FAQ

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How should I remove ZINGA stains? How can I clean equipment?
ZINGA can easily be removed using Zingasolv. Also dried ZINGA can be redissolved using Zingasolv.
How can I correctly stir the ZINGA?

ZINGA should be stirred using mechanical tools.

Insert a mechanical mixer into the pot and stir for at least 2 minutes for small quantities (1 – 2 kg) and at least 5 minutes for large quantities (5 – 25 kg).

 

To test correct stirring, perform one of two options:

  • Weigh a measured volume: if the calculated density (weight divided by volume) is between 2,58 and 2,73 kg/L, the product is adequately stirred.
  • Empty the jar after stirring in another jar. Dilute the remaining product with Zingasolv. Mix the diluted product. Poor this in the new jar. Mix the new jar thoroughly.
Can I overcoat ZINGA?

ZINGA can be overcoated with two pack finishes or powder coating, but is -like any Zinc rich coating- sensitive to solvents. Therefore compatibility must be ensured. In general, fast-curing low solvent containing topcoats perform better. To test, apply a small amount of topcoat on a non-critical, non-visible part of the structure which has been coated with ZINGA and observe if any reaction occurs. Best practice is apply the two pack by mist coat/wet coat method. To avoid any problems, we advise the use of a sealer (see: sealers on ZINGA).

Can I apply ZINGA straight from the tin?

No, ZINGA should be thoroughly stirred before application. It is very important that the ZINGA is a homogeneous product during application to ensure cathodic protection of the structure.

Can Zingametall treat my metallic structures to stop it from rusting?

Zingametall is the manufacturer of ZINGA which can be used to treat metallic structures to prevent them from rusting.

Zingametall has contacts with applicators who have experience in using ZINGA, but does not offer applications in its facilities.

Can I buy ZINGA in different colours?

No, ZINGA is only available in grey.

The grey is attributed to the extremely high Zinc content of the coating. In order to have enough coloured pigment in a paint, the Zinc content is dropped below the level required for galvanic protection. You can apply any colour in a two pack top coat. You can also apply ZINGA ALU ZM, a silvery top coat if you wish.

Can I apply ZINGA on a rusty surface?

The performance of ZINGA is, like any coating or paint, highly dependent on the degree of surface preparation before application. Therefore, ZINGA can be applied on a slightly rusted surface, but due to the barrier of rust between ZINGA and steel, the galvanic protection is affected and therefore the performance of ZINGA is reduced.

Since ZINGA can offer a sustainable, longlasting protection of steel surfaces, it is profitable to invest in a thorough surface preparation which prevents premature failure of the coating.

Can I weld a zinganised surface?

Yes, the welding of steel coated with ZINGA (max. 60 μm DFT) is possible without excessive zinc fumes because the heat of the approaching weld bead burns off the organic binder well below the melting point of zinc.

The remaining zinc dust is removed from the weld zone by convection leaving the weld-area free from contamination. If the applied DFT is more than 60 μm, the excessive coating must be removed with a wire brush. The zinganised steelwork must be free of oil, grease and any chemicals that are flammable. Dust and debris should be removed by air gun or by vacuuming.

Do not use silicone based anti-spatter spray on ZINGA because this will cause adhesion failure of any subsequent coatings that will be applied on the ZINGA. Please ensure that adequate ventilation and extraction is used at all times. When welding zinganised steel, the operator must wear a mask that conforms to the regulations.

Can ZINGA be applied on welds?

ZINGA can be used on welds to ensure a cathodic protection over the entire structure. Before accepting the job, please verify that the welds are in good condition. Holes, undercuts or cracks should be remedied by welding or grinding until a uniform surface is obtained.

The surface should be degreased and cleaned to cleanliness degree St 2. Weld spatters must be removed. Eliminate all slag and other surface imperfections with a mechanical needle hammer. Before the application of ZINGA, the welding seams and the surrounding surface must be roughened: preferably by grit-blasting, or otherwise with a bristle blaster, a needle hammer or with rough sand paper (60 to 80). Be careful not to polish the surface!

