Technical Note

TN/F/083_Rev.0_210503

Overcoating of Aged Primers and Zinc Primers

with Chartek Fireproofing
Background
As a general rule it is good practice to overcoat primers used with Chartek as soon as the
primer is sufficiently cured to accept overcoating. Overcoating of primers in a timely fashion
reduces the risk of contamination prior to overcoating and risk of poor adhesion due to
deterioration of the primer generally.
At all times the following shall be strictly followed:
1. The primer manufacturers recommendation for overcoating of the primer in question with
a thick film epoxy fireproofing.
2. International Coatings recommendations.
3. Project specifications and the Chartek Application Manual, primers section.
4. The primer or primer system is listed on the Chartek Approved Primer Systems list, latest
edition.

Aged Primers
As primers age due to a number of factors there is no hard and fast rule as to maximum time
that a primer can be left prior to overcoating with Chartek. Factors such as UV exposure,
humidity and general environmental conditions can cause a wide variation in acceptability.
UV exposure in particular can cause surface chalking and crazing. In all cases the condition
of the primer must be closely examined and the recommendations of the primer manufacturer
adhered to. Generally primer manufacturers specify the recommended overcoating times in
product data sheets, or the manufacturer should be consulted for the overcoating limits. High
UV exposure can decrease these times considerably, emphasising the need for close
inspection prior to Chartek application.
NB: When consulting the primer manufacturer, they must be made aware that the product
being applied is a thick film 100% solids epoxy system, i.e. Chartek. It is likely that the
manufacturer will consider overcoating with thick film epoxy differently to overcoating with
thin film solvented systems.
As the Chartek Qualified Applicator is responsible for the installation it is normally his
responsibility to accept or not accept the primed surface. International strongly encourages
other parties, such as the owner, engineer and fabricator, to require attention to condition of
primer and to ensure that project specifications, QA/QC and other relevant documents
correctly address these issues.

Zinc Primers
Two types of zinc primers are used with Chartek, they are:

Inorganic Zinc Silicate

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International Paint Limited, 2004

This document and its contents are the copyright of International Paint Limited and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of International Paint Limited

Technical Note
TN/F/083_Rev.0_210503

Zinc Rich Epoxy

Zinc silicate primers are generally discouraged due to inconsistency in the surface film after
application. However, several zinc silicates are qualified for use with Chartek and may be
used in accordance with the Chartek application manual. Use of zinc silicate primers without
an epoxy tie coat is strongly discouraged due to the likelihood of zinc salts formation which
can reduce the bond of the overcoating material, e.g. Chartek. Zinc salts are more likely to
form in humid conditions and can be very difficult to remove without sweep blasting the
surface. The cured inorganic zinc silicate primer coating condition prior to overcoating is
critical to performance and attention must be paid to the state of cure of the primer. In this
respect, reference should be made to the manufacturers recommendations. It is strongly
recommended that the state of cure of zinc silicate primers is checked by a basic solvent rub
test and, preferably, dolly pull-off test.
Whilst epoxy zinc primers are less susceptible to zinc salts formation they are not eliminated
form the possibility of salts and must be closely scrutinised for this condition. Again it is not
recommended that zinc epoxies are used without tie coat unless it can be guaranteed that
overcoating will take place well before the possibility of salts formation. Remedial action in
the event of salts formation is sweepblasting.
Additionally, epoxy primers that have been exposed to elevated temperatures may result in a
hard glossy surface. Remedial action shall be sweepblasting.

Epoxy Primers
Twin pack epoxy primers such as an epoxy polyamide and epoxy zinc phosphate are less
susceptible to variations in application conditions and cure. Nevertheless, attention should
be paid to ensure that primer thicknesses are within the tolerances allowed in the Chartek
Application Manual and that the primer has not degraded in the fashion indicated for zinc
primers above. UV exposure, age and elevated temperatures again being conditions which
can lead to primer deterioration resulting in poor adhesion of the Chartek fireproofing.

Summary
Whilst the adhesion of Chartek fireproofing to most substrates is exceptionally strong,
incorrect use of primers or deterioration of primers and coatings used under the material can
lead to inadequate adhesion and this situation must be avoided. Contact with the primer
manufacturer noting that their materials are to be overcoated with a 100% solids thick film
epoxy coating in any case of doubt is recommended, as is contact with International Coatings
Fire & Insulation Products for additional comment and advice. It should also be noted that
the primers listed as approved for use with Chartek fireproofing are qualified by their country
of origin and additional care is needed when utilising primers of the same designation from
alternative locations. Contact should be made with International Coatings in these
circumstances.

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International Paint Limited, 2004
This document and its contents are the copyright of International Paint Limited and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of International Paint Limited