designed to bond to rusty surfaces, allowing you to paint directly on top of the rust, transforming it without the hassle of complete rust removal.
Acrylic latex paint is best paired with a water-based latex iron oxide primer when painting over rust. It is easy to apply and one of the paints known to be less messy. Amongst latex paints, acrylic is regarded as the best and highest quality of the bunch.
Applying epoxy primer to previously painted surfaces
Just make sure that the existing paint is well adhered – see our guide to performing an adhesion test here. Thorough degreasing/cleaning of the surface before painting is also required.
If you've poured your epoxy without a seal coat, you may end up with numerous tiny air bubbles being released from the substrate. Because flood coats are thicker than seal coats, some of these air bubbles won't reach the surface to pop and will get stuck within the epoxy.
Epoxy auto primer can be applied on top of everything from fillers and fiberglass to prepared steel or factory finishes. Dry time is quick as well, making this a great all-around auto primer for home mechanics and auto body shops alike.