After roughening of the surface, a thorough dedusting of the areas to be treated is vital. Apply the ZINGA by brush in overlap of minimum 5 cm, in one or more layers in order to obtain the specified DFT.

Can I apply ZINGA on any surface?

ZINGA has been developped to protect ferrous structures.

The performance of ZINGA is highly dependent on the degree of surface preparation. How better the preparation, how better its performance. Please see surface preparation for detailed explanation.

What exactly is ZINGA?

It is an organic, single-component zinc coating containing a minimum of 96% pure zinc in the dry film.

For more information, click here.

Is it a paint?
No, it is a zinc coating which is applied as a form of liquid galvanizing.
How is it not a paint if it is a liquid?
Zinga does not behave like a paint e.g. it does not ‘skin over’ in the tin, it does not clog-up spray-gun nozzles, it does not form loose ‘runs’ easily, it does not go ‘blotchy’ in damp conditions, it does not go onto surfaces and remain wet like paint does and it does not go on ‘tacky’ like paint.

Zinga also has an unlimited pot life and an unlimited shelf life. Once the lid is put back on the tin it can be stored for use at any point in the future i.e. no waste!

Does Zinga contain the same solvents as paints?
The aromatic solvent blend found in Zinga does not contain any “nasties” benzene, xylene, toluene, MEK, methyl-chloride etc. which make up many industrial solvent blends. Zinga is rated as totally non-toxic in its dry state.
If it cannot be compared to paint, what can it be compared to?
Hot-dip galvanizing and zinc thermal spray (TSZ), although, in a marine environment Zinga consistently out-lasts HDG.
How does Zinga work?
The high concentration of active zinc in Zinga creates a potential difference between the coating and the steel substrate of about -840mV. Once the steelwork becomes wet, the zinc ions go into dissolution and the current begins to flow from the zinc to the steel, depleting the zinc layer and protecting the steel beneath by preventing any corrosion reaction taking place.

This is known as galvanic protection.

What if Zinga is scratched through to the bare metal?
Zinga has a 3-5mm ‘throw’, which means that any uncoated metal up to 5mm away from a Zinganized surface will be protected. It will form a layer of surface rust, but there will be no pitting beneath the rust. On small areas like scratches and chips, the surface will often go a light brown-grey colour but underneath no corrosion will take place.
Why won’t Zinga allow rust creepage beneath its coating?
It is because every square millimeter of steel that has been coated has a galvanic charge flowing continually between the zinc and the steel, so there is no possibility of any corrosion reaction to begin underneath a Zinga layer. The high potential difference between the two metals ensures that there is always a strong flow of electrons between them.
Is Zinga able to be used in areas where food is stored or handled?
Yes. The purity of the zinc in Zinga is 99.995%, which is medicinal quality. The binder is completely non-toxic, and completely safe when dried. Please note that Zinga has a slightly porous surface and hence is open to potential bio-accumulation, where bacterial spores could inhabit these small voids and multiply. This is the reason that the zinc layer should be coated with a thin layer of an FDA-approved paint.
Is Zinga fireproof?
Yes. Zinga is certified to BS476 parts 6&7. This means that a dried Zinga coating will neither propagate a fire nor cause one to spread, hence its use in the London Underground for many years, its increasing use on offshore oil platforms and its approval by the British Navy.
How does the lifespan of Zinga compare to hot-dip galvanizing?
After comparative usage on marine projects, Zinga out-lasts hot-dip galvanizing by approximately 10% in marine conditions. In normal atmospheric conditions the two coatings are very similar in lifespan.
If Zinga is a liquid coating, it surely cannot compare to the mechanical properties of hot-dip galvanizing?
Zinga has been used to galvanize chains and bolts for marine use, and when subjected to abrasion it will “polish up” and take on a shine